How Quickly Should I Send a Sympathy Card?

It is unfortunate when a family member, friend, acquaintance or coworker loses someone close to them.

As a caring individual, you want to share your sympathy and let them know that you are thinking about them in this trying time. You want to send a sympathy card, but how soon is too soon, and how late is too late? Take a look below for some items to consider:

How well did you know this person?

If the person is close to you, send it as soon as you can. Your sympathy card will be seen as thoughtful, even if it arrives on the early side.

On the other hand, if you are not particularly close to the individual, you may want to hold off a few days before sending a sympathy card. A card from an acquaintance may not be welcome in the first few days of grieving. To be safe, do not send the card before the funeral or service.

Sending a card by mail takes time

If you are sending a sympathy card cross country or internationally, send the card on the sooner side. If you don’t, the card may arrive past the time. However, sending a sympathy card late is better than not sending one at all.

Custom Presentation Folders

You may be unfamiliar with Custom Presentation Folders and wonder what they are and why your business needs them. A short explanation is that these folders are made of premium stock, have two inside pockets and a holder for a business card. The customization of your logo or company name can be printed in gold or silver foil on the front of the folder. The bigger question would be why your business needs them.

In an ever shrinking economy it is extremely important to have your company be remembered as a quality and efficient business. You want your clients to remember you whether they need to contact you tomorrow or 3 months from now. A great way to achieve that goal is to have your materials in a custom presentation folder that will organize your information.

The top ten reasons to use presentation folders are:

  • Presents a strong image of the company.
  • Reaches a wider target audience.
  • Makes a great first impression.
  • Organizes promotional materials.
  • A versatile tool that is functional and practical.
  • Professional looking folders speak of a well put together company.
  • Keeps your name and image around long after the initial contact.
  • Contains your company information for easy contact.
  • Information about your company is at your clients fingertips.
  • Enhances your professional standing.

Whether you are providing contracts, important documents or promotional material, the use of presentation folders are a subtle but effective way to highlight your professionalism. Stand out from the masses and help grow the success of your company with Custom Presentation Folders.

Why I Send Calendar Cards Every Year

I’ll let you in on a little secret. Sending calendar cards to everyone on my list instead of a regular old holiday card was one of those ‘why didn’t I do this sooner’ decisions. Let me tell you why I send calendar cards every year.

It started when I found a card I really loved on The Gallery Collection. I didn’t even notice it was a calendar card until I clicked on it and saw that it opened out to reveal a full 12 month calendar plus room for my company name, address, message – whatever I wanted to write. I thought this was the best thing I’d ever seen – a card and gift rolled into one.

The design was great, the months clear and easy to read – it was big enough to be useful but wouldn’t take up too much space – I was seriously wowed.

Now when I send my holiday cards I know they aren’t going to end up lost in a pile of others. And I know that I’m sending a holiday greeting that will last – literally – all year long, my company name on someone’s wall or desk for the next 12 months.

Calendar cards also show that the giver wanted to provide something of value – not just another card for the recycle bin but something as useful as it is beautiful.

And I love that I can have my phone number, web address and even my email address printed right on it – all of my contact info just a glance away all year long. You can’t beat that kind of advertising.

They have so many great calendar card designs to choose from, all the same high quality and value I’ve come to expect from The Gallery Collection. And for the same cost as a regular card I can truly send a gift that keeps on giving.

13th Annual Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest – Round 9 Finalists Announced!

Congratulations to our Round 9 Finalists!

Assortment Boxes: An Office Staple!

If you work in a busy office setting, you absolutely need to purchase The Gallery Collection’s Greeting Card Assortment Boxes. It is imperative to have at least one of these premium quality card assortments on hand!

While it is amazing that The Gallery Collection offers so many opportunities for customization, it is nice that these Greeting Card Assortment Boxes cannot be altered. This cuts out just one more decision you would have to make, and is somewhat unnecessary for inter-office distribution—like birthday cards or anniversary cards. There are plenty of different boxes to choose from, all containing 35 cards and 38 seal-fast envelopes. These greeting cards range in cover design, greeting inside, and printing color. All exact contents can be viewed online.

Each Assortment Box is delivered in its own labeled, sturdy box as to keep your cards looking neat and untouched. This is also particularly helpful in terms of organization. Never dig around the office to scrounge up a good enough card. Never dash to the store and hope for the best. Get yourself an Assortment Box from The Gallery Collection.

Many offices choose to have multiple types of Assortment Boxes on hand, as they are a huge time-saver without sparing at all on the quality. Never let a birthday sneak up on you or a job well done go unthanked again. Earn the respect of coworkers with the timelessly thoughtful gesture of a prompt greeting card.

Sending Belated Birthday Cards: We’ve All Been There!

My best friend who recently moved to Florida forgot my birthday! I could not believe it, I was really surprised. We have been friends for years and we even mentioned it a few times in the past month while we were on the phone. I had been making plans to get away from it all with my husband for a long weekend ,and she even gave me some ideas of where to go and a plan for what to do there. When the day came and there was no birthday card in the mail, I was surprised!

