In tandem to working out the best way through in this ‘scary new world’ for their own businesses card publishers are also out in force in coming up with ways of helping retailers, both those still able to trade on the high street (including newsagents, post offices, grocery stores, hardware stores and pet shops) as well as those who are looking to bolster their presence online.
“Let’s hope we can all pull together to get through this situation and come out stronger,” wrote Jackie Collins, managing director of Cherry Orchard in a supportive message to the publisher’s retail customers, that is being echoed in various ways by the generosity spirited card companies of which this industry is well-blessed. (https://www.pgbuzz.net/greeting-card-industry-pulls-together-to-support-and-raise-spirits/)
Cherry Orchard is going a lot further than just words as the publisher has removed the carriage charges on orders placed through its sales team or online, plus is offering 60 days credit from now until the end of May. Its special offer catalogue with a 50% off prices is also available, as well as reducing the price of its code 75 cards.
Acknowledging that these are “strange and scary times for individuals, businesses and communities,” Dandelion Stationery has extended its credit terms to 75 days for all March, April and May invoices.
“Oh what a horrible time for everybody, but together we can get through this,” believes Linzi Russell Watson, one of the owners of ArtPress.
The publisher has not only extended the credit terms to 60 days for its independent customers, removed carriage charges, reduced minimum order quantity to £50 and will be giving two extra packs of cards (of a retailer’s choice) on all orders placed by the end of June.
Lucilla Lavender has waived carriage fees on all orders placed with the company and has extended its credit terms to 60 days.
“With the burdens being placed currently on the greeting card community – and everyone else of course – we understand the uncertainty and worries that everyone is currently experiencing. We hope that this gesture will help to ease the burdens on our retailer partners,” is the message that has just been sent out by the publisher.
As Laura Kavanagh, co-owner of Go la La says, recognises that “even as a small company there are still important gestures we can make to support each other!” In addition to offering free carriage and no minimum order quantities part of Go La La’s solution is to circulate fun, upbeat posts across social media and mailshots, and offering tongue-in-cheek ways to cope with self-isolation, using its designs to illustrate.
In a message to its retail customers entitled ‘Difficult times, but we’ll do what we can to help’ Natural Partners has reduced the trade prices of its greeting cards by 20%, plus has extending the payment terms to trade customers to 60 days instead of its usual 30.
Recognising that under the new directive many retailers will be looking to build their online presence, Wraptious is actively supporting retailers in this and is offering guidance and advice. The publisher has also reduced its carriage paid by half, down to £100 for UK mainland and £150 for the Highlands, but has no minimum order so shops can order as little as they wish.
Emma Bryan is another publisher who is waiving minimum order quantities and is offering free postage on all orders.
Fellow small publisher Bewilderbeest is offering extended terms and has removed minimum order requirements for the foreseeable future. “When shops re-open they may just want to top up a few cards to make the shop looks its best for when their customers venture back out again. We hope to help them with this if possible. It all helps in the long run!” says the publisher’s owner Iain Hamilton.
Corniche Cards is also offering extended terms, including free ‘Hello’ cards to retail sales over £6 and promoting the hashtag #imwritewithyou and encouraging people to send cards to loved ones in isolation.
