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Question
How do I start my own Greeting Card company in California?
I have this great idea to publish these cards that I haven't seen any where on the net or in the stores. But I don't know what to do to get started or what the requirements are for starting it. Does anyone have any advice or any helpful hints? I have 13 cards so far but my motivation level is dropping. I've been online and I've done the research but I can't find anything that states the actual steps that I need to take in order to start my own business. I see alot of articles that tell you how to submit your own 'writings' to other greeting card companies...and that's not what I need. I need to know what actual steps that I need to take in order to START MY OWN GREETING CARD BUSINESS. any advice would be helpful.
Thanks in advance.
Cyn
Best Answer
Step 1. Decide the business model you want. You direct to the end user via the web, or you to a wholesaler like the corner card store, or you to Hallmark.
Step 2. Decide on the form factor. Fan fold vertical, or horizontal or just the card with no open flap.
Step 3.Decide how to take orders. Most larger groups use the ANSI X12 electronic ordering system. With distribution via the web or via a more direct model you can take 1-800 orders -- who will answer the phone.
Step 4. Decide on the quality. High and low volume, or low and higher volume. For example, are the graphics on photo paper or printed direct to the card stock.
Step 5. Decide on a printing company.
Step 6. Decide if you want to sell internationally.
Hope this gets you started. I can post more if this is in the right path for your planning.
ADDED: I would not start by incorporating. You need to define your business selling model first. A proprietorship will allow you to take business deductions. Get a CPA for sure.
Other Answers
I can olny help you about with the "starting your business" portion of your question. And maybe offer some resources.
In order to start your business in CA (a BUSINESS HOSTILE state), go to the Secretary of State's website (www.ss.ca.gov) and click on the Business Portal. There you'll find a LOT of information on different types of businesses (I would recommend a Corporation, subchapter "S" to take advantages of the myriad of tax breaks that owning a corp offers). Do a search on-line for the name(s) of the business you want to create to see if they're already taken. If not, that name is yours to use.
You need to go to your county courthouse to the Clerk/Recorder's office and get a license for the business (the costs differ from county to county).
***HINT: when asking for the type of business, put down "Anything that a busniess can legally do to make money"--that will keep the door open for you to use your business for other things.***
Advertise your business for 3 days in a local newpaper, and you're in business.
Make sure that you get a very good CPA to help with taxes and advice to reducing taxes.
Contact the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE: www.score.org) for help with advertising, getting customers, selling your product, etc. Their resources are FREE.
Contact the SBA (many times in the same office as SCORE, as in San Francisco www.sba.gov). They have alots of free/low-cost help, training, and busniess loans.
Contact the local Chamber of Commerce and Better Busniess Bureaus and talk with people about what you need, what you're looking to do, etc.
If you're looking for other ideas for the covers of your cards, contact www.AuNaturelPhotography.com. There are many beautiful, unique pictures that the artist has there that you might be able to use--or others that you might be able to use.
Talk with people OUTSIDE your normal circle of friends, co-workers, etc. to get their ideas (you've done a GRAT job here!). There is help out there--you merely need to ask...
Have fun on your journey!
I would suspect your first step would be to get a federal and state tax number. Just like you have a social security number, a business owner needs to apply for the above numbers. You would also need to go to your local permit office and get a license to run your business. They might be able to give you some advice on starting your new adventure. If your not going to run the business from your home you need to find a place to rent or buy for your business, unless you plan on selling online only.
I would think researching the card stock and inks would be a benefit to you. As far as the card stock, ink, printers and other supplies to make your cards, I would think you could find at least one business who would sell you supplies either locally or online. Going online I typed in "card stock for greeting cards", the second listing looked interesting it was called www.thepapermillstore.com. If you design your 13 cards using a greeting card software on your computer, you might be able to take them to a local print shop and they could print them for you for a minimal fee. Then you wouldn't need a printer, and all the other supplies.
I would think your would need to get a patent on your designs or at least your logo on the back of your cards.
The govt. has a dept. called the us small business adm., it helps people with small businesses, maybe you can get some answers there.
Don't give up on your dream.