This was the day we were leaving, so I forgot about it and off we went on our trip. Understanding that these days, we are all very busy all the time. We’ve all been there, sending a belated birthday card with a special note or an old picture and a joke about being late can make all the difference in the world. She wrote about how long our friendship has existed and that even though she didn’t get the birthday card to me on time, she has always cherished my friendship and cannot wait until we actually get together again in the next few months at her place in the sun and laugh about all the things we have forgotten lately!

13th Annual Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest – Round 8 Finalists Announced!

Congratulations to our Round 8 Finalists!

Business Cards: Do’s and Don’ts

While it is certainly convenient in our digital age to communicate via cell phone, texting, email, etc; it is still a smart idea for business people looking to get their names and companies known to still carry around business cards.  There is nothing like a personal touch that can make a small thing go a long way.  A well-designed, smart-looking business card still does the trick.

Which brings up the question: What are some dos and don’ts when it comes to business cards?  Here is a list of what to and what not to do when it comes to handing out those little 3.5” x 2” (or 3.3″ x 2.16″) helpers.

  • DO include pertinent information such as one’s name, company name, phone and fax numbers, email address, etc.  Give the recipient several different ways to make contact.
  • DO ensure that there is a tagline (if necessary) along with the company name. The recipients should be familiar with the nature of your business from the information on the business card.
  • DO use a company logo if possible.  Nothing works better than to have your company easily identified—especially if using its official color or colors.
  • DO include writing on both sides of the business card so all information is complete and understandable.  Everything should be clear and concise.
  • DO make sure the font type and size used for any writing is pleasing to one’s eye and easy to read.  Clarity and a well thought out presentation will give a good first impression.
  • DO hand the business card out at the appropriate time.  Waiting until the conversation is about over makes for a solid, effective closing.  (Don’t forget a firm handshake and a “thank you”.)
  • DON’T include too much information.  A cluttered presentation will lead to confusion and/or impatience.
  • DON’T be too cute or creative with the fonts being used.  If wording is hard to read or undecipherable, frustration will occur.
  • DON’T use unusual or imaginative colors for colors’ sake. Hues or shades that are not necessary may tend to draw attention away from the ultimate message of the business card.
  • DON’T be too quick to hand out the card too soon.  Nothing is worse than being pushy – it brings up the feeling of mistrust and phoniness.
  • DON’T forget to always have enough of a supply of business cards on your person. One never knows when and where a good opportunity may occur where that one meeting and card hand off will reap dividends.

Above all else, make sure that a winning personality is coupled with the presenting of one’s business card for possible maximum impact.  When in doubt, keep it simple.

Sending Business Greeting Cards to Build Customer Relationships

Communication and exposure are the crux of growing your business and reaching more customers. If you are reliable, excel at your products or services, and are responsive to customers (both in requests and remedying complaints) then you will attract lifelong customers. Sending greeting cards can strengthen your customer relationships. It is an underutilized marketing tool in today’s instant-gratification world. If you are unsure if sending greeting cards is right for your company, keep reading for a little insight on common concerns.

Sending greeting cards is annoying . . . serendipitous!

It’s not another time-consuming sales pitch, spam, or junk mail. Business Greeting Cards, no matter the occasion, are a sweet, timeless gesture that recipients of all ages will enjoy. Your card will make them feel special and cared about, especially if it is a high quality card.

Sending greeting cards is not economical . . . cost effective!

The bottom line of great customer service is to follow through with your promises in order to meet customer expectations. Customer satisfaction can be improved just by making your company present, but not pestering, which is exactly what a greeting card accomplishes. Being there for your customers through thick and thin is a thoughtful endeavor that will be remembered. The cost of the cards in comparison to their quality and effectiveness is unmatched when you choose The Gallery Collection. See for yourself!

Sending greeting cards is a lot of hassle . . . fast and easy!

Your eye for details will be noted without an exhausting amount of effort. Business Greeting Cards from The Gallery Collection can be customized as much or as little as you please, all consistent with your high standards. Order your cards easily online or over the phone, quickly receive them, and send them out. There are even services The Gallery Collection offers to help you get your cards out faster— like sealing, recipient addressing, and mailing your selection out for you. Find out more by visiting Gallery Collection!

What Can I Do with Presentation Folders?

Customized Presentation Folders may seem like an unnecessary extravagance at first blush.  Naturally, something customized will be more expensive than a non-customized item.  The investment could certainly be worth it, but it may seem to be an impractical expenditure if you can’t find a useful way to utilize the folders.  You may not think there would be much use for customized presentation folders, but there are actually several different ways in which they can be put into service.  I’ve listed some ideas below that might help you decide if personalized presentation folders are a good option for you.

  • New Hires – Company information for new hires presented in customized presentation folders can make a positive impression during the first day on the job.
  • Contracts – Presenting contracts in a presentation folder could add an extra air of professionalism.
  • Taxes – Those who perform tax preparation services could benefit from including their completed work in a customized presentation folder.
  • Portfolios – Whether it’s artistic or linguistic, if you have a portfolio of work to show, it may shine even brighter in a customized folder.

These are just some of the ways in which customized presentation folders can be used.  If you have any significant information to provide to clients, customers, or colleagues, a customized presentation folder could be a worthwhile investment.