How to start a handmade greeting card business in India

This is a perfect home-based business for a creative person. The demand for unique, personal cards is always there, especially for occasions like Diwali, New Year, and weddings. Let's break it down.1. Find Your Signature Style:The market is crowded, so you need to stand out. What will make your cards special? Technique: Are you using quilling, watercolor illustrations, calligraphy, embroidery on paper, or pop-up designs? Theme: Will you focus on quirky and humorous cards, elegant and minimalist designs, or culturally specific motifs for Indian festivals? Personalization: Offer to add the recipient's name or a short message in beautiful handwriting.2. Sourcing Materials Smartly:You don't need to buy expensive imported paper initially. Base Cards: Look for local wholesale paper markets (like Delhi's Bhagirath Palace or Mumbai's Kalbadevi) for good quality cardstock at low prices. Embellishments: Buttons, ribbons, sequins, and stamps can be sourced from local craft stores or online on Amazon/Meena Bazaar. Tools: Invest in a good paper cutter, a bone folder for crisp folds, and quality adhesives.3. Production and Pricing: Create in Batches: Don't make one card at a time. Design a card and then produce 10-20 units of it to be efficient. Pricing Formula: A common formula is (Cost of Materials x 3) + Your Time. If materials cost ₹30 and it took you 30 minutes to make (value your time at, say, ₹100/hour), the price would be (30x3) + 50 = ₹140. Research what similar cards sell for on Etsy or at local boutiques.4. Sales Channels: Online: Etsy is great for global reach. Instagram and Pinterest are visual platforms perfect for showcasing your work. Use hashtags like #handmadecardsindia #diwalicards. For a local audience, create a simple catalog on WhatsApp. Offline: Approach local gift shops, bookstores, and boutique hotels to stock your cards on a consignment basis (they take a percentage of the sale). Sell at local flea markets and craft fairs.Start small, build a portfolio, and let customer feedback guide your future designs. The personal touch is your biggest asset.