Card Connection is the UK's No 1 greeting card franchise, servicing over 12,000 outlets in Britain and Ireland.
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.
Territories Available |
North West (Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim) |
West/Southwest (Galway, North Tipperary & Clare) |
Stirling |
Norwich North |
Norwich South |
Chelmsford |
Ayr |
Manchester |
If you would like to learn more about a franchise opportunity with Card Connection, please click the button below!
Card Connection News
Card Connection looks to the future
There’s been significant change in the leadership team at Card Connection recently. Managing Director Michael Johnson has left the business after 22 Years, with Sales Director Graham Staff stepping up to be the new MD.
12 Good Reasons to Invest in a Card Connection Franchise!
In these difficult times, if you’re looking to invest in a new business opportunity that offers you a stable and dependable income, how about a greeting card franchise with Card Connection?
Top Accolade to Card Connection Franchisee who leaves his mark
At an emotional awards ceremony in Dublin, Card Connection franchisee Joe Sweeney posthumously won Retail Franchisee of the Year award at the prestigious Irish Franchise Association Awards.
Card Connection Fly High at Franchise Awards
Whilst on the day Card Connection narrowly missed out on the top spot in both the categories they were shortlisted for, they still ran the front runners a very tight race as finalists in the 2021 Best Franchise Awards.
Franchisees Continue to Triumph in Adversity
To say our world has changed over the past 20 months is probably the biggest understatement ever.
It's Good To Talk!
Card Connection have celebrated a successful year across UK and Ireland by completing their network wide programme of December regional meetings, during which they were able to thank their franchisees for their contribution towards the network’s double-digit growth in 2021.
Faith in Humanity
Daryl Perkins, our Nottingham franchisee and his partner Lucy have recently funded a local football team by purchasing their kit and instead of advertising their own business on these shirts, they insisted the Rainbows logo take full pride of place, which it’s hoped will help generate further donations for the charity.
Introducing Colin Brattan - our Lake District Franchisee
Imagine spending your days working in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Lake District, the Scottish borders, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Eden Valley…. Well Colin & Margaret Brattan do just that.
Women In Franchising - Card Connection
From Card Connection’s beginning in 1992, female franchisees have played a key role in the success of the greeting card franchisor’s brand. As women remain the primary purchasers of greetings cards, perhaps it’s not so surprising that female franchisees have an affinity with the product the company supplies.
Card Connection - Carbon Offest Programme Announcement
As part of our parent company UKG Greeting, Card Connection are proud to announce that all its single greeting cards will be offset through the global conservation charity World Land Trust’s Carbon Balanced Paper programme.
Card Connection Testimonials
"When we met Card Connection franchisees and the staff at Card Connection’s head office we were immediately impressed with the professionalism. This gave us confidence to know that we would have the back up of a professional organisation behind us. The business is now doing brilliantly and we are very confident we can continue to grow and make a sound living out of not only something that we enjoy but an enterprise that has a bright future ahead. I would also happily recommend the franchise to others. A Card Connection franchise will offer all the flexibility of running your own business yet it takes advantage of what is essentially a recession-proof industry."
"We knew that buying the Card Connection in Cornwall was the right decision because the franchise had all the benefits of being self-employed, yet with the support of a professional, national and reputable organisation right behind us. This means ongoing training and support is always available including access to Card Connection’s network of national retail accounts: Costcutter, Budgens, Spar, Shell and of course Londis. We started full-time in December 2007 – the busiest month of the year for greeting cards – and that was a challenge! However, the Card Connection head office support staff couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful to ensure our business got off to a flying start."
Location
Card Connection: Stirling
Investment
£52,496
Date Established
01-01-2007
Turnover
Various
Profile
A unique opportunity to take over an established business with many prestige customers including Spar, BP Simply Fresh, Bestway, Nisa,Keystore and Independent stores.
The territory covers a large geographical area which includes Dundee, Peebles, Stirling and Perth. An area of contrast and a beautiful place to work, Edinburgh the Historic Capital, enjoy the fabulous scenery of Fife and Perthshire and the famous St Andrews the home of Golf. Motorways run through the area giving fast transport links.
