>I'm wondering whether anyone is doing this, or is interested
>in doing something like this? Basically it involves starting
>a business that provides professionals with customized
>greeting card mailings to their
>current and prospective client base.
>
>Realtors, mortgage lenders, bankers, insurance agents,
>financial planners, stockbrokers, retailers, etc. all need
>relationship building and customer follow-up. This would be a
>way to create the personal touch, loyalty and, of course,
>repeat and referral business. In this age of high tech
>communication, faxes, e-mail and voice mail- professionals see
>greeting card mailings as the perfect solution.
>
>Any thoughts on this idea?
>
>Thanks.
>Earl

Earl,

You might want to check what is already out there for competition. As a promotional advertising salesperson, I have access to professionally printed greeting cards for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Birthday, Sympathy, Congratulations, and other occasions. These cards can be personalized with the company name and/or logo.

Some of the cards are specifically designed for lawyers, travel agencies, transportation companies, and financial professionals.

In addition to the promotional salespeople, such as myself, you will also be competing with print shops and direct mail suppliers.

I know that Send-out Cards.com (and possibly others) will allow for fully custom cards, but they won't compare to the glossy cardstock cards with foil embossing, die cuts, flocking, and other treatments and finishes that many look for in the cards they send.

Even Office Max, Office Depot, Staples, and your local office supply will have some of these high-end cards available for their in-store and online clients.

Good luck with whatever you pursue.

Dennis