As part of helping a business recently I reviewed stock on hand for greeting cards. One card company was found to have more than thirty pockets with ten or more cards per pocket. In three cases, there were twelve cards. In thirteen pockets there were two designs with more than three cards for each of the two designs. This is unconscionable behaviour by any measure.
The sales pattern in the store did not require pulling on anything more than one card in a pocket. So, at worst case I would accept seven cards in a pocket. Twelve cannot be justified.
The card audit indicated that oversupply by the card company in question was costing the business in excess of $8,000.
Newsagents need to closely monitor card company performance. While the category is feel good, it has to be financially viable. This means delivering a healthy stock turn, driving an equitable return on investment and return on floor space.
I’d note for the record that the card company involved was not John Sands or Hallmark.
hallmark card did the same thing, they abuse my kindness.
my card suppliers are Hallmark, tag, gallery collection , for art sake, spirit and simson and few small boutique card suppliers. simson cards are the best performer for my area now due to alot of young people buying the cards and they control the cards better than Hallmark.
We quit companies like this! We are quitting one company this week for the reasons you listed above. There are companies and reps who do better than this – and because that part of the department looks better everything sells better.
I can also say the company we are quitting is not Sands or Hallmark.
We have been oversupplied by two companies. Not Hallmark. Not John Sands. One will be cut and the other will be given one last chance.
I’m with FAS. I hold I think five or six cards in each pocket (of 1000 pockets) and order on empties; except humour (which sells) we order on the last one.
There’s many suppliers out there, if you have a shonky one oversupplying you, let them know that they have strong competition.
I am a newsagent in SW of WA.
I use FAS, Simson, John Sands, Hallmark, TAG & Phil Taylor.
Does anyone have ideas of other card companies for everyday wall control?
Looking for a new company and want to quit one. Also lloking for an alternative wrap supplier. Coming to Melbourne on weeken, anyone suggest any fanstastic card stores to go and visit. WELCOME ANY IDEAS!!!
Hi guys
I read with interest your problems with large greeting card distributors. I have just started my own small business designing and distributing my own range of cards, bookmarks, gift tags etc. I am interested in what the general consensus is regard dealing with independents? Is there exclusivity with the larger companies? Is it expected that cards are sale / return or firm sale? and who would be interested in receiving a sample? the designs are quirky art/design orientated and printed in full colour. The website is still a work in progress…
Cheers
Craig
Yes we have been abused as well and I will name them
Sands and For arts sake
and both are no longer welcome in my shop
I have send over supplied stock right back and I feel I am getting some where all the resp know no order without approval