How do I save money printing greeting cards?

The most effective way to save is to gang the run, which means printing several designs together on one sheet. Most of the cost of a short card run is in setup (plates, make-ready and press wash), and that cost is nearly the same whether you print two hundred cards or two thousand. Printing several designs on one sheet, or printing a year of cards in one run instead of four, spreads the setup cost across more pieces.

It also helps to use a standard trim size so you are not paying for custom cutting, to choose a stock we already buy in volume, and to consider whether the job needs a coating. These four choices usually affect the price more than the paper itself does.

Standard sizes save money on envelopes as well. A 5 x 7 in card fits a standard A7 envelope, and a 4.25 x 5.5 in card fits an A2 envelope, so you do not need custom envelopes made to fit. Our guides to invitation and greeting card sizes and envelope sizes list the common pairings.

Skipping a coating can also make the cards easier to use. Uncoated recycled stock takes pen and ink well, which matters for a card that people will write a note inside. Our article on coated vs uncoated paper explains the difference in look, feel and cost.

Planning ahead is the last step. If you know you will need holiday, thank-you and everyday cards over the year, send all of the designs together when you request a quote, so the run can be laid out to use each sheet well. You can see the options on our greeting cards page.