Nuts & Bolts – GCU Artist Commission Structure effective 1/1/26

Nuts & Bolts – GCU Artist Commission Structure effective 1/1/26

Effective January 1, 2026, Greeting Card Universe will be making the following adjustments to our artist commission structure. While GCU continues to be supported by a loyal customer base, our revenues have declined in each of the past three years.  At the same time, our margins have faced ongoing pressure due to rising shipping and material costs, increased marketing and paid-search expenses, and the broader impact of inflation on consumer spending. These factors have made the following changes necessary at this time.

These updates will go into effect on January 1, 2026:

– The premium earnings thresholds will increase to $375 for Q1, Q2, and Q3 (previously $250), and $750 for Q4 (previously $500).
– Premium earnings will be paid at 50% of standard earnings (previously 100%).

– Artists who meet the premium earnings thresholds will in essence see a 25% reduction in their total earnings.

– Artists who do not meet the premium earnings thresholds will see no change in their total earnings.

– The minimum payout amount will increase to $50 (currently $25).

Please know that these decisions were not made lightly. We carefully evaluated many alternatives before arriving at this course of action. We plan to reassess GCU’s financial health at the end of 2026, and it is our sincere hope that improved conditions will allow us to revisit—and potentially reverse—some of these commission adjustments.

Please see the forum post for full details here.

Mindy

GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com