Tag View: Package Inserts

PIP Series: Part 4: A full turnkey solutioni

As Connections continues its series of articles covering some of the most asked questions regarding how to set up a money-making package insert program (PIP) we turn to a subject that is just as important as the selling of the advertising campaigns themselves and that is the back end operations that go into ensuring that the campaigns happen as planned.

One of the understandable concerns is always around the fulfillment of these package insert campaigns once booked.

Obtaining full buy-in from the personnel in distribution centers (DCs) and warehouses is a crucial component that a successful PIP campaign cannot function without. With years of experience in setting up PIP projects from scratch, here are a few of our top tips:

1) Overcommunicate - Including the DCs in the process from the start enables an open dialogue where processes can be mutually agreed on and the success of the PIP can feel like a commonly owned objective. Not just something the DC staff have had foisted on them.

2) Introduce a collated envelope when required - As the PIP starts to grow in popularity, there will come a point where the number of loose inserts becomes too much for the DC team to handle. When this happens, Connections gathers all the inserts and collates them into a branded envelope, so the DC staff only have one item to insert at a time, rather than multiple items.

3) Get ongoing feedback - Advertisers need to know that their campaigns are running as planned. For them to be reassured—and to measure the response accurately—they need to know how many ads have been distributed and when the campaign is scheduled to end. Regular check-ins with the DC staff ensure that this information is always up to date and can be communicated in a timely manner.

Connections are a one-stop shop for all prospective PIP partners. From sales to logistics. From reporting to accounts. 

PIP Series: Part 3: How do you ensure that only the right brands make it into your package

One of the most common objectives that we have heard from prospective retail partners over the years has been a concern about the quality of advertisers that may be placed into their packages.

Minds immediately turn to direct mail campaigns and door-to-door advertising.

Undoubtedly, the e-commerce companies do not want their brand devalued or to run the risk of annoying their customers by partnering with brands or campaigns that do not accurately reflect the customer experience they want.

At Connections, we have a two-step process to ensure that no advertising campaign will ever make it into one of our PIPs without repeated sign-off by the ecommerce company.

Step 1 - As soon as our sales team starts a conversation with a prospective advertiser, we ask for approval from the retailer to continue the dialogue. If we don't receive that approval, the conversation with the prospective advertiser ends there.

Step 2 - Then, once the green light has been given for us to continue our conversation, there is a non-negotiable stipulation that the campaign creative has to be seen and cleared by the retailer before the campaign can be confirmed.

This simple two-step process ensures the type of complementary, non-competitive partnership that is a win-win for all parties.

If you are a retailer that has been nervous about accepting third-party advertising into your packages, get in touch, and we would be happy to help you generate meaningful incremental income straight away.

PIP Series: Part 2: How much might a package insert program be worth to us?

Package Insert Programs (PIPs) are an extremely effective way to generate incremental revenue for your e-commerce business.
Working with a specialist PIP expert, such as Connections (US, Canada), will instantly generate additional revenue through complimentary, non-competitive advertising partnerships with well-known, trusted brands like HelloFresh, Chewy, Harry's, and many more.
As marketing budgets contract and many ecommerce businesses are being asked to do more with less, the introduction of meaningful incremental revenue from the launch of a well-managed PIP is a desirable option for all ecommerce businesses.

The packages are being sent out regardless of whether they contain revenue-generating advertising collateral or not. So, for no additional cost, e-commerce companies can start using this additional revenue stream to plug the hole that may have resulted from reduced marketing budgets.

One of the questions we get most often here at Connections is: How much money could I expect to generate if my e-commerce company were to launch a PIP?
The answer to that is one that nobody ever wants to hear! And that is 'it depends'.

 
It depends on the sector your ecommerce company operates in, the volume of packages your business sends out on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, the level of advertiser appetite for your audience, and, of course, the CPMs (cost per thousand) that Connections is able to obtain from advertisers.

However, Connections is always trying to help potential PIP partners to understand the 'size of the prize' and to that end we have developed a revenue calculator.

Simply follow this link https://exactconnections.com/tools-retail-revenue-calculator and input the information as requested. The calculator will then generate a ballpark figure for what your program could be worth.

