Key Takeaways

• Enhance the Experience: Packaging inserts add a personal touch that boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Mix Up Your Inserts: Use thank you notes, discounts, samples, and guides to deliver value and drive repeat business.
• Keep It Fresh and Branded: Consistent design and regular updates help strengthen brand recognition and engagement.
• Make Unboxing Memorable: Thoughtful inserts turn simple deliveries into standout brand experiences.

Packaging inserts are a simple yet powerful way to elevate the customer experience and strengthen your brand. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of inserts, like thank you notes, discount offers, product samples, referral cards, and instructional guides and explain why they’re essential to your business strategy.

You’ll also discover how to use them effectively to leave a lasting impression, increase customer satisfaction, and encourage repeat purchases.

What are Packaging Inserts

Packaging inserts are printed materials, such as thank you notes, postcards, or discount cards, placed inside a package to create a more personal and engaging customer experience. These small additions can express appreciation, provide helpful information, or encourage future purchases.

From large retailers to independent sellers on platforms like eBay and Etsy, ecommerce businesses of all sizes use packaging inserts to build stronger customer relationships, boost satisfaction, and drive repeat sales. When thoughtfully designed, they act as mini brand ambassadors helping your business stand out and stay top of mind.

Did You Know: Packaging inserts give you a prime chance to leave a lasting impression on both existing and new customers while reinforcing your brand identity.

Why Packaging Inserts Matter

Every package you send is more than just a delivery, it’s a final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Long after the checkout click, the unboxing experience becomes a key moment where your brand can truly shine.

Thoughtful packaging inserts add that extra layer of care. Whether it’s a thank you note, a helpful tip card, or a surprise discount, these small touches can turn a routine shipment into something your customer remembers and talks about. They’re a simple, effective way to show appreciation, strengthen your brand message, and make your customer feel valued, all before they’ve even finished opening the box.

If you’re looking to turn first time buyers into loyal customers, inserts offer a cost effective and impactful way to keep your brand top of mind.

Types of Custom Inserts

They come in many forms, each designed to serve a unique purpose while enhancing the unboxing experience. Below are just a few packaging insert ideas that you may have come across one of these in a recent order, such as:

• Business Thank you Cards
• Personal Notes
• Promotional Cards
• Product Samples
• Discount Codes
• Product Information
• Return Shipping Labels

Each insert type can be thoughtfully tailored to align with your business goals; whether that’s sharing helpful information, inspiring brand loyalty, or simply delighting your customers from the moment they open the box.

Thank You Cards and Personal Notes

A simple thank you note can go a long way in building genuine connections with your customers. Whether it’s a handwritten note or printed, it’s one of the most affordable and meaningful ways to personalize a package and make someone feel truly appreciated.

Adding a note shows that there’s a real person behind the product someone who values their support. Research even suggests that thoughtful gestures like these can boost loyalty and increase the likelihood of repeat purchases. It’s a small touch that leaves an impression.

The more personal and authentic the message, the stronger the connection you create. Consider sharing a bit of your story or what their purchase means to you with your packing inserts.

• “Your support helps keep our family run shop going, and we’re truly grateful.”
• “This purchase helps fund our rescue dog shelter! Thank you for being part of something big.”

Free Product Samples

Adding a free product sample in your packaging is a thoughtful gesture that goes a long way in delighting customers and introducing them to more of what your brand has to offer. It’s an easy way to provide added value while encouraging customers to explore additional products they may not have discovered yet.

Samples can be especially effective for new product launches or seasonal items. They give customers a no pressure opportunity to try something new, right in the comfort of their own home. And when the sample aligns with their interests or complements their original purchase, it feels like a personalized experience rather than just a bonus.

Beyond creating excitement, free samples can also:

• Spark curiosity about your product range
• Increase the likelihood of future purchases
• Turn one-time buyers into brand advocates
• Encourage social sharing and word of mouth referrals

Free samples are a budget-friendly, high reward way to boost engagement, build loyalty, and keep your brand top of mind. They add a thoughtful touch to the unboxing experience and encourage future orders by giving customers a taste of what else your store has to offer.

Small Gifts Inserts

Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that leave the greatest impact. Including a small gift in your packaging whether it’s a branded sticker, keychain, or even a piece of candy adds an element of surprise that customers genuinely appreciate.

These tokens don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. When chosen with care, they show your customers that you’ve gone the extra mile to make their experience feel special. A small, unexpected gift not only enhances the unboxing moment but also helps reinforce your brand’s personality and values.

Here’s why small gifts are a smart addition to your packaging strategy:

• They create emotional connections that encourage positive brand associations
• They increase the likelihood of social sharing, especially if the gift is Instagram worthy or unique
• They make your brand more memorable, giving customers a reason to come back
• They show appreciation and remind the customer that their support truly matters

Product Review or a “Share on Social” Request

Encouraging customers to leave a review or share their purchase on social media is a simple yet effective way to strengthen your brand’s presence. Including a printed reminder or insert in your packaging, such as a branded card with your social handles, can prompt customers to stay engaged even after the sale.

Social media and online reviews are powerful tools for building trust and attracting new customers. A genuine testimonial or a photo shared by a happy customer can be more persuasive than any ad. These moments of authentic feedback help create a sense of connection and community around your brand.

Here’s how these requests can add value:

• Earn trust through real, relatable customer experiences
• Extend your reach as posts and tags introduce your brand to new audiences
• Foster loyalty by celebrating and engaging with customer content
• Boost visibility through consistent online mentions and reviews

Consider including a QR code that directs customers to your review page or offer a small incentive for tagging your brand on social media. These simple actions can inspire customers to share their experience, turning them into brand advocates who help spread the word in a meaningful and authentic way.

