Condolence Cards Key Terms

Learn the terminology of condolence cards

By Jason Wood

Condolence cards express a kind sentiment to a co-worker or colleague who has experienced loss. It's a quick note from the sender to the recipient letting them know they empathize with them in their time of need. Take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the terms commonly associated with condolence cards. It will make it easier when you purchase a few to keep on hand at your place of business. Here are some of those terms along with some resourceful links to help get you started.

Sympathy

Sympathy cards is another term commonly used for condolence cards. Therefore, a website or store section may label the heading "Sympathy Cards" rather than "Condolence Cards." These cards share in the sentiment of sorrow in the time of need for a friend's or colleague's loss.
Try: Visit the website for Brook Hollow Cards for examples of sympathy cards that are offered for both business and personal use.

Personalization charges

Personalization charges refer to an additional amount of money collected for printing or writing a personal message inside a condolence card. This is common on the Internet where the message is being sent via e-card.
Try: Go to the website for Hallmark Business Expressions for more an example of personalization charges.

Printable sympathy cards

Printable sympathy cards refer to condolence cards that can be designed on your computer and then printed. Many online card retailers offer this option for many categories of greeting cards, including condolence cards. This saves the time of running to the store, but still delivers the personal message in a tangible format.
Try: Visit the website for Blue Mountain for more information on printable sympathy cards. They also provide several examples.

Sympathy e-card

The sympathy e-card refers to a condolence card that is designed from the computer and then sent to the recipient's email. There are many online websites that offer pre-designed condolence cards. The sender simply fills in some information like the recipient's name and email address and then the e-card is sent.
Try: Check out the website for 123Greetings.com for an example of a sympathy e-card. 123Greetings.com provides greeting cards in a number of categories through e-card delivery.

Bereavement postcard

A bereavement postcard is a postcard that expresses sympathy for a colleague. It is a form of condolence card that costs less to process through the mail then the traditional condolence card. Postcards sometimes travel faster as well, especially to other countries.
Try: Visit the website for Living with Loss Magazine for an example of a bereavement postcard.

Boxed sympathy cards, or bulk sympathy cards

Boxed or bulk sympathy cards refer to a purchase of more than one sympathy card. Usually this means at least 10 cards. The advantage to many boxed or bulk sympathy cards is that there are normally an assortment of cards so that the sender may give a different card to each person who experiences loss. It is popular for businesses to buy sympathy cards in bulk.
Try: Visit the website for Simple Sympathy for an example of boxed or bulk sympathy cards.