Custom packaging isn’t only about what’s outside the box—it’s also about what’s inside. One often-overlooked opportunity to deepen customer relationships and encourage repeat purchases is the strategic use of packaging inserts.
At OuHai Packaging, we design not only the external packaging but also the internal experience. Well-executed inserts turn a simple delivery into a branded interaction, building trust, loyalty, and even user-generated content. In this article, we explore how packaging inserts enhance customer experience and improve long-term retention.
What Are Packaging Inserts?
Packaging inserts are additional printed materials or elements placed inside the main package. These may include:
- Thank-you notes
- Discount or referral cards
- Product instructions
- Brand storytelling sheets
- QR-code enabled guides
- Catalogs or cross-sell promotions
- Stickers or small gifts
Thoughtfully crafted inserts enrich the customer experience from the moment they open the box.
Why Inserts Matter for Customer Retention
Retention is more cost-effective than acquisition—and inserts are one of the most affordable tools to influence how a customer feels about your brand post-purchase.
Inserts help you:
- Show appreciation
- Reinforce brand identity
- Educate users to reduce product confusion
- Encourage social sharing and reviews
- Drive follow-up actions like repeat purchases or subscriptions
The result? A deeper emotional connection and increased lifetime customer value (LCV).
Types of Effective Packaging Inserts
1. Thank-You Cards
- Personalized or templated notes that express gratitude
- Use branded visuals, signatures, or even handwriting fonts
- Short, sincere, and humanizing
✅ Boosts brand likability and emotional loyalty
2. Discount Codes
- Offer incentives for next purchase or to share with friends
- Can be static or unique codes
- Ideal for increasing repeat sales or referral traffic
✅ Turns a one-time buyer into a returning customer
3. Product Guides & Tutorials
- Help users understand, assemble, or use the product effectively
- Reduce support requests and returns
- QR codes can link to video tutorials or manuals
✅ Enhances post-purchase satisfaction and confidence
4. Brand Story Cards
- Tell the story behind your company, mission, or sourcing
- Highlight sustainability, craftsmanship, or founder vision
- Reinforce values that resonate with your audience
✅ Builds authenticity and trust
5. Cross-Sell Promotions
- Showcase complementary products
- Include mini lookbooks or catalogs
- Highlight seasonal offerings or bundles
✅ Increases average order value and engagement
6. Free Gifts or Stickers
- Surprise-and-delight items that are low cost but high impact
- Often encourage social sharing or user-generated content
- Align with your aesthetic or message (e.g., quote cards, eco tips)
✅ Creates delight and encourages brand evangelism
Where to Place Inserts in Your Packaging
- On top of the product for immediate visibility
- Under the lid for a “reveal” experience
- Inside inner compartments or paper wrap
- Secured with a belly band or ribbon for premium feel
OuHai Packaging offers dielines and insert trays designed to hold printed materials in place.
Sustainability Considerations
While inserts add value, they shouldn’t add unnecessary waste. Sustainable insert options include:
- Recycled paper or FSC-certified cardstock
- Soy-based inks
- Compostable envelopes or wrap bands
- QR codes that replace multi-page printed manuals
At OuHai Packaging, we ensure your inserts align with your environmental goals.
Case Study: Inserts That Increased Return Customers
A direct-to-consumer skincare brand partnered with OuHai Packaging to improve post-purchase engagement. We included:
- A thank-you card with founder message
- A how-to-use card with illustrations
- A QR code linking to a loyalty program
- A 15% discount card for referrals
Results:
- Repeat purchases increased 38% in 3 months
- Average order value rose by 22%
- Instagram mentions doubled due to unboxing shares
The brand now sees inserts as a core component of their retention strategy.
Custom Insert Design Services
OuHai Packaging provides:
- Bespoke insert card design & printing
- Branded die-cut inserts with slotting for paper or product items
- QR code generation and integration
- Copywriting support for thank-you messages or product guides
- Layout optimization for cost-effective printing
Whether you’re launching a new product or improving your customer retention funnel, our insert solutions are scalable and strategic.
Tips for Maximizing Insert Impact
- Keep messaging short and skimmable
- Use consistent brand voice and visual identity
- Offer real value (not just promotion)
- Align the insert with the unboxing sequence
- Test different variations and track performance
Don’t treat inserts as an afterthought—treat them as part of the customer experience.
Conclusion: Small Additions, Big Impact
Inserts may be a small part of your packaging—but they can have a big impact on how customers perceive, interact with, and return to your brand. When integrated thoughtfully, they turn each order into an opportunity for education, connection, and conversion.
At OuHai Packaging, we help you craft paper packaging that’s complete—inside and out. Let’s make every customer feel like more than just a transaction.
