Corporate Christmas Cards
Many busineses are cutting back their promotional spend as the recession bites but there is one area that still creates a buzz at the end of the year and that is the Corporate Christmas Card. Some companies think that sending a Christmas Card is a pointless expense because it does little to advertise the companies products, convey a deal or provide anything that may add value to their business. They may be right in this respect but they are being foolish if they think a Christmas card to their customers is a waste of time.
The only problem with a Corporate Christmas Card is that once you start sending them you have got to keep on sending them…. especially during a recession. Why ? well, if you sent a card to your customer in 2008 what are they going to think when they do not receive one through their mailbox in 2009 ? They will either think you do not value their custom enough this year or they will assume that you have gone to the wall. Neither is a view that you wish to convey.
Many of the leading Corporate Christmas Card suppliers such as CCA Occasions, Collisons, and Waterlow are cutting their costs right back this year and it is easy to find a fully personalised Christmas Card for your business for under 50p per card. This is a small price to pay for letting your customers know that you are still trading. Look for free samples before you commit to a purchase because quality can vary quite considerably between suppliers. You will generally pay extra for personalisation that highlights your company brand, so if you are looking to keep the cost down look for designs that do not have your business name or logo on the front. Cards with these options tend to go through a lengthier manufacturing process such as foiling or front overprinting. When there is more factory processes then the cards get more costly.
When researching different companies it is worth noting that many suppliers sell the same cards. This is because Christmas card printing is dominated by a handful of well established companies that sell their cards through a nationwide network of resellers or agents. All these agents have different margins depending on the volume of business they generate and they also discount the cards by different factors. So, if you have found a favourite design then look for its product code and manufacturer, this is usually published on the suppliers website. If it is not, then request a sample and look on the reverse of the card where you will find the information printed in small letters. When you have the product code, card name, and maybe the manufacturer then punch these details into Google and see what comes up. You may find that the same card is available at a cheaper price from a competitor. The quality is the same because it will be printed by the same central printer. Check the small print when comparing prices because some companies quote with VAT, and do not include carriage. Others tie hidden costs into proofing charges or extras such as logos and signatures etc. Look for reviews from your chosen supplier by search for “reviews by…. ” into Google.
The main thing that will help reduce the price of your Christmas Card is time. Most corporate Christmas card suppliers will offer some kind of early order discount so order early rather than during the November rush and you will be able to negotiate a better deal when the production lines are still slack.