Creative Customer Inserts to Include in Your Holiday Shipments

The holiday season can be a busy time for small business owners, but it can also be a catalyst for meaningful customer connections. As orders come in, going the extra mile and including “thank you” inserts in your shipments can help you stand out, embrace the spirit of appreciation, and foster lasting customer relationships.

Although it may seem like a small gesture, thank you cards can have a big impact. By including the customer’s name and expressing your genuine appreciation for their order, you help create a personalized experience, which 81% of consumers prefer from companies.

Recent research on personalization found that consumers respond positively when brands show an investment in the relationship rather than simply the transaction, with 78% reporting that personalized communication made them more likely to make repeat purchases, and the same number saying it makes them more likely to recommend companies that personalize to friends and family.

Taking steps to create this experience when customers receive their shipment can go a long way. To help spotlight your small business in the best possible way, we’ve outlined creative yet practical tips for making these inserts festive and memorable, as well as how to print them professionally for a polished final touch.

In this post, we cover:

• What should small business owners include on “thank you” inserts?
• “Thank you” insert design tips small businesses should keep in mind
• “Thank you” insert printing tips

What should small business owners include on “thank you” inserts?

Moving away from generic “thank you” messages and offering a more personalized, creative touch can make a big difference. Here are some tips to consider when deciding what to include on the note card:

Write your “thank you” insert by hand

A survey on Millennials found that 87% value handwritten notes over other forms of communication, such as an email or text. While it can be entirely up to your hand-writing comfort level, there is often something special about receiving a hand-written note, especially around the holidays when customers may already be opening holiday cards from friends and loved ones. If that’s too much of a lift, consider personally signing each insert instead.

Start with the customer’s name

Using the customer’s name can create a more personalized experience. For example, you can start the note with, “Thank you, [insert name], for supporting our local small business this holiday season!” This helps acknowledge their contribution and keeps things festive.

Share details about the product(s)

Adding a brief mention of the product(s) a customer ordered, such as the backstory of how they were made, can make the purchase feel more personal. For example, you can include, “We hope you love your [product name]! Each one uses locally sourced materials and is made in small batches by our team.”  

Include a discount code for a future purchase

A “thank you” insert can be a great way to increase the likelihood of repeat purchases. A discount code made specifically for purchases in the new year, such as “THANKYOU10,” can help keep the theme of your “thank you” insert while also encouraging them to make an additional purchase after the holidays, which can help you attract them to potentially new inventory.

If you’re looking to add to the customer experience, a scratch-to-reveal section with the code underneath can add to the excitement. 

Add QR codes directing to other products a customer may like

67% of consumers value receiving relevant product/service recommendations after their first purchase. A creative way to spruce up your “thank you” insert is by adding QR codes to a couple more items, along with a note that says, “Because you ordered [insert items], I think you should check out these items that I picked out for you,” for example.  This, along with a discount code, can be a great motivator.

Share the story behind your small business

New research by Interac shows Canadians are moving away from big-box purchases, with 78% redirecting at least one monthly purchase to a local business instead. While there are a variety of reasons for the swap, additional research finds that 50% do so to help small businesses succeed, and 46% because of the owner’s friendliness and vibe.

Many customers care about the people behind the brands they support, and sharing a short version of your small business’s story in your holiday insert can help strengthen that emotional connection. Let customers know what inspired you to start your business, your mission and values, how you’re engaged in the community, and/or how their purchase makes a difference. This is an opportunity to let that customer know more about your business, stay top-of-mind, and highlight how there’s a person behind the transaction.

Add a QR code that links to a video message

You are not limited to just what is printed on the card. Consider adding a QR code to the insert that links to a short video featuring you or your team, which can add a creative, personal touch. Since it’s the holidays, you could include festive music and share a behind-the-scenes look at your workplace, showcasing how your team resembles “busy elves in the workshop” making orders. Let your personality shine through!

Share a recipe or tip related to your product

Adding a practical or fun extra to your “thank you” insert can be a great way to make your package more memorable. Sharing a recipe or helpful tip that connects to the product(s) you’ve shipped can add value for the customer and show you care. For example, if you sell curated food baskets, consider adding a short recipe for something that pairs well with the items in the basket or tips for effectively storing certain items. For added creativity and a festive flair, recommend a holiday movie a customer could watch while enjoying the product, if that makes sense for your small business.

“Thank you” insert design tips small businesses should keep in mind

The content of the insert is important, but its design is equally essential, as you want to increase the likelihood that your customers read it. Here are some tips to consider:

• Maintain branded elements but keep imagery festive: Brand awareness and recognition are important elements as a small business looking to stand out in your market, and maintaining branded elements can help achieve that. In your “thank you” inserts, add your logo, brand colours, and font so it’s clear the insert is associated with your business, but consider adding holiday-themed outlines on the font, such as snowmen, trees, snowflakes, stockings, etc.
• Add a photo or collage: Adding a festive photo of you and/or your team can add a personal touch to the design. If you’re looking for something that stands out, consider snapping pictures of the process associated with creating and/or packaging the customer’s shipment and adding holiday imagery (e.g., Santa hats, red and green borders, etc.).
• Include additional items in festive shapes: If your main insert needs to stay a standard postcard size or folded card, you can still add holiday flair by including extra items shaped for the season, such as festive stickers, photo frames, bookmarks, or even QR codes designed like ornaments or snowflakes. These small touches can make the package more fun and memorable without changing your main card’s layout.

“Thank you” insert printing tips for small business owners

Once you have decided on the design and content for your “thank you” insert, it is time to print. There are some key elements to keep in mind to help add professional quality without breaking the bank:

Select the cardstock type for your “thank you” insert

There are a variety of cardstock types to choose from that can impact the overall feel of the insert:

• 100 lb. stock (standard) is the thinnest option, which is still thicker than printer paper, and it is a far more economical choice.
• 14-point stock (premium) is the most common option, as it is flexible without being too flimsy.
• 16-point stock (deluxe) can offer a premium feel because of its thickness and quality but can be pricier than other options.

While a thicker option can feel high-quality, it is important to choose one that fits your budget.

Choose a paper finish

The front of a foldable greeting card, or the front imagery of a postcard, can have either a floss or a matte finish. A matte finish is popular thanks to its sleek, modern appearance, while a glossy finish adds shine that can make the design and colours stand out. Selecting the right one for your “thank you” insert will depend on the design you choose.

Consider the dimensions for a “thank you” insert

You don’t want your insert to feel too cramped with text and imagery, but anything too large could overwhelm customers to read or may not fit in the shipping container. If you plan to include more personalized elements, a folded greeting card can help keep the design separate from your message, allowing more space. However, if you would like your insert to be more image-heavy, a double-sided postcard can be a great option.

Print “thank you” inserts at The UPS Store

The UPS Store can help you meet your small business needs with our professional printing services. If you prefer to talk things through with one of our team members, please visit a location near you to get started. However, if you have an idea in mind, our online printing service offers greeting cards and postcards with several options to help personalize your insert for your small business.