KENYA · GUIDE 0875 · EDITION 4.2
Handmade greeting cards in Kenya: Records and Planning Worksheets
Keep evidence that answers a real operating question
For handmade greeting cards, the record should connect the promised output, its cost and the buyer's acceptance. Begin with:
Track complete card dimensions, assembly steps, personalization revisions, envelope issues, buyer reactions to wording, and sales by occasion before increasing stock for a seasonal selling period.
An order and acceptance record
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Output and exclusions | Offer card ranges around an identifiable occasion and recipient tone, specifying internal message space, envelope fit, personalization options, and production cutoffs for time sensitive orders. |
| Sale unit | card |
| Acceptance check | Ask a reviewer to read the complete card and envelope pairing, checking spelling, fold alignment, message space, embellishment security, and whether the finished item fits cleanly. |
| Missed-cost check | Include artwork preparation, test prints, adhesive drying, spoiled folds, envelopes, protective sleeves, and small personalization changes when comparing repeat cards with one off customer commissions. |
| Failure to investigate | An attractive cover loses its purpose when an awkward fold or bulky decoration prevents the envelope closing, creating delivery difficulties that a flat design proof would miss. |
Add the date, private customer reference, agreed price, advance, balance, promised handover and actual acceptance. Record a change before carrying it out. An unresolved complaint needs its own action and follow-up date rather than being overwritten by the next order.
A supplier and cost record
For each required input, record the specification, quantity, supplier identity, quote date, delivered cost, payment terms and reason for selection. Match the record to the receipt and inspect what arrived. Keep one-time setup, recurring inputs and refundable deposits in separate categories so that the same cash movement is not counted twice.
A weekly review
Compare accepted output with started output; reconcile money collected with outstanding balances; investigate rework and returns. Review whether measured capacity can meet the next commitment. A positive surplus estimate does not remove a shortage of cash caused by late collection.
Use sources within their stated scope
- KEBS Standardization Mark — Locally manufactured product certification and applicable standards; product-specific classification must be confirmed. Reference recorded 2026-10-26.
- Kenya National Rights Registry — Copyright ownership records and registration channel; not permission to reproduce another creator’s work. Reference recorded 2026-10-26.
- Competition Authority of Kenya: Consumer Protection — Misleading representations, unsuitable or unsafe goods and complaint handling. Reference recorded 2026-10-26.
- DOSHS mandate and occupational safety legislation — Workplace safety and competent inspection; does not establish a universal rental licence. Reference recorded 2026-10-26.
These references route sector and activity questions. They do not independently establish local customer demand, supplier stock, a complete budget or business profitability. A reference date records the earlier check; it is not a claim that every linked requirement was reverified today.
The complete downloadable guide includes editable planning worksheets. Save backups privately when they contain personal, customer or supplier information. These planning forms do not replace required statutory records or professional advice for a regulated task.
Evidence register for this particular offer
- Cricut: Pearl Paper Cutting Instructions - Manufacturer stock-specific cutting reference; settings are not universal for other cardstock. Recorded 2026-10-26.
- CPSC: Art and Craft Safety Guide - Art-material hazard overview; not Kenyan product certification or proof that a selected material is suitable. Recorded 2026-10-26.
These recorded references support only their stated scope. They do not establish current supplier stock, actual local demand, operator competence or complete commercial feasibility. Preserve source dates and record new checks separately.
Match the evidence to a decision
| Decision question | Business-specific record to retain |
|---|---|
| Was the input fit for use? | Confirm exact sheet size, grain and pack quantity; test scoring before buying a large bundle. |
| Was the work acceptable? | Count accepted cards rather than printed sheets; remove misprints and any card whose fold or collage fails. |
| What remains unresolved? | Actual stock, printer compatibility, adhesive quantity and envelope fit are untested. |
The operating pack provides an itemised quote tool, supplier request, sales draft, job card, quality response sheet, evidence gaps, operations desk and cashflow/launch-review workbook. Keep a separate private backup per actual job and per scenario. Test restoring it before closing the original. Exported files may contain customer or supplier information; do not publish completed private records as SEO content.