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Greeting Card Printing Buying Guide: Paper, Finishes & Pricing

Published 2026-09-08 · By ZprintPro Printing Experts

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Greeting cards are the rare print piece people actually open: corporate thank-yous, wedding notes, Christmas and New Year wishes. But between paper weights, finishing options and MOQs, quotes vary wildly. This guide uses the real specs of ZprintPro's six greeting card SKUs - 100 MOQ, free proof, DHL 2-4 day global delivery - so you can order with confidence.

1. Card Types & Pricing at a Glance

TypePaper / FinishBest ForPrice (100 pcs)
Standard300g art board / 250g matte art + laminationHoliday volume, client mailingsUS$13-15 per card set
400g ThickThick stock + emboss / foilVIP gifts, invitation feelUS$15-18 set
FoilGold / silver foil logoWedding thank-yous, luxury brandsUS$23 set
Spot UVMatte lamination + gloss highlightsDesign-led brandsUS$18-21 set
Rounded CornerR3mm die-cut cornersArtisan & creative brandsUS$13-16 set
3D Pop-upEngineered pop-up structureHoliday surprises, gift cardsQuoted by design

2. Choosing Paper

  • 300g art board: The standard for 4-color offset - maximum color saturation, best value at volume
  • 250g matte art: Low-glare and refined; ideal for illustration and photography
  • 400g thick stock: Serious heft and ceremony - the VIP thank-you choice
  • Pearl / specialty: Wedding and high-end invitation texture

3. Finishes That Elevate

  • Foil stamping: Gold or silver metallic accents for logos and greetings
  • Spot UV: Gloss highlights on key graphics for instant depth
  • Embossing: Ink-free raised texture - quiet luxury
  • R3mm rounded corners: Soft, safe, social-share friendly; every die-cut order includes a free die-line check
  • 3D pop-up: The strongest unboxing moment of any card format

4. Sizes & Formats

127×178mm (5×7") is the workhorse standard - fits mainstream card holders and envelopes worldwide. Square formats are made for social sharing; folded formats give you two interior panels. Double-sided 4-color printing is standard, with ICC color management for batch consistency.

5. Ordering in 4 Steps

  1. Set the scene and deadline: for Christmas / New Year, order 6-8 weeks ahead
  2. Match paper and finish to budget: pick paper weight first, then add 1-2 finishes
  3. Start at 100 pcs: free proof first, produce after approval
  4. File specs: AI/PDF with outlined fonts, CMYK, 300dpi, 3mm bleed

6. FAQ

Q: What is the MOQ?
A: 100 pieces. Small runs go digital (same-day pickup possible); larger runs move to offset for better unit pricing.

Q: Is the proof free?
A: Yes - free proof before production, so revisions cost you nothing.

Q: Delivery time?
A: DHL Express 2-4 day global delivery from our Asia factory.

Q: Can I print double-sided with my own logo?
A: Yes. Double-sided 4-color is standard; foil, spot UV and rounded corners are freely combinable.

Browse the full greeting card range or plan the big day with our wedding invitations. Chat with ZprintPro on WhatsApp for a free proof!

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