thanksgiving cards

Robert Sobel knows consumers have so many choices these days that merely providing professional services isn't enough to thrive in business.

It's one of the reasons the Fair Lawn insurance man has been sending each of his coveted clients a personalized Thanksgiving card for each of the past four years.


"It's a differentiator," says Sobel, a managing director of insurance brokerage Cook Hall & Hyde New Jersey Inc.'s Fair Lawn office. "It's a way to say 'Thank you for your business' and to stand out" a month ahead of the December holidays.

Sobel purchases the cards he sends to clients from Ridgefield Park-based The Gallery Collection, a card publisher that sells directly to its clientele.

"Being a direct seller makes us able to sell very affordably," says H. L. DeVore, chief marketing officer of Prudent Publishing Inc., The Gallery Collection's parent company.

Sobel says affordability and quality keep him coming back to The Gallery Collection for his customer-card purchases.

A small but growing share
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Hallmark says Thanksgiving still represents only about 5 percent of its overall holiday business greeting card sales. So far this year, the company says, Thanksgiving sales are up 80 percent over last year. The company does not disclose sales figures.

"The goal is to connect with people," Sobel says, adding that the non-secular nature of Thanksgiving also makes it a desirable time to reach out to his diverse group of customers. "This is a very classy way to do that, and regardless of the economic times we're in, we can all afford to send a card to thank our clients."

DeVore says his company's personalized cards currently sell for about $2 each in a batch of 100. The average-size order for Thanksgiving cards, 350, costs business clients $1.51 per card.

The Gallery Collection, started in 1929, has seen the Thanksgiving card trend increase in recent years.

"Thanksgiving cards have definitely grown in popularity," DeVore says, noting that sales have grown more for this holiday than any other of late.

Other card companies such as Hallmark compete with The Gallery Collection for business clients. The greeting card giant introduced its Hallmark Business Expressions division more than a decade ago to "help businesses cultivate and strengthen relationships using greeting cards to communicate with key customers, prospects, employees and donors," according to its Web site.

"We're a B2B [business-to-business] company so our holiday season is Thanksgiving through New Year's," said Marc Wagenheim, product marketing director for Kansas City, Mo.-based Hallmark Business Expressions. "There is little demand for Valentine's, Easter, Mother's Day, etc., in the B2B world." Hallmark would not disclose revenue figures.

Wagenheim would not say if Thanksgiving cards are the fastest-growing segment of Hallmark's business. "I can tell you we are seeing strong growth in our overall holiday business as well as Thanksgiving specifically," he said.

The Thanksgiving card trend isn't likely to wane, DeVore says. And for many of his customers, it doesn't replace sending clients cards during the December holidays. The real forward-thinkers in business, he notes, also tend to include their workers on the list of those receiving the Thanksgiving notes of appreciation.

"It's smart business," DeVore says. "All these companies, I rant and rave, spend so much money hiring, retaining, buying cubicles and pencils and pay for the lights to be on. It's like, 'Do you think we could buy a Thanksgiving card for our employees?' No matter how many people think it's cheesy, employees do appreciate it."

Pass the turkey, the stuffing, and those rewards! This Thanksgiving, Chase is reminding cardmembers just how easy it can be to give thanks by using a Chase credit card in support of a charitable organization. Chase Card Services, a division of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM),
offers credit cards that support organizations including the World Wildlife Fund Platinum Visa(R) Card and Chase Freedom, which gives cardmembers the opportunity to contribute accrued rewards to the American Cancer Society. Through a wide selection of Chase credit cards, there are many opportunities to show your appreciation.

"'Tis the season to be thankful," said Heather Philp, senior vice president, Chase Card Services. "In addition to cardmembers earning rewards when they use their Chase credit cards for spending, many enjoy this easy and effortless way to support an organization that represents a worthwhile cause. There is no better time to give than this Thanksgiving. Chase is proud to collaborate with so many wonderful organizations."

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Platinum Visa Card

Using the WWF Platinum Visa Card, cardmembers can enjoy the card's great benefits while helping save endangered species and protecting endangered habitats. One percent of all sales is automatically donated to the WWF. Additionally, Chase will contribute $50 for each WWF account opened online. Since 1995, WWF has received more than $10 million from this program.

