It’s that time of year.

Okay, maybe it’s a little after that time of year.

You’re running marketing for a law firm or manufacturer, maybe a large media empire… And it’s on you to order corporate holiday cards.

If you have a well-built-out calendar with plenty of buffer, you may have started the process in July or August (who the Sam Hill wants to be thinking about Christmas in August‽). Or you may be, you know, a normal person and realize sometime in mid-November that this has to get done.

Have no fear – there’s hope!

Let me start by saying this – this is the time to go custom. Nothing screams “afterthought” like a store-bought holiday card from your accountant. Your contacts will have a ton of holiday cards on their shelves – yours needs to stand out.

Here’s How to Stand Out:

• SuperSize Me
  Order oversized cards that give a little visual dominance on the desk.
• Simplify Design
  Most Holiday cards are a little overdone. Utilize classic printing techniques (or cutting edge ones) and keep the design simple and readable from a distance.
• Be the Oddball
  Consider sending a card for a different holiday altogether – might I recommend Valentine’s Day?
• Include Food
  It’s the fastest way to a (wo)man’s heart.

I know, that’s great and all – but I haven’t answered the question you really want to know – you’re here because you’re wondering:

Is it Too Late‽

No.

It’s not too late.

If you’re designing your card in-house and want it on display for most of December, you’ll want to engage your printer by the first week of November. Many print shops require three weeks production time (this is for high-end printing like letterpress and foil stamping) and Thanksgiving throws a wrench in the whole thing.

If you want full-service concepting and design (we hope you do!) You’ll want to get started in early October to allow time for back and forths and internal approvals.

So I’m Too Late?

No way! There is such a thing as a rush fee! Today’s the 17th of November and I just got an inquiry for 1,000 cards from a law firm. That’s not a problem – there’s still time to get them done by the end of the month. For quicker timelines, you can expect a rush fee of anywhere from 25-50% of your investment.

And if I Really AM Too Late?

You’re not in a bind yet! Scroll up – remember where I mentioned that sending cards for a non-traditional holiday is a great way to stand out? Here’s your chance to shine! Skip the December Holiday card and send one that arrives in their mailbox on the first working day of the new year. It’ll get more display time (in a much less crowded field) and can be even more impactful that had you sent it in early december.

So….what are you waiting for?