 
Once you have done that and you are ready to talk, please feel free to get in touch. https://exactconnections.com/join-connections

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Connections and Logistics

The Insert world is constantly evolving—just like the logistics industry. That’s why strong partnerships between Connections and logistics providers are essential to ensure the Insert program runs efficiently and reliably. Companies like FitzMark play a key role in this process, offering a full range of freight services, from LTL(less than truckload) to FTL (full truck load), to help meet the unique needs of advertisers. With the logistics landscape changing rapidly, staying up to date can be challenging—but it’s also where the right partners make all the difference.

Having someone with a logistics background on our team gives advertisers and clients a distinct advantage. Through tools like Dash for load tracking and advanced bar code programs, Connections can now offer full visibility from online or in-store purchase all the way to the customer’s doorstep. Advertisers can track their inserts from the moment they leave a distribution center, through placement by a distribution employee, to final delivery. This level of transparency has transformed the insert experience, giving both advertisers and customers real-time insights and confidence in every delivery.

PIP Series: Part 1: What exactly is a package insert program?

For many years now we at Connections have been bringing retail partners and advertisers together through online and offline partnerships.

The work that we do with our retail partners has evolved and now incorporates digital partnerships such as dedicated emails sent by complementary advertisers to a retailer's opted in email database, partnerships on a retailer's own social media pages, in-store giveaways and many more.

But the foundation of all these programs are, as they always have been, package insert programs.

A Package Insert Program (PIP) is the longest-established and most consistent of all the available partnership channels.

These are the offers from the likes of Hello Fresh, Doordash, Chewy etc that you see as a consumer when you receive your online purchase. Many studies have shown that exposure to an offer at the point of unboxing can lead to a favorable association between the customer and the advertiser. This then often leads into a purchase. That is why PIPs are among the most responsive offline media channels around.

And, for the retailer, it is the dictionary definition of a win/win. Their customer is presented with relevant, complimentary offers which often appear like 'gifts' provided by the retailer themselves rather than just a standard advertising activation.

And of course, these campaigns provide the retailer with much-needed, incremental revenue, often running into the many millions of dollars. Over the next few weeks, Connections will be posting content on the questions we are asked most frequently by retailers considering launching their own PIP.

Let us know what you think!

📚 One year in—and what a chapter it's been!

We’re proud to celebrate 12 months of success with ThriftBooks, one of the largest and most powerful players in the package insert space.

The Thriftbook audience is a marketer’s dream: loyal, value-driven, and highly engaged. This partnership has delivered real results for brands across key verticals—from meal kits and pet food to fashion, wine, and insurance.

Why does it work? Because purchase decisions happen at home—88% of them, in fact. Our branded inserts arrive right alongside a purchase moment, putting your offer directly in the hands of the decision-maker, no scrolling required.

At Connections, we help brands own the moment—delivering targeted, permissioned messages inside ecommerce deliveries, where attention is high and distractions are low.

Here’s to another year of growing brands and delivering results—with ThriftBooks and beyond.

📰 Print isn’t just alive—it’s outperforming.

A recent article from SocPub makes it clear: print media is back in the spotlight—and for good reason. Brands are rediscovering its unmatched ability to drive engagement, trust, and long-term loyalty.

At Connections, we’ve always believed that the moment a package lands in-home is one of the most powerful brand touchpoints. Print media doesn’t interrupt—it integrates. It earns attention. It drives action. And when done right, it sticks.

Here’s why this matters: Print fosters deeper emotional connections
It reaches decision-makers at the point of consideration
It drives stronger recall and brand affinity
It plays well with digital—creating real omnichannel lift

We're proud to help brands own the in-home moment through branded inserts, offers, and product sampling—packaged directly into the ecommerce experience, backed by retailer-level data and shopper personas.

If your media plan is all digital, you're missing the full picture—and likely, your best customer.

Let’s talk about making your brand unforgettable.

Read the full article

📦 Retailers: You’re already shipping the package. Why not monetize?

With over 1 billion ecommerce packages delivered each year through our network, Connections transforms everyday shipments into high-impact media placements. We help retailers turn those in-home moments into premium, brand-safe advertising inventory—delivered directly to the people making purchase decisions.  

Curious what that could mean for your bottom line? 

Use our Retail Revenue Calculator to see the size of opportunity.  

Brands love it. Consumers engage with it. And retailers? They unlock new revenue streams.   If you’re ready to capture the full value of your ecommerce operation, let’s connect.

Why Connections’ Package Inserts Are Unaffected by the July USPS Rate Increases

With the USPS set to increase postage rates in July, many brands are bracing for higher costs in direct mail campaigns. But here’s the good news—Connections’ Package Inserts remain immune to these hikes.

