Card Connection

Good Money Great Lifestyle!

If you are looking to invest in a franchise with that golden combination of a ‘good money making opportunity’ and ‘balanced 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. There are 60 Card Connection Franchisees servicing 12,000 retail outlets in the UK and Ireland.

Card Connection were fortunate that the vast majority of our customers stayed open (as essential shops) during the Covid-19 pandemic. This meant we continued to sell cards. Even though our franchisees couldn’t initially go out and merchandise during lockdown, they were able to post stock to customers and then once safe, and allowed to do so, re-commenced merchandising their customers displays.

Customers include convenience stores, sub post offices, petrol station forecourts and staff restaurants in large offices. Card Connection’s National Account customer include Spar, Budgens, Londis, Nisa, Costcutter, BP, WH Smith, 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 1,100 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 the seasonal ranges, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas, plus we supply 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.

On an on-going basis, every franchisee is supported by their 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).

Territories for Sale?

Card Connection currently has the following territories for sale, goodwill values are shown, please remember stock, fixtures, training and licence fee must be added.

Territory location

North West (Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim)

West/Southwest (Galway, North Tipperary & Clare)

Stirling

Norwich

Chelmsford

Ayr

If you would like to learn more about a franchise opportunity with Card Connection, please click the button below!