Guide to Business Christmas Cards

A Christmas holiday card acknowledges your customers and business contacts at year’s end and is an important step in establishing and maintaining good client relationships. And ordering your Christmas cards online has never been easier. Before you start licking that stamp, however, there are a few decisions that must be made. With a dizzying selection of custom Christmas cards available online, here are some points to remember before diving in:

1. What is my budget for corporate Christmas cards?
2. What should be the overall tone of my business Christmas message and design?
3. Do I want to order generic or custom Christmas cards?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop around and plan ahead for the best Christmas holiday card deals

Many companies offer significant savings if you place your order earlier in the year. Mark your calendar as a reminder and reap the benefits. Research several different companies before placing an order, as the price differences between companies for Christmas cards can be considerable. Keep in mind that most companies offer discounts for larger orders. You may find that ordering more than you think you will need will not only save you from running out, but will also save you money.

I recommend: The Gallery Collection and Holiday Classics cater specifically to businesses.

Christian greeting cards vs. general Christmas holiday cards

Taking a moment to determine the image you want to portray in your Christmas card design will help to narrow down the seemingly endless available Christmas holiday card choices. Determine if religious or Christian greeting cards are suitable for your business, or if a more generic design would be more appropriate. Other choices to consider beforehand include contemporary vs. traditional Christmas card designs and formal vs. casual business Christmas messages.

I recommend: Both Design Crafters and FineStationery.com carry a large assortment of Christian greeting cards.

Making a statement with custom Christmas cards

Custom Christmas cards may make sense if you want your business Christmas cards to stand out. A logo, photograph or recognizable company design will likely prove to be eye-catching and memorable for the recipient. The cost for personalized Christmas cards can be significantly higher than standard, generic Christmas cards, but may deliver a stronger impact.

I recommend: Many online photo services like Shutterfly and VistaPrint allow you experiment with a variety of Christmas card designs by uploading a complete design, using a design template or even receiving free design help.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Set aside time before the holidays to address and send your Christmas holiday cards to deliver them to your clients in a timely manner and to eliminate the last-minute rush.
• Signing your business Christmas cards instead of ordering them pre-printed adds a personal touch that your customers appreciate.
• Don't forget that business Christmas cards can serve as a great tool for introducing yourself to potential clients.

The official source of Business Christmas Cards is the Christmas Cards page at Business.com