Product Information

Clear, concise product information placed inside your packaging is a smart way to enhance the overall experience while reducing confusion and follow up questions. It helps ensure customers feel informed, supported, and confident in using their purchase right from the start.

Whether it’s a care guide, user instructions, ingredient list, or safety tips, these inserts ensure your customer knows exactly how to get the most out of their purchase.

When customers feel informed, they feel confident and that confidence directly contributes to satisfaction and trust in your brand.

A well-designed product information insert can:

• Provide step by step instructions to simplify use or assembly
• Share care or maintenance tips to help extend the product’s life
• Include important details like materials, ingredients, or warranty information
• Reduce returns or support requests by answering common questions upfront

Think of it as a way to continue the conversation after the product has arrived. It shows that you care not just about the sale, but about your customer’s full experience with your product.

Discount Offers

Including a discount offer in your packaging, as one type of packaging insert, is a simple yet powerful way to encourage repeat purchases. When a customer receives a special offer alongside their order, it feels like a thank you gift and can be the nudge they need to shop with you again.

Whether it’s a percentage off their next order, free shipping, or a bundle deal, a well designed discount insert creates value while reinforcing your brand’s appreciation for their support. It’s also an effective way to introduce seasonal sales, promote new products, or cross sell complementary items.

Here are a few ideas for impactful discount inserts:

• “Thanks for your order! Enjoy 15% off your next purchase with discount code THANKYOU15.”
• “We appreciate your support—use this exclusive code for free shipping on your next order.”
• “Loved this product? Save 20% when you try our full collection of details inside.”

Printed on a high quality card with a design that reflects your brand, these inserts feel intentional and thoughtful, far more personal than a standard email promotion. And because they’re physically held and seen during the unboxing moment, they’re much more likely to be noticed and acted on.

They are a cost-effective tool that not only boosts sales but also helps build lasting relationships with your customers.

Did You Know: Discount cards or referral offers are a smart way to keep customers coming back. Everyone loves a good deal, and it's a proven tactic to turn one time buyers into repeat customers while boosting your bottom line.

Referral Cards

A well designed referral card is an effective way to spark word of mouth marketing while showing appreciation to loyal customers. Placing one in your packaging makes it easy for happy buyers to introduce your brand to friends and family while enjoying a reward for doing so.

Related Blog: Looking to attract new customers and grow your business? Discover how effective print marketing strategies can play a key role in strengthening your lead generation efforts and expanding your customer base.

Make your referral inserts stand out and provide more value by using friendly, motivating language that clearly highlights the benefits. For example:

• "Love what you ordered? Share it with a friend and you’ll both get 20% off your next purchase!"
• "Spread the word, save together—earn rewards every time you refer someone new."
• "Give $10, Get $10! It’s our way of saying thanks for growing our community."

Return Form or Return Shipping Label

If you’ve ever struggled to return an item from a small business, you know how quickly a frustrating experience can affect your decision to shop there again. That’s why providing a return form or pre-printed shipping label with your order isn’t just a nice gesture, it’s a smart business move.

Though it may seem counterintuitive, making returns easy and accessible can actually strengthen customer trust and long term satisfaction. In fact, research shows that 33% of customers prefer having a return label included in their original shipment. It offers peace of mind, reduces friction, and reassures shoppers that your business stands behind its products.

By aligning your return process with your customers' needs, you're showing that their experience matters beyond the purchase. This simple act of support helps build confidence in your brand, encourages repeat business, and positions your company as trustworthy, customer-focused, and easy to work with.

Best Practices for Custom Packaging Inserts

Effective custom packaging inserts should communicate key messages briefly and clearly. Experiment and adjust insert designs and messaging based on customer feedback and results.

Keep It Simple

Clear, concise messaging helps customers quickly absorb key information, which enhances their experience and minimizes confusion. A simple and effective way to elevate your inserts even further is by incorporating premium print features like Spot UV or Stamped Foil, adding a polished, professional finish that grabs attention and reinforces your brand’s quality.

Related Blog: Curious about which print finish is right for your insert project? Discover the key differences between glossy and matte finishes—and find out which one best suits your brand.

Consistent Branding

Custom design inserts that align with your brand’s look and feel play a key role in reinforcing recognition and building trust. When your packaging inserts reflect your brand’s colors, tone, and overall style, they help create a cohesive and professional impression.

Consistency in design including the use of your company logo reinforces brand identity and helps your business stay top of mind. A cohesive look across all materials enhances credibility and increases customer loyalty.

Regular Updates

Keeping your product inserts up to date ensures your packaging stays fresh, relevant, and aligned with customer expectations. Refreshing designs, rotating offers, or adding seasonal messages show that your brand is engaged and attentive, helping to gain customer loyalty, boost retention, and make a lasting impact.

Tips and Trick Guides

A tips and tricks guide is an excellent resource for your customers. It helps them maximize the use of your products. These guides can include anything from usage tips, care instructions, safety precautions, to eco friendly disposal instructions.

Providing helpful insights not only adds value to the customer experience but also shows that your brand genuinely cares about supporting and educating its audience. It’s a simple yet effective way to build trust, strengthen relationships, and reinforce your commitment to going beyond the sale.

Final Thought

Package inserts are more than just add ons; they are powerful tools that can transform the customer experience, build brand awareness, and drive repeat sales. Thoughtfully designed inserts that reflect your brand and include personal touches can turn a simple delivery into a memorable unboxing experience, one that delights customers and inspires them to share their experience with others.

From tips and trick guides to discount offers, product samples, and thank you cards, each type of insert serves a unique purpose in enhancing the customer journey.

Effectively implementing these strategies can boost customer satisfaction, drive positive word of mouth, and increase engagement across social media platforms, ultimately strengthening the relationship between your brand and its customers.