eCards Explained: Why Digital Beats Paper (and How to Send an eCard)

Remember the days when a physical card would go around the office? Signatures became tinier and tinier until you were basically writing diagonally in the corner. And it inevitably would get buried under a pile of paperwork on someone’s desk, and then the organizer had to spend an hour asking, “Have you seen Mike’s farewell card?”. 

Enter the eCard: the digital glow-up of the humble greeting card. With GroupTogether, eCards aren’t just convenient - they’re thoughtful, collaborative and dare we say, way more fun than paper. (Sorry, Hallmark.)

So what exactly is an eCard, why are they taking over and how do you make one that gets people talking? Buckle up, because we’ve got the complete guide.

What is an eCard?

An eCard (short for electronic card) is the digital version of a traditional greeting card. Instead of a paper card, it’s created and often sent online. 

A group eCard is similar! Instead of passing around a paper card for everyone to sign, you share a link and let your group add their personal touch — messages, GIFs, photos, memes, the works.

The result? A digital keepsake that can be sent instantly.

Why Digital (eCards) Beat Paper Every Time

Let’s be real: paper cards had their moment, but digital is where the magic’s at.

• Unlimited messages: No more running out of space. With GroupTogether, we’ve seen farewell cards with hundreds of messages — and every single one felt special.
• Still printable: Prefer something tangible? With GroupTogether, you can download a PDF and print it. The best of both worlds!
• Personalized & professional: Choose from 1000s of card designs, add your company logo, customize the look and create a card that feels truly thoughtful.
• Instant & global: Whether your group is in Sydney, San Francisco or sipping coconuts in Bali…everyone can sign from anywhere. Perfect for remote teams spread across time zones.
• Forever lasting: No more lost-in-a-drawer cards. eCards live online and can be re-read forever.
• Eco-friendly: For those who are sustainability savvy, skipping the paper card aisle and switching to digital is a game-changer.

Free eCards: What to Watch Out For

Ah yes, the lure of the freebie. But beware: not all free eCards are created equal.

• They often run ads on your card (nothing kills the mood like a pop-up for discount insurance).
• Privacy? Questionable. Worth investigating what they’re doing with your data.
• Feature limits (think: only 1–2 contributors, basic templates, no logo).

At GroupTogether, our pricing is simple and transparent:

• No ads.
• Unlimited contributors.
• Unlimited message length.
• Discounts when you buy packs of group cards.
• We never sell your data. 

Sometimes, you really do get what you pay for.

Corporate eCards & Remote Teams

Here’s where eCards shine brightest: the workplace. Especially for remote or hybrid teams.

• Birthdays: Everyone can sign, no matter where they’re dialling in from.
• Farewells & Retirements: Collect heartfelt memories across the globe.
• Work anniversaries: Easy recognition that still feels personal.
• Onboarding & Welcomes: Nothing says “you belong here” like a team-wide card waiting in your inbox. Ask everyone to add a photo so they can remember who’s who in the zoo.
• Shout-outs & Appreciation: A card from the team for a job well done beats a Slack emoji any day.

Companies love eCards because they scale and they’re perfect for remote teams and offices spread across the country (or world). Whether it’s 10 people or 10,000, you can celebrate milestones without a logistical nightmare.

eCard Ideas for Every Occasion

You can send an eCard for literally anything, but here are some of the classics:

• Birthday eCards: Add funny GIFs, inside jokes and a few embarrassing photos.
• Farewell eCards: Make goodbyes a little sweeter at the office.
• Retirement eCards: Create a heartfelt keepsake in minutes to celebrate their career. Unlimited messages is a game-changer here, especially if they’ve been at the company for a while.
• Work Anniversary eCards: Celebrate coworker “workiversary” milestones with a heartfelt keepsake from the whole team.
• Thank You eCards: Because gratitude should be easy.
• Baby Shower eCards: Unlimited space for “sleep while you can!” jokes.
• Engagement & Wedding eCards: Perfect for group congratulations.
• Graduation eCards: From college to PhDs, perfect for family or friends to say congrats.
• Get Well Soon eCards: Send love without sharing germs.
• Condolence / Memorial eCards: A digital space for collective support.
• Teacher eCards: Let the whole class sign a card to thank the teacher online.
• Coach eCards: The perfect way to say “thanks coach” at the end of the sports season.

Basically, if Hallmark has a card for it, so do eCards. (Only better.)

Why GroupTogether’s eCards Are a Game-Changer

Other platforms limit you. We don’t. With GroupTogether, you get:

• Unlimited messages (bring it on, extroverts).
• Gift collection option - you can let your group put in for a gift when they sign the card (AU and US only). 
• Download as a PDF to print, or keep it digital. It’s your choice.
• Simple pricing - it’s $5.50 per card, or save with packs. Easy.
• Choose from 1000s of card designs or upload your own.
• Beautiful recipient experience - they’ll receive a personalised embossed envelope with their eCard inside (we spent hours making it gorgeous). 

GroupTogether cards are beautiful keepsakes that people actually want to keep. We once had a card so big, someone bound it into a book - true story.

FAQs About eCards

How do I send an eCard?

With GroupTogether, it’s as easy as: create → share link → let everyone sign → schedule delivery. Done.

Can I print an eCard?

Yep! With GroupTogether you can download as a PDF and print it. We’ve even seen people turn them into books.

Are there free eCards?

Yes - but beware of ads, limits and privacy issues. GroupTogether keeps it simple and safe.

Are eCards good for remote teams?

They’re perfect. Everyone can sign, no matter where they are, making celebrations inclusive.

Why are eCards better than paper?

Unlimited contributors, eco-friendly, instant delivery, no lost-in-the-office disasters.

How much do eCards cost?

With GroupTogether, you can buy a group card for $5.50 or save with packs. No subscriptions needed.

Final thoughts...

Paper cards? Cute.

eCards? Smarter, eco-friendly and built for the way we live and work now.

With GroupTogether you get unlimited messages, a printable card that feels like a real card and the option to collect money for a gift. How good!

Meet the experts

Ali + Julie

Co-Founders, GroupTogether.

Life’s busy. That’s why we’re here to make it easy for you to collect money from a group. Less wasted time, less packaging waste, and spending a little less but giving a lot better!