Card Connection

  • Investment: £55,733

Card Connection is the UK’s leading greeting card franchise and is the ideal franchise for those looking for both a money making opportunity and a good lifestyle.

Card Connection

Stirling, Scotland
Seller Ref:FRA0106126566
  • Price: £55,733

Card Connection is the UK’s leading greeting card franchise and is the ideal franchise for those looking for both a money making opportunity and a good lifestyle.

Profile Information

Good Money Great Lifestyle!

If you are looking for a franchise with that golden combination of a ‘good money-making opportunity’ and ‘lifestyle’ look no further than Card Connection.

Card Connection is one of the UK’s largest card publishers and is the market leader in the franchise distribution of greeting cards.  The company was established in 1992 and within a few years grew to be the largest and most successful business 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.

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 retailer by local franchisees is second to none and has established the company’s excellent reputation especially within the convenience sector.

Franchisees have their own exclusive territory, calling on their customers typically on a monthly basis.

Customers include convenience stores, sub post offices, petrol station forecourts and staff restaurants in large offices.  There are 64 Card Connection Franchisees servicing 13,000 retail outlets in the UK and Ireland.

Card Connection’s National Account customer include Budgens, Londis, Nisa, Spar, BP, WH Smith, Bargain Booze, Shell and many more.

In 2008 Card Connection, became part of UK Greetings Limited (UKG), the UK’s largest card publisher, and the British subsidiary of American Greetings Inc., the world’s largest publicly owned greeting card company.

Good income from well established businesses

Card Connection has had a complete network for over a decade.  All territories sales are therefore re-sales, which mean they have a detailed sales history and an income from day 1.  All franchisees for sale have had a presale audit by Card Connection and are offered goodwill prices which should ensure a good income and return on capital.  Some territories are providing income in excess of £50,000pa.

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.

Outstanding Product Ranges

There are around 900 quality greeting cards in our range, which cover virtually every style and taste in the card market.  This means that a franchisee is able to tailor their displays to their retail customer’s requirements.

In addition, there are Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas ranges, plus Gift wrap, Gift Bags and Party.

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.

In 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).

If you’d like to be your own boss by breathing fresh enthusiasm into an existing business, please fill out the enquiry form below.

News / Success stories

Bigger is Always Better for Card Connection Franchisee

When it comes to growing his business, Robin Brisbourne, Card Connection’s franchisee in North Wales has become the very definition of ‘Mr Consistent.’ 

In fact, his territory has shown growth in every year since he took on the franchise in 2012.  “I challenged myself back then to try to boost the business by over 50%, taking it from a turnover of £130k to £200k.  Now it’s a case of Mission Accomplished,” smiles Robin.

Compared to many of the greeting card publisher’s other franchisees, Robin hasn’t always benefited from the network’s growth of national accounts, so he has had to find his own ways of beefing up his sales.

The merchandising routes for the 165 stores he supplies are regularly re-planned and refined. His card display layouts are constantly changed to take advantage of key sales trends card customers’ desire for higher price points.

Product is, of course, at the heart of his business. Robin recognizes this, so it’s always at the forefront of his thinking. Back at base, his stockroom has trebled in size over the years, so that he can support the full range of products Card Connection has to offer.

“I’ve been lucky enough to find two great support staff and I’ve always involved them in every aspect of the business to keep them motivated and engaged,” explains Robin.  “We never stop seeking new business, and I have ‘target list’ of competitor outlets that I’m keen for us to crack.”   

Robin also generates plenty of referrals from existing customers.  “It’s a close-knit community in Wales, and my customers seem happily to recommend me to others, which is a wonderful sign,” smiles a grateful Robin.

With great products a such positive attitude, there’s no surprise his business continues to thrive from one year to the next.

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Additional Details

BFA Member: Yes
Part-time: No
Home Based: Yes
Finance Available:

Similar Sectors: Retail Franchises ,

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