Greeting Cards

I’ve always loved sending cards to people.  I have every card I’ve ever received, but I know they don’t mean as much to other people.  Over the last several years, I’ve been reducing the number of cards I send.  I hope I haven’t offended anyone.  I doubt I have since no one has said anything.  It doesn’t offend me to not receive cards.

Cards are getting ridiculously expensive.  Of course, postage has been increasing too.  (I noticed that it’s supposed to go from $0.50 to $0.55 in January 2019.)  When people move, it gives me the opportunity to send fewer cards.  I know that sounds harsh, but I do still love them!  I might not know their new address, but I still communicate with them on social media.

Social media has definitely changed the game.  I can send people birthday wishes as soon as possible, and I don’t have to worry about it being late, getting lost in the mail, or being thrown into the trash.  They seem to appreciate that I take the time to wish them happy birthday, and they don’t seem to care that I saved some money.  Traditionally, holiday cards have been used to update family and friends about major events during the year.  Now, people know as soon as it’s posted on social media.  Of course, I still know a few people who aren’t on social media.  In fact, it took me a long time to be comfortable getting my own account.

I’m a member of a company who sells greeting cards (among other things).  Over the years, I’ve “saved” so much money using their rewards program.  In addition to building points for reward vouchers, they send me bonus rewards a few times a year.  They also send me 20% discount coupons a couple of times a year.  I tended to buy in bulk whenever I had the 20% coupons.  I also used my earned and bonus rewards at the same time.  I bought in bulk when I had a good deal; plus, I bought multiple cards for people when I found ones I liked.  It’s terrible to look for a card and find nothing that is appropriate… well, I have good ones in stock!

Over the last couple of years, I’ve had sticker shock when I see cards for $5.99 and $6.99.  What?!  Plus, many of them need extra postage.  Wow.  The store started a $0.99 section several years ago.  It’s a nice section, but the cards are definitely not as good.  In the last year or so, they added better cards, but they’re $2.00… you know, what cards used to cost.  An added benefit to this section is less glitter.  I can’t stand that stuff!

Money has been tighter than normal, and I’ve been trying to use my stock.  As I run out, I’m either buying cheaper cards or cutting people from my card list.  Since I haven’t spent as much, my rewards aren’t nearly as much as prior years.  Last week, I wanted to use $2.00 in earned rewards and $2.00 in bonus rewards.  I always buy cards in multiples of three because of bonus points.  So, I bought two $2.00 cards and one $0.99 card.  After tax, I spent $1.07 on three cards!  Now, that’s what I call a good deal.

Most people I know don’t send cards.  Are you a card person?

Updates: My mom suggested that I use the free cards from charitable organizations instead of buying her more cards. She would rather money be spent somewhere other than cards. I wonder if other people would be offended if I sent them those cards. Of course, the biggest problem for me is figuring out what to say inside blank cards.

Linda 🙂