Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of services we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Online Greeting Card.

Ratings

Feature Set

A collection of the sites abilities. This may include such things as the ability to customize cards by changing fonts, adding images or music. As well as the different types of cards offered such as ecards, paper cards, create and print cards.

Ease of Use

This rating criterion refers to how easy a site is to navigate, how simple it is to order and send cards and whether the features are logically placed and easy to use.

Selection

Selection rating evaluates not only the total number of cards available but also the types of cards available. A good site offers many cards in many different genres including international holidays, get well, welcome and retirement.

Quality

In paper cards, this refers to the quality of the images, the tastefulness of the verse and the type of paper used. In reference to ecards quality is rated by the animation, music and the content of the ecards.

Help/Support

Good support is paramount. An excellent card site offers several methods of contact and responds quickly with courteous, relevant information.

Paper Card Features

Images can be Uploaded to Paper Cards

The ability to upload images such as photos, logos or other images into the card.

Service Will Mail to Recipient

This service will mail a personalized card to the desired recipient.

Supports Personalized Cards

The service can personalize cards by unique font, digital handwriting, uploaded images, customized verse or other personal touches.

Service can Address Envelope

The ecard-greeting card site offers the customer the choice of addressing envelopes and/or adding postage and sending the card to the customer instead of the recipient.

Service can Print Return Address on Envelope

The service has the ability to print return addresses on envelopes; this is especially useful to businesses that want their address or logo on an envelope.

Service can Provide Postage to Cards

The service can add postage to a card, some offer personalized stamps, and send to purchaser.

Photo Holder Cards Available

These are cards that 'hold' traditional, developed photos. They 'hold' photos, as opposed to putting a digital image onto a card.

eCard Features

eVite Service Available

These are cards that 'hold' traditional, developed photos. They 'hold' photos, as opposed to putting a digital image onto a card.

RSVP Option for eVite

This option offers the recipient of the email invitation or 'evite' the opportunity to RSVP instantly and refers the information back to the sender to organize a guest list.

Offers Animated eCards

Animated ecards are cards that are like mini-cartoons and display moving images.

Offers Interactive eCards

Interactive cards offer games, questionnaires or other methods that enable the user to communicate with the ecard.

Can Add Photos to eCards

The ability to upload images into an ecard.

Verse Customization

Offers Multiple Fonts

Enables the user to change the text font in a card.

Allows for Font Color Changes

A customization feature that offers font color options.

Can Remove Verse

Customers can remove the verse to build a blank card or to insert alternate text or image.

Can Re-write Verse

The card can include text written by the sender.

Can Select Verse from a Collection

Instead of offering only one verse, this option offers the sender many verses to choose from and insert into the card.

Other Features

Free Additional Accounts

Some services offer additional free accounts to members.

Account Management Ability

Service offers the ability to log in and manage account information such as contact or credit card information, or the ability to view favorite cards, sent cards or ordered cards.

Additional Free Projects for Members

Membership includes additional projects such as screensavers, interactive calendars, print projects, scrapbooking images, email stationary or other free offers.

No Minimum Order Requirement

The customer can purchase cards one at a time or as many as they want, without having to purchase a block of cards or a set of cards.

Gift Cards Available

Gift cards are like gift certificates. A customer can purchase them with a paper card and send them to the recipient as a gift.

Service Charges Additional Shipping Fee

Many services do not charge a shipping charge above the price of the card, but some charge shipping per order and offer different shipping methods.

Address Book

This member feature saves and organizes email addresses or street addresses for future use.

Reminders

A reminder will notify the member via email a set number of days before an important event.

Help/Support

eMail

Most sites offer email addresses for technical, sales and customer support.

Mail

Service offers a physical address or PO Box to send inquires.

Help Section on Website

A help section offers technical and other information to help the member utilize the tools or features of the site. Useful help sections explain icons, terms and membership services.

Telephone Support

Site offers telephone numbers and publishes hours of availability for the customer to direct questions or concerns.

Chat

A chat or instant message function enables members or customers to contact customer service while online.

FAQ

This stands for Frequently Asked Questions, many sites will publish a page that answers questions that customers ask often.

Fax

Service offers a fax number to direct orders or send inquires.

Glossary of Terms on Website

An online glossary relates definitions to industry terms used on the site.

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