Gift Card Resources

How can I get my greeting cards sold in stores?

I sell greeting cards at local craft shows and get tons of positive comments. I would like to try pitching them to small shoppes so they could be sold there but how do I do this? I don't want to look desperate by walking in and trying to convince the owner to sell my stuff there. I've read about trade shows but they are pretty expensive (fees, travel expenses, etc). and I don't have much start-up cost. Any advice??

Public Comments

1. Take them to the stores and leave some to see if they sell. Contact companys like hallmark, send them samples.
2. You may not want to pitch to shop owners but it is actually the best way to sell your greeting cards.The owners can see ,feel and judge your work there and then. Look for company that has chain shops all over the country and pitch your greeting card,and if successful you got a big order in one go.
3. you can hire a sales rep company to market your card in the industry to buyers of same products. I would know be cause i am a sales rep for the gift industry. If your in Los Angles the LA MART is the place to start
4. You need to first develop an attractive P.O.P. display for your cards. There are a lot of fixture companies that may have a design already suited to you. You could also try a plastic fabricator to custom design a display. I would probably target 2 to 3 stores initially to place the displays. The displays would be on consignment with the retailer paying only for what is sold. A contract or sales invoice with the terms and inventory count would need to be signed by both parties. Remember you are trying to get started so you need to make it easy for the retailer to accept your display. Banners, window signs and other advertising materials could be developed as time permits. However, the display will have to be your primary sales tool to start. Good luck.