Unlike traditional direct mail, which is directly impacted by rising postal rates, Package Inserts ride along inside e-commerce shipments, bypassing postal fees entirely. This means:

No Added Postage Costs – Your brand message reaches homes without incurring rising USPS expenses.
Guaranteed In-Home Delivery – Inserts are placed directly in e-commerce packages, ensuring 100% arrival.
High-Intent Engagement – Consumers actively unbox purchases, making them more receptive to offers and samples.

While rising postal rates make direct mail more expensive and less efficient, Package Inserts continue to deliver high-impact, cost-effective engagement at scale.

Ready to reach customers in-home—without breaking your budget? Let’s talk strategy.

Women Drive 85% of Purchases—Reach Them Where It Matters Most

Women influence 85% of all purchasing decisions, from household essentials to big-ticket items. And where do most of those decisions happen? At home.

Connections’ Package Inserts put your brand directly in the hands of decision-makers—inside e-commerce deliveries, where distractions are low, and consideration is high.

Guaranteed Visibility – No scrolling, no ad blockers—just your brand in their hands.
In-Home Influence – Engage women where purchase decisions are made.
Proven Impact – 92% of online shoppers welcome offers and samples.

Make every delivery a direct connection to your best customer. Let’s talk strategy!

Inside Carter’s Distribution Center

Connections had the opportunity to visit with the Carter’s Distribution Center. We looked at their advanced machinery, well-orchestrated assembly line, and how our advertiser’s package inserts go from the distribution center to your doorstep. ensure seamless operations.

From the moment product enter the facility to when they are packaged and shipped, every step is carefully designed to maximize speed and accuracy. The assembly line is in a synchronized flow and automated systems handle sorting and distribution. And while the machinery is important, it’s the skilled workers that oversee quality control.

The DC was full of fun energy. From golf cart and bikes to help get around this largest facility to robotic arms to assist in packing and organizing the shipments- it was a unique and interesting sight to see. We loved getting to explore the full process again with our partner, Carter’s.

Getting to see the whole distribution process from receiving inserts to seeing them go into each box was a great experience. The process is seamlessly incorporated into the assembly line, ensuring that every package is complete before it leaves the facility. This attention to detail highlights Carter’s commitment to providing a top-tier customer experience from DC to doorstep.

Connections’ Take: The Power of In-Home Influence in Purchase Decisions

A recent study reaffirms what we at Connections have known for a long time—the home is the ultimate decision-making hub. Nearly 90% of purchase decisions are made or discussed at home, cutting across retail, automotive, and financial sectors. Even more compelling? 89% of key purchases are pre-planned and discussed with others before the final decision is made.

In-home media is one of the most valuable touchpoints for brands. It’s not about chasing screen-based impressions—it’s about owning the moment where decisions happen. Connections Package Inserts deliver brand messaging directly into the home, free from distractions, and placed in the hands of decision-makers—the ultimate environment for influencing purchase intent.  

Key Facts That Support Connections’ Marketing Strategy:    

In-home is where decisions happen: Consumers engage in product research, compare options, and consult with family members before making big purchases.

Distraction-free environment: Unlike digital ads competing for attention, package inserts create an uninterrupted brand experience—a physical touchpoint with staying power. 

Retailer-backed trust: Inserts inside ecommerce packages come from a trusted source—the retailer they just purchased from—building credibility and increasing engagement.

Omnichannel impact: Print media doesn’t just work alone—it enhances digital and retail engagement, reinforcing brand recall when customers browse online or shop in-store.

In a world where attention is fragmented, owning the in-home moment is more critical than ever. Connections delivers exactly that—ensuring brands are seen, remembered, and acted upon when it matters most.   Want to turn purchase discussions into conversions? Let’s make the Connection.   

Learn more about the study here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005163/en/Nearly-90-of-Purchase-Decisions-and-Discussions-are-Made-at-Home-According-to-New-PebblePost-Consumer-Study

Connections is excited to introduce CJ Pony Parts to the Connections Marketplace!

CJ Pony Parts has been in business for over 35 years, providing parts and accessories for classic Mustangs, Broncos, Jeeps, Chevys and other vehicles. With the widest online selection of aftermarket parts, CJ Pony Parts is all about the love of the automotive restoration and performance hobby.

