Card Connection

If you are looking for that magical combination of ‘a good money making opportunity’ and ‘a good home/work balance’, then look no further than investing in a Card Connection franchise.

Card Connection is the market leader in the franchise distribution of greeting cards. The company was established in 1992 and grew to be the largest and most successful franchise supplying greeting cards, on a consignment basis. Viewed as one of the UK’s best run franchise operations, the company has been a full member of the British Franchise Association since 1995.

In 2008, Card Connection became part of UK Greetings Limited which is one of the UK’s largest card publishers, and the British subsidiary of American Greetings Inc., one of the world’s largest greeting card publishers.

Using a proven system, franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a ‘consignment’ basis. This means the stock and display equipment is installed on free loan to the retailer. This is one step beyond ‘sale or return’ as Card Connection customers never have to buy the stock in the first place, only paying for what they sell. The award winning merchandising service provided to retailers by their local franchisees is second to none and has established the company’s excellent reputation particularly within the convenience sector.

There are around 900 quality greeting cards in our core range, which cover virtually every style and taste in the card market. With new designs released every fortnight, a franchisee is able to tailor their displays to maximise the retail customer’s sales. Furthermore, there are Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas ranges, and the very popular gift-wrap, gift bags and party.

In addition to the core range, Card Connection launched ‘The Collection’ range which is aimed at the more discerning customer and, for the first time, brings the ‘boutique card shop’ look to the convenience sector. The fresh styles run alongside our core range to deliver extra sales by appealing to a broader and more astute client base.

Franchisees have their own exclusive territory, calling on their customers typically on a monthly basis. Customers include convenience stores, post offices, forecourts and staff restaurants in large offices. There are 64 Card Connection franchisees servicing over 12,000 retail outlets across the UK and Ireland.

Card Connection’s national account customers include Spar, Budgens, Londis, Nisa, BP (Simply Food), WH Smith, Shell and many more.

The following locations are available as resale businesses:

• Bournemouth: £17,400
• Plymouth: £12,500
• Cardiff: £19,064
• Stoke on Trent: £9,660
• Liverpool: £12,000
• Lake District: £16,449

Good Income from Well-Established Businesses

Card Connection has had a complete network for over 15 years. All territory sales are therefore re-sales, which mean they have existing customers and an income from day one.

All franchisees for sale have had a pre-sale audit by Card Connection and the goodwill valuation should ensure a good income and return on capital. Some territories are providing income in excess of £50,000 pa.

Flexible Lifestyle

While your retail customers are trading throughout the day, and often into the night, you can merchandise them at hours convenient to you, meaning you can spend that special time with your family.

Outstanding Product Ranges

Card Connection has 2 ranges, its core range of around 900 quality greeting cards, and the exciting new ‘Collection’ range suitable for the more discerning customer. In addition there are the seasonal ranges, namely: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas, plus gift wrap, gift bags and party.

This means that a franchisee is always able to tailor their displays to maximise the retail customer’s sales.

Training and support

Card Connection offers a comprehensive training programme.  Training is spread over several weeks and covers every aspect of the business in both the classroom and most importantly in the field.

On an on-going basis, every franchisee is supported by a Regional Sales Manager, who provides support and encouragement, as well as genuine business development within their territories.

Franchisees are encouraged to meet regularly, either through formal meetings, conferences or socially.

Who’s Ideal For Us?

Card Connection has limited vacancies for franchisees that are keen to run an exciting business. . Successful candidates would ideally have a strong desire to run their own business and are able to take on an existing business and breathe fresh enthusiasm into it.

Because the franchise networks in the UK and Ireland are complete, the available opportunities now consist of acquiring an already established territory from an existing franchisee. These vary in price according to their level of development but start at £12,000 (+ stock).

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