Frequently Asked Questions

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Answers

Q1:	Does it cost anything?
A1:	No, your artist account is completely free. As we make improvements we may offer some advanced services and features at a nominal fee. You will be clearly notified if and when these are made available.

Q2:	Is it easy to set up my cards?
A2:	Yes. You upload your images, create the card messages and provide details to profile them as cards and that's it! Sit back and watch them sell.

Q3:	What if I need help getting set up?
A3:	The registration and set up process is fairly simple with helpful common questions. If you need future assistance email our artist support team.

Q4:	Do I keep the rights to my images?
A4:	Absolutely! Yes, you keep the rights to your images. Click here for GCU Terms and Conditions.

Q5:	What precautions have you taken to protect my images?
A5:	We have implemented the two following precautions to protect your images. All images, except for thumbnails and Ecards, will be watermarked. Additionally, on all images we have disabled the right click function.

Q6:	What are the file format specifications for uploading card images?
A6:	The quality of your printed card is a direct result of the quality of the image or photo that you supply. For best results, start with a clear, shadow free, high-resolution image. Please note, you will need to upload a digital image that can be printed as the front cover of the greeting card. Pictures of cards will not be accepted. File Format: JPEG File Size: up to 3.85MB Dimension: 5x7 inches or 7x5 inches Resolution: 180dpi minimum / 300dpi recommended Template: click to download

Q7:	Do you have any tools to help me prepare my image properly?
A7:	Yes, the best way to ensure proper layout and resolution is by using our template. Download the template.

Q8:	I don't want an online store, can I still join?
A8:	Yes, you do not have to setup an online store in order to offer your cards. Simply bypass the store setup steps.

Q9:	Do I have to make my images available as free Ecards?
A9:	No. You have the option to individually offer your images as free Ecards or not. When an Ecard is sent we will let the sender know that it is also available as a printed card.

Q10:	How are orders fulfilled and cards printed?
A10:	We process the orders and online checkout and the cards are physically printed and fulfilled by our trusted print on demand partner.

Q11:	What is ''Powered by BigDates-Solutions''?
A11:	BigDates-Solutions.com is the leader in reminder service solutions licensing its reminder service technology to other companies branded "Powered by BigDates-Solutions". A key element of BigDates reminder services is the suggestions in each email reminder. These suggestions are appropriate paper greeting cards, free Ecards and gifts. The appropriateness is based on the type of event, gender of the receiver, relationship of the sender and receiver, age of the receiver, etc.

Q12:	What about embellished cards?
A12:	Sorry, since we do not inventory physical cards we can not accommodate hand-made cards or cards with embellishments like embossing, glitter, fabrics, ribbons, etc.

Q13:	Where do the card buyers come from?
A13:	Cards buyers come from sites that are in the 'Powered by BigDates-Solutions'� network. Greeting Card Universe is the exclusive greeting card provider for BigDates. You'll enjoy marketing and site traffic that these other sites employ. You don't have to lift a finger! Click here to see "Powered by BigDates-Solutions" sites.

Q14:	How do I know how much traffic my store and cards are getting?
A14:	We provide you with activity reports. The activity report will show you how many times your store has been visitied, cards clicked and purchased as well as Ecards sent.

Q15:	How much money will I earn?
A15:	You will earn up to $0.56 for each of your paper cards sold. Artist payments will be made thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter if the amount owed exceeds twenty-five dollars ($25). You can increase your minimum payment amount. Click here for Payment Information in Account Information.

Q16:	How will my fees be paid?
A16:	We pay by check. There are no additional postal or service fees. We can also pay via PayPal. Click here for Payment Information in Account Information.

Q17:	Who collects payment from the customer?
A17:	Greeting Card Universe handles the ecommerce transaction.

Q18:	Are there quantity discounts?
A18:	Yes, there are quantity discounts for larger card orders. You will earn a different amount per card based on the overall size of the order. Click here for Quantity Discount Pricing.

Q19:	Is there an approval process?
A19:	Yes, we review card images to make sure they are appropriate and that the service is not being misused. You are required to accept the image terms and conditions with each image. Click here for image Terms and Conditions.

Q20:	How will buyers find my cards?
A20:	Most sites that are part of the "Powered by BigDates-Solutions" network will be offering your cards. Buyers will see your cards either as results to keyword searches or through card category listings. They may also see your cards as suggestions in important date email reminders. Also your cards will be offered on GreetingCardUniverse.com along with all other artists' cards and exclusively on your online storefront.

Q21:	How do my cards get suggested?
A21:	Suggestions and keyword search results depend on how you profiled your card. Specific and relevant event type, age category, gender and other essentials that specify what kind of card it is and when/who it is appropriate for.

Q22:	On which sites will my cards be offered?
A22:	Your cards may be offered on sites in the "Powered by BigDates-Solutions network". It's a constantly growing list as we add more sites. Click here to see "Powered by BigDates-Solutions" list.

Q23:	When do my cards appear on these other sites?
A23:	GCU cards are updated on "Powered by BigDates-Solutions" sites once every 24 hours. The update adds new cards, refreshes changed cards and removes deleted cards.

