Want To Start Printing My Own Greeting Cards

[Cartman]

Hi,
I have a small business selling art and cards and I put spinners with cards into outlets. I publish my own cards and work with a couple of artists. My printer, who I have always paid on delivery of order, doesn't want to print the cards anymore. I have had some quotes for digital and litho printing and they are far higher than I have been paying. Would it be worth printing my own? What sort of investment would I need in a digital press and where can I get training to use the equipment? I only want to print the cards.

 

[twenty1ten]

Hi "Cartman"
I think the initial investment for a suitable digital press (iGen/Indigo) would be huge, even leased on a consumables deal.
I know most Greetings Cards printers that produce their cards by Litho, use composite sheets workings and have as many as 15 different designs on the sheet - is this a route that you have considered? If you have a print specification/requirement available then PM with me, without really knowing volumes spec etc... it is difficult to give any firm advise.
JON

 

[neildigital]

How do these prices stand up....

Christmas Cards
Full colour throughout
A5 4pp
350gsm silk
From your artwork
Creased, and supplied with quality diamond flapped Envelopes
25 cards - £14 plus vat
50 cards - £25 plus vat
100 cards - £48 plus vat
200 cards - £88 plus vat
300 cards - £155 plus vat
500 cards - £240 plus vat
1000 cards - £419 plus vat

Delivery £6 plus vat, next day courier

 

[Dan@Printwell]

Hi,

I may be able to assist you, if you send me the specifications and quantities I will send you a quote.

 

[Salt & Paper]

Hi,
I have a small business selling art and cards and I put spinners with cards into outlets. I publish my own cards and work with a couple of artists. My printer, who I have always paid on delivery of order, doesn't want to print the cards anymore. I have had some quotes for digital and litho printing and they are far higher than I have been paying. Would it be worth printing my own? What sort of investment would I need in a digital press and where can I get training to use the equipment? I only want to print the cards.

Hi Cartman,

We are in the greetings industry.

1) Unless you print thousands a week, then no, it is not worth printing your own. Even bottom- end presses will cost you a fortune and probably give you a worse quality product than you are used to. Don't even think of using a home- spec laser or inkjet printer- there are not any out there that will do it cost- effectively.... And we haven't even thought about finishing, creasing, etc- remember you will need a cutter, creaser, and so on!

2) We already print cards for small companies and are soon launching our personalised cards website. I can't get you a quote without knowing some specifics- how many cards would you be looking at for a start? do you have a website out of interest? PM me if you want to discuss further.

Thanks

Sam

 

[Minuteman Press]

Hi Cartman,

PM sent.

Best wishes

Peter