-- Apply for the World Wildlife Fund Platinum Visa(R) Card today at

-- For more information about the World Wildlife Fund, visit

Chase Freedom

Not only is Chase Freedom the only card that automatically gives cardmembers triple rewards where they spend the most, it also allows cardmembers the opportunity to support the fight against cancer by contributing to the American Cancer Society. Chase Freedom customers have the option to redeem 2,500 points for a $25 contribution to the American Cancer Society.

-- Apply for a Chase Freedom credit card today at www.chase.com/freedom

-- For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit

Visit www.chase.com for a full listing of Chase credit cards and other charitable giving opportunities.

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $1.5 trillion and operations in more than 50 countries. The company has more than 154 million credit cards issued. Under the Chase and JPMorgan brands, the firm serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients. Information about the firm is available at When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of mouth-watering turkeys, family togetherness, and the Thanksgiving dinner coma. But Thanksgiving is much more than that: it's a time to show gratitude, count your blessings, and show appreciation for (or to) those in your life who make every day better. It's the perfect time to take a few minutes and thank special people for all they do.



Since most of us have Thanksgiving dinner with the family and/or close friends, why not send a Thanksgiving e-card or printable Thanksgiving greeting card to the acquaintances and other people in your daily life? E-greetings are a simple way to say Happy Turkey Day during this festive time of year.



This holiday season, reach out to these folks who may touch your life on a random basis:



Teachers. Everyday, our educators work hard to bring out the potential in our young people. Who better to receive a card to say thanks? Include a message addressing all the extra hours, limitless patience, and tireless efforts that bring out the best in your kids.
Day Care Providers & Babysitters. What can you say about a great babysitter but how grateful you are for them? Dropping them off and leaving with a peaceful mind is more valuable than any amount of money. Show your appreciation with a Thanksgiving e-card or print out a card and have the kids color it for an extra-special touch.
Hairdressers. Making you look good is what they do best. Say thanks or wish a happy day to the one who knows your whole life story, your pet's favorite treats, and your kids' latest milestones. An e-card is perfect for the person who knows everything about you; now let them know how grateful you are.
Distant Relatives. Families are spread far and wide these days, but sharing holiday spirit is easy with a Thanksgiving e-card. If your grandparents don't have an email address, grab a free printable version that is ready to send with a personalized message.
Coffee Baristas. Waking up is rough, but your coffee barista is ready everyday with your "usual" steaming cup and a bright smile. What better way to start your day? Wish them a happy kickoff to the holiday season with a printed Thanksgiving card with their next tip tucked inside.
Neighbor. They get your mail when you're out of town, lend you sugar when you run out, and watch your kids in a pinch. Say thank you or Happy Turkey Day with an adorable Thanksgiving e-card in their email inbox.
Doctors & Veterinarians. Keeping families and pets healthy is their passion, and their patience and knowledge is unsurpassable. At your next appointment, hand off a Thanksgiving card with a coloring sheet from your kids or email them an e-card to their business email address.
Mailman. Rain or shine, your mail is in your mailbox thanks to the dedication of the United States Postal Carriers who brave all sorts of weather so you can get the mail you rely on everyday. Give them a piece of mail that they don't have to deliver and offer up a big thank you with a printable Thanksgiving card.
Troops Overseas. Holidays are a time for family and to remember those who, unfortunately, can't be with the ones they love. Send a Thanksgiving e-card to a service member in your family, circle of friends, or that you know through an acquaintance. The holidays can be hard for our brave men and women so show your support to them by letting them you're thinking of them.
Your son/daughter-in-law's parents. Holiday traditions vary from family to family, but showing love and appreciation is universal. Let your son or daughter-in-law's parents know that they are on your mind and that you are happy your families have been united.
There are countless others who would appreciate a Thanksgiving e-card or a printed Thanksgiving greeting card. Start off someone's holiday season by giving them a smile and a sense of appreciation. Mark your calendar, choose the perfect e-card, and send the ones you love a "Thanks for All You Do!"


Chase Reminds Cardmembers of Charitable Reward Opportunities