The territory would ideally suit a couple or an individual who is happy to employ help within the business.
The right person will have the scope to open new sites and build sales. You will be supported in developing your business by our Scottish based Regional Sales Manager and staff at head office.
The territory covers a large geographical area which includes Dundee, Peebles, Stirling and Perth. An area of contrast and a beautiful place to work, Edinburgh the Historic Capital, enjoy the fabulous scenery of Fife and Perthshire and the famous St Andrews the home of Golf. Motorways run through the area giving fast transport links.
The territory would ideally suit a couple or an individual who is happy to employ help within the business.
The right person will have the scope to open new sites and build sales. You will be supported in developing your business by our Scottish based Regional Sales Manager and staff at head office.
Status
Active
Location
Norwich North
Investment
£68,848
Turnover
£93,410
Profile
Overview
A great opportunity has arisen for someone to operate this territory.
You're surrounded by lots of beautiful towns and villages, including Holt and Hunstanton, Sheringham and Cromer in north Norfolk. Fakenham and Aylsham in Mid Norfolk and the North split of Norwich.
North Norwich is a well-managed territory and offers the right person the chance to manage and develop the territory.
A great opportunity has arisen for someone to operate this territory.
You're surrounded by lots of beautiful towns and villages, including Holt and Hunstanton, Sheringham and Cromer in north Norfolk. Fakenham and Aylsham in Mid Norfolk and the North split of Norwich.
North Norwich is a well-managed territory and offers the right person the chance to manage and develop the territory.
Status
Active
Location
North West (Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim)
Investment
€220,257
Status
Active
Location
West/Southwest (Galway, North Tipperary & Clare)
Investment
€219,852
Status
Active
Location
Chelmsford
Investment
£105,042
Profile
A Fantastic well established developed territory with high performance and covers the following locations; mid-east and west Essex and the southern part of Suffolk area. Main towns are Harlow, Chelmsford and Colchester and Clacton. In Suffolk - Ipswich and Felixstowe. All locations contain many high value national accounts and independents.
Selling due to retirement.
Selling due to retirement.
Status
Active
Location
Card Connection: Ayr
Investment
£65,281
Profile
A Fantastic opportunity to purchase this growing area. The Franchisee supplies quality retailers Spar, Nisa, One O One Convenience stores, BP M&S Simply food stores as well as local independent stores.
Reluctant sale due to family health issues. The area extends from the South of Glasgow and Paisley. Ayrshire with the towns of Kilmarnock and Ayr.
The beautiful coastal areas including Largs & Troon. Continue south to Stranraer and then along the Galloway coast. An area with a great variety of stores and countryside no two days will be the same. For the right person there is the opportunity to grow from the 106 outlets the current franchisee supplies.
Reluctant sale due to family health issues. The area extends from the South of Glasgow and Paisley. Ayrshire with the towns of Kilmarnock and Ayr.
The beautiful coastal areas including Largs & Troon. Continue south to Stranraer and then along the Galloway coast. An area with a great variety of stores and countryside no two days will be the same. For the right person there is the opportunity to grow from the 106 outlets the current franchisee supplies.
Status
Active
Location
Manchester
Investment
£43,938
Profile
Based around Greater Manchester, this area holds plenty of potential for a hardworking individual.
Relatively compact geographically, making it accessible and manageable, the business is teeming with development possibilities.
The well-established area contains a welcome mix of store types including esteemed National Account partners and thriving convenience stores.
The current franchisee has run the territory for the past 10 years.
Relatively compact geographically, making it accessible and manageable, the business is teeming with development possibilities.
The well-established area contains a welcome mix of store types including esteemed National Account partners and thriving convenience stores.
The current franchisee has run the territory for the past 10 years.
Status
Active
Available Locations:
Re-sale franchises now available in the UK.
Business Type:
Franchise
Minimum Investment:
£40,000
Financing Assistance
None