If you’re looking for that rare male audience, CJ Pony Parts is a perfect fit, with over 80% male audience. 25-54 age range and high HHI of $100k+, this is a fresh, new program ready to perform for your brand.

With a package insert program that is delivered monthly to 40,000+ US customers and growing, this opportunity is one that is primed to help you convert new male customers.

All campaigns and creative are subject to client approval.

BACK on the Market! – Saks OFF 5TH US & Canada PIP and In-Store Inserts

Connections is excited to re-introduce Saks OFF 5TH to the Connections Marketplace!

Back on the market, Saks OFF 5TH was previously one of the most in-demand and top-performing package insert programs. Saks OFF 5TH is an off-price fashion retailer offering designer, luxury goods at a lower price. This opportunity spans both the US and Canada, with the In-Store Insert program being both US and Canada, and the Package Insert Program being US-only.

If you are looking to reach an audience of highly-engaged, big spending customers, Saks OFF 5TH is the program for you! With a package insert program that is delivered monthly to 250,000+ US customers, and an in-store insert program hand-delivered to over 500,000+ US and Canadian customers, this opportunity is one that is primed and ready to help you convert new customers. This program should be of particular interest to advertisers in the following verticals; Food and wine, Family, Photography products, Travel, Financial Services, Entertainment.

All campaigns and creative are subject to client approval.

Need more information or ready to book?  Join Connections today!

Connections Chats - Tanger Outlets

The 3 W's are what can make a brand partnership a 10/10!

Our very own Christian Golder, Media Director of Connections, describes what these are and how they can benefit everyone!

"Once you get the 3 W's everything will work."

What can I, as an individual, do?

Sir David Attenborough discusses why he supports World Land Trust and how you can take action to protect the natural wonders of the world.

www.linkedin.com

#climatechange #environment #sustainability #climatecrisis #sustainable #greenprint #carbonbalanced #worldlandtrust

Recent survey confirms samples and inserts are amongst the most popular forms of advertising

Connections by TSW recently partnered with market research leaders CINT to carry out two research projects. Both were aimed at US Moms and with the intention of finding out what respondents thought about receiving advertising literature and/or product samples in their ecommerce packages. The results were extremely positive.

When you purchase products online do you like the brand you purchase from to share exciting offers or product samples with you?

Unprecedented approval ratings for ecommerce inserts and product samples!

The chart depicts the responses made by our audience of 300 US Moms to the question when you purchase products online do you like the brand you purchase from to share exciting offers or product samples with you? And an incredible 95.3% of respondents replied that they did.

Over ¾ of respondents (78.2%) replied that they enjoyed receiving both inserts and samples. Compare that to other advertising channels and the level of engagement that this media offers to advertisers really is unmatched.

Here at Connections by TSW we are not surprised by this. Our experience leads us to believe that this high level of approval can be attributed to the following reasons.

• Under normal circumstances the ads that run in ecommerce packages have to be cleared and approved by the brands running the programs. This process ensures that only the most suitable and complementary campaigns go live. This is one of the main reasons that the channel is so responsive as well of course.
• Customers are shown these ads in samples at a great time! The excitement and anticipation of opening a delivery combined with a tailored suitable offer.
• And ecommerce packages have a 100% open rate! Hard to beat that!

New to Connections: Macys.com Package Inserts

Reach Macy’s discerning customers

Macy's PIP offers advertising opportunities in outgoing product shipments from Macys.com. These packages will include apparel, accessories, home, cosmetics, fragrances, fine china, crystal, casual china, glassware and fine and costume jewelry. Macys.com ships millions of packages annually and will allow for one 3 third party insert monthly, based on availability. All pieces will be hand inserted.

Key Demographics:

• Women 70%
• Average Age 45
• Average HH Income $75,000

Specs:

• Max Insert Size: 5.5” X 8.5”
• Max Insert Weight: 0.25oz

Call us today at 1-888-735-2723 or Email us at connections@thespecialistworks.com

New Program Launch - SchoolKidz Package Inserts

The Connections Team is extremely happy to announce our newest retail partner: Schoolkidz! 

Schoolkidz, also known as Teacher Tailored, has provided millions and millions of school supply kits to parents, and has been servicing thousands upon thousands of schools nationwide for the last 25 years. The Teacher Tailored team works with Parent Teacher Organizations and Parent Teacher Associations to develop customized lists of school supplies.

A package insert program of 230,000 volume.  For more information: https://www.connectionsbytsw.com/media/schoolkidz