Tag View: Package Inserts

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