The Lost Art of Customer Job Stuffing

I just received an online order delivery that reminded me of the lost art of using customer-shipped jobs as a way to build relationships and market for additional orders. I confess that this order was from Jockey.com for “unmentionables.” What was so cool about it was that packed inside with my order was a small pocket folder. One pocket of the folder contained the job ticket and printed on the flap was the message, “Packed with care by Kathy.” In the other pocket was a note from “Kathy and your friends at Jockey.com.” It’s worth sharing the message:

Hello there. [I like this “Hello there” better than the sorry attempts at variable data that I get saying “Hello Carl Gerhardt.” Duh, at least just call me “Carl” and don’t make it so obvious that this is a form message.]

We’ve been waiting for this moment ever since you placed your order. There’s nothing quite like the smile of a happy customer. It makes our day!

Please take a moment to make sure that your order is 100% perfect. If needed, returns are free on any order. Thanks again for shopping with us! Hopefully we’ll see you again soon.

Stay comfy,

Kathy and your friends at Jockey.com

Below this was a coupon for 15 percent off my next purchase. I have to use it by Dec. 31, 2011, and you know, I think I will.

Included in the art pack I received when I opened my print center 26 years ago was art and copy for a job stuffer/reorder notice. We used it for years.

Are you packing a nice message like the above with a reorder notice in every job you ship? Or, are you mailing one to the person who placed the order? If not, you should be.