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The Hustle Daily Show

The economics of holiday cards

Dec 21, 2023
Explore the origins and evolution of the holiday card industry, including its current millennial-driven peak. Delve into the expensive world of holiday card photography and the rising cost of postage. Discover the potential environmental impact of sending holiday cards and the pros and cons of digital versus physical cards.
23:40

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The holiday card industry has seen a decline in recent years due to the rise of social media and virtual communication, as well as the expense and environmental impact of physical cards.
  • Creating holiday cards has become a lucrative industry for photographers, with prices ranging from $200 to $800 for a 15-minute photoshoot and eight digital prints, highlighting the value and demand for personalized cards.

Deep dives

The Holiday Card Industry: A Booming Tradition

The holiday card industry has been a booming tradition for centuries, with almost 50% of Americans sending holiday cards each year since the mid-1800s. The industry is worth close to $7 billion, but has seen a decline in recent years, with only 1 billion cards being sent compared to 2 billion in the 80s and 90s. The rise of social media and virtual communication, along with the expense and environmental impact of physical cards, has contributed to this decline. However, for many millennials, sending holiday cards is a nostalgic and heartfelt tradition, showcasing their love for vintage styles and the desire to share their family celebrations, including their beloved pets, through personalized cards.

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