'tis the season

Holiday FAQs

How to Order

Turnaround Times

Digitally printed cards are estimated to ship within 4-6 business days of proof approval.

Specialty printed cards are estimated to ship about 3 weeks from proof approval.

Please always check the estimated ship date on the product page, as we update this frequently based on current production schedule!

Ordering Deadlines

Our online shop will be open for Holiday orders until we close on Tuesday, December 23.

Please be sure to check the estimated ship window on every product if you need your item to arrive before Christmas

Proofing

We are thrilled to offer our new 'Instant Proof' option for digitally printed cards this year! This allows you to try out different designs and wording before placing your order. Once placed, your order goes straight to print!

If you would like a little more help from our Design Team, just choose 'Work with a Designer' instead, and you will be e-mailed a proof within 3 business days.

Due to the custom nature of specialty printed cards, our Design Team will always proof these for you.

Print Methods

Read more about the different print methods here.

Photos

  • Digitally printed cards allow for the photo to be printed directly onto the card. This is also the most cost effective option.
  • If you are ordering a digitally printed card but want to adhere your photos, just tell us in the order notes and we'll leave a blank space
  • Specialty printed cards (letterpress or foil) require physical, adhered photos.
  • The Essential Market does not offer photo printing, but we can design your card to fit any photo space.
  • We suggest mpix.com for printing your photos. Most of our cards are designed to fit these sizes for easy ordering!
  • If you would like to order your cards before you have your photos, no problem! Just be sure to tell us in the order notes so we can put your order on hold.

    To protect the integrity of photographers' work, The Essential Market will not edit at photos, and will print exactly as provided.

Envelope Liners

All envelope liners will come already assembled inside your envelopes.

Assembly & Mailing

The Essential Market is unable to offer any assembly of cards + photos or mailing/postage during the holiday season. Thank you for understanding!