Running the whole card thing by you. Warning VERY long!

**heavensent_7** · 09-24-2003, 06:47 PM

I found out where my brother's company 'normally' gets their cards from, and it's a MASSIVE printing place that I just don't see how I can compete with

- Still I'm having a go, which is about all I can do. So please keep those prayers coming!

I made up a letterhead on really expensive 'proper' paper lol (far too expensive to be sensible) and 3 sample cards.

2 of local famous landmarks, all embellished and with posh inserts (which is all hard to see because my photography sucks lol) and one 'cheapie' one just standard printed and no insert.

So here's the letter and cards - I know it's hard to tell from a picture but I just want to run it by you as I don't deal with large company's on a daily basis LOL.

Here's what I put on my letterhead:

Address and date (obviously)

Dear Mr ****,

Thank you for your interest in our handmade cards. I trust you will find the designs and quality to be of a superior standard.

As per our telephone conversation I am enclosing sample cards for your perusal.

You are more than welcome to choose one of these designs or alternatively we are able to design cards for you using your own artwork, photographs or logos at no additional cost.

We have an extensive range of designs to choose from for all occasions, all our cards can be personalised with any details of your choice and I am always happy to discuss your needs with you so as you receive unique, quality items.

If you would like to have your cards printed with your own personal signatures you can e-mail me a scanned attachment and I would be happy to include them.

You will find we offer a personalised service to our much valued clients and will always do everything possible to insure that you are delighted with both your purchases and your dealings with us.

The price of our greetings cards varies with size and designs. The samples that I have enclosed are offered at an excellent price of only £2 per item for hand embellished items with printed inserts and just £1.25 per item for standard printed cards with no insert. In addition we will donate a full 10% of all costs to a charity of your choice.

If I can be of any further assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely

And here's the cards (what you can see of them)

**heavensent_7** · 09-24-2003, 06:51 PM

I have close ups of each card - but they're not much better ROFL

**Missy** · 09-24-2003, 08:01 PM

the letter sounds very professional to me! If I were a company looking for cards, I'd hire you!

**voodidit** · 09-24-2003, 08:48 PM

Looks good to me Bev!

**guest2** · 09-24-2003, 09:08 PM

You did good!!! The letter sounded very professional and the cards look great!!!

**milach** · 09-24-2003, 09:10 PM

Sounds like you're giving them an awesome deal- custom handmade cards for 2 a piece (I assume Pounds are close in value to US Dollars?). Last time I bought a card at the store by one of those big card manufacturer's- it cost about $4.00. It's rediculous, and they're not even that nice.

I'd definitely buy yours over the big companies anyday.

**Dixie** · 09-24-2003, 10:54 PM

I love the cards! The letter sounds very nice,too.I wish I could buy your cards, here in the USA.

**isaacsmommy** · 09-24-2003, 11:36 PM

Bev,

I think your letter sounds great and the cards are fabulous. The only thing I would point out (and maybe this isn't as big of an issue in the UK) is your use of Santa Claus. I know for US companies, designating a christian holiday on cards is a no-no as it may offend jewish clients or those with other beliefs. Most general cards I've used in the companies I've worked in have generic artwork (such as a wreath or dove) and the verse doesn't mention a specific holiday - just the 'season'.

I hope this makes sense... as I said, maybe it's not as big an issue in the UK, but it's something to think about! I'll be sending good thoughts your way that this works out for you!

**heavensent_7** · 09-25-2003, 05:52 AM

Thank you for all your comments

£2 = approx 3.32 USD (according to eBay) and
£1.25 = approx £2.07 USD.

I hadn't even considered the use of Santa and that's a very interesting point - Thank you.

I don't believe that it is an issue here but I don't know that for certain and I'm certainly going to look into it - it hadn't even crossed my mind.

As it happens I don't really want them to want the santa cards anyway LOL - These are the 'cheaper' ones and it isn't even a money issue (although that helps) They are very boring cards to make and I don't get any satisfaction at all from making them. I just thought I should offer a cheaper option as I really want to get 'in' to a large company - this could really kick off my business.

I will ask around about whether or not it's 'done' here though as there's no point offering any option that will offend somebody LOL.

Thank you again - I'll keep you posted

Bev. xxx

**Michelle** · 09-25-2003, 07:30 AM

The letter sounds great, and the cards are beautiful as usual, Bev. Good luck!

**Darlene** · 09-25-2003, 07:36 AM

Your whole package looks like a winner to me Bev.

**dz_blonde_girl** · 09-25-2003, 08:42 AM

Wow! Sounds great, Bev! I've made a couple of suggestions. I'm not familiar with your local use of language, so I may be completely wrong. Just trying to help.

"Dear Mr ****,

Thank you for your interest in our handmade cards. I trust you will find the designs and quality to be of a superior standard.

As per our telephone conversation I am enclosing sample cards for your perusal.

You are more than welcome to choose one of these designs, or alternatively, we are able to design cards for you using your own artwork, photographs or logos at no additional cost.

We have an extensive range of designs to choose from for allany occasions. All of our cards can be personalised with any details of your choice and I am always happy to discuss your needs with you so as(?) you receive unique, quality items.

If you would like to have your cards printed with your own personal signatures you can e-mail me a scanned attachment and I would be happy to include them.

(Your cards can be printed with your own personal signatures. Please email me a scanned attachment and I would be happy to include them.)

You will find we offer a personalised service to our much valued clients and will always do everything possible to insure that you are delighted with both your purchases and your dealings with us.

The price of our greetings cards varies vary with size and designs. The samples that I have enclosed are offered at an excellent price of only £2 per item for hand embellished items with printed inserts and just £1.25 per item for standard printed cards with no insert. In addition we will donate a full 10% of all costs to a charity of your choice.

If I can be of any further assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely"

**paelthom** · 09-25-2003, 09:11 AM

Loved the cards and the letter looks very professional. Wishing you lots of Good Luck and Huge Orders.

**heavensent_7** · 09-25-2003, 10:04 AM

Thank you all so much for all your help and support which I truely appreciate SO much.

Karen - I'm not sure about the letter - my English sucks as well LOL. I should think almost definately I need the punctuation, that must be the same everywhere. As far as the wording goes I just did my best and spell checked it LOL - I'll run it past DH who used to work in customer care and type patronising letters to people all day LOL - and see what he thinks?? Thank you for the suggestions.

Where would I be without you all? It makes me wonder sometimes what I did before I had you