14 DAY TRIAL // An iOS app that enables you to send physical greeting cards to your loved ones from Cardstore is giving Apple’s own Cards application a run for its money.
With Cardstore Mobile, International shipping costs just $2.99 (2.4 EUR), as opposed to what Apple charges for the same service ($4.99, or about 4 EUR). Plus, you get to choose from 100 designs.
You can add personal photos, include messages, and even upload a signature. The Cardstore Mobile app provides every iPhone and iPad owner with the ability to select a card, personalize it, and then have it sent as a physical card to their loved one. Apple’s app does the same, only it charges a bit more.
That’s not to say Apple’s fee isn’t justified. The company puts on offer some awesome card designs of its own, and the card gets imprinted on 100 percent cotton paper with an elegant debossed design.
Still, if you’re not looking for anything too fancy, or if you’re planning to send out a dozen cards, the difference in pricing suddenly becomes substantial. Shipping occurs within 3-5 business days, or 7-15 days internationally. Cardstore will stamp and send the cards via US postal service.
"We're thrilled to bring our customers yet another easy way to personalize and send their greetings, whether they're waiting in line or on the go," said Ann-Marie McGowan, general manager of Cardstore.
"They get to do all the fun stuff like adding a personal message, inserting a favorite picture and then signing the card with their finger. We'll then print it as a real card and mail it to wherever they tell us to."
Cardstore Mobile is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad, and requires iOS 4.2 or later.