Printed greeting cards with a digital twist

Services that send print mail from an online application are no longer entirely new. What’s interesting about Enthusem is that the printed greeting cards it sends can include online attachments. Using Enthusem, which was launched last year by Florida-based Prospect Smarter, any company or individual can create and mail a printed, full-colour card using their own images, content and electronic attachments. Users begin by uploading their own artwork or choosing from Enthusem’s library of images. Next they enter the message they’d like printed on the card. Then they can elect to include an online attachment such as a video, brochure or resume, and it will be hosted on the Enthusem site at no charge; a 5-digit code then gets printed inside the card along with a brief explanation giving the recipient the URL of the landing page where it can be found. Once finished, Enthusem cards get inserted in a transparent vellum envelope—allowing the recipient to see what’s inside even before they’ve opened it—and sent out via First Class mail. When the recipient views the attachment, an email notification is instantly sent to the sender, alerting them that it has been successfully picked up. There are no monthly or subscription fees on Enthusem, and the first card a user sends is free. After that, each individual card costs about USD 3, with bulk pricing discounts and corporate accounts available. Electronic and printed mail both have distinct advantages for both personal and business use, but Enthusem seems to go a long way toward combining the best of both worlds. Though the service currently sends mail only within the United States, international capabilities are coming soon; one to help bring to your part of the world? (Related: More free (and enhanced) snail mail options — Snail mail sent directly from any app to any country — A paperless alternative to the postal system.) Spotted by: Rick Rochon