Q24:	How can I make sure my cards are suggested in the email reminders?
A24:	When you upload your images and create your cards you will walk through a profiling step. This step is very important and specifies the details to categorize your cards and "match" them to the appropriate reminder. The more specific the better. Examples: event type (birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc.), age (16, 21, 40, and age ranges), gender (male or female), relationship (sister, husband, mother, friend, etc.), hobbies & interests (sports, animals, gardening, etc.) and more.

Q25:	What do email reminders look like?
A25:	Email reminders vary in design and content site by site. There are also differences depending on how many days before the event. They can include suggestions of specific paper greeting cards, gifts and free ecards. Click here to see sample reminder emails.

Q26:	How can I increase my cards exposure?
A26:	First, make sure your cards are profiled accurately and completely. Secondly, you can use our card category report to see which categories need cards and create cards for those categories.

Q27:	How can I be a ''featured artist'' on your homepage?
A27:	To be among the artists rotated in our "Featured Artist" spot your store needs to have 15 or more cards.

Q28:	Do you want my paper card inventory?
A28:	No, we do not keep a physical inventory. All cards are printed on demand that significantly reduces costs, gives us flexibility and we're never out of stock!

Q29:	Is there a limit to the number of cards I can offer?
A29:	No, there is not a limit at this time. In the future, depending on usage there may be a limit or a nominal fee for a premium number of cards offered.

Q30:	Can I order my own cards for my own use?
A30:	Yes! This is a great and affordable way for you to print your own cards. Whether it's for a tradeshow or small sale, simply order what you want through GreetingCardUniverse or your own online storefront and pay just like any other online customer.

Q31:	What will my cards look like?
A31:	We strongly encourage you to preview your cards carefully at each step (a large view is available to preview the inside text) and use the spell check feature. Your card will print exactly as you enter and create. You are responsible for the accuracy of your cards. If you would like to see an actual sample you will need to order a card like an online customer.

Q32:	What are your terms and conditions of service?
A32:	Click here to see GCU Terms and Conditions.

Q33:	What size are the cards and what paper do you use?
A33:	Cards are folded and based on orientation are 5 inches by 7 inches (portrait) or 7 inches by 5 inches (landscape). Cards are printed on 100 pound cover stock that is similar in quality to cards you would find in an art museum gift shop and envelope stock is 80 lbs, Classic Crest. You select card finish matte or UV coated (glossy finish).

Q34:	What are my image responsibilities?
A34:	Each artist is responsible for their own content. As stated in the GCUniverse Terms & Conditions accepted at registration, you must have written approval from the appropriate entity and/or a model release to use their images, or the images are in violation. Some guidelines to follow: 1. You must have a signed consent form to use the photo or likeness of: A minor under the age of eighteen (18) where the face is recognizable - such release is needed from their parent or guardian An adult where the face is recognizable and the photo was taken at a non-public event, such as someone walking down the street - such release is needed from that person 2. You represent that the use of the image will not infringe the copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, right of privacy, right of publicity, intellectual property right, moral right or any other legal right of any party. This applies to any brand names & images, sporting team names, logos & images, famous people and their likenesses even in caricature and more. For example: Musicians - Janis Joplin, Elvis, etc. Actors/Celebrities - Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, etc. Sporting Teams - NY Giants, Dallas Cowboys, etc. Vehicles - Ferrari, VW, Harley Davidson, etc Brands - Dos Equis, Ghirardelli, etc. Similarly this applies to keywords of the same nature that would produce unauthorized and misleading search results. Note, vehicle manufacturers have protectable trade dress rights in the distinctive shapes of their vehicles. The unique exterior design and shape of the vehicle is their `mark� or `trade dress' which distinguish the vehicle's exterior shape not simply as distinctively attractive designs, but as the Manufacturer�s creations. This �trade dress� right bars the use of any silhouette, picture, caricature, or reproduction of the shape or appearance of the Manufacturer�s vehicle.

Q35:	What are your Adult Content guidelines?
A35:	In general, GCUniverse will not accept any images or creative content to be printed that depict or are considered to be sexually explicit, violence, drug use, hate or profanity. Specifically: * Nudity � No frontal nudity. This includes but is not limited to all types of work; photographic, digital, sketch, watercolor, etc. Exceptions to nudity are: Lingerie, g-string, thong, undergarments, swimwear, wet t-shirts, pasties where specifically nipples are NOT visible are OK. See-through or transparent clothing is NOT allowed. Rear or buttock nudity is OK

Q36:	What should I do if another artist is misusing my original creative works?
A36:	GCUniverse will not tolerate the copying of another artist's creative work and enforces this policy in order to prevent such misuse, which includes images/art and verses. All GCUniverse artists have agreed to and accepted in the Terms & Conditions that they have or own the rights to use and sell all images/art and verse they submit. Granted there may often be similar ideas and concepts, even verses, however at no time should an artist's cards be a clear "copy cat" of another's image/art or unique verse. GCUniverse has the right, and will upon our discretion terminate an artist from GCU and their use of our site and services. To report misuse of your creative works please send an email to: reportabuse@greetingcarduniverse.com

Q37:	Can I cancel my account?
A37:	First, we'd like to hear from you. If there are features and fixes you think we should consider please share them with us. We'll evaluate them and perhaps update the site for the benefit of other users. You can cancel your account at any time. Your account and online store will be closed and your cards will be removed. Please allow up to 24 hours for your cards to be removed from "Powered by BigDates-Solutions" sites. Click here to cancel your account.