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Nov 11, 2008 | 5 minute read
written by Linda Bustos
This post was originally posted on February 21, 2008. With the holiday season underway, and most of you new readers to Get Elastic, I've reposted it today in case you missed it the first time.
We do so much to encourage holiday gift shopping (or birthday, anniversary etc), but do we drop the ball in catering to the special needs of gift givers like gift boxes, gift wrapping, gift announcements / messages and gift receipts?
There are many ways you can accommodate gift givers to improve customer and recipient experience with gift options.
While it may be fine to ship something in a plastic bag or a brown box or a manila envelope (that's what they send those MacAir computers in, right?), this doesn't fly with gifts sent directly to the recipient. It also stinks for gift givers who ship items to themselves to wrap and give personally. The customer now has to find an appropriate box to put that personalized t-shirt in, and all he has kicking around is an empty GAP box from last Christmas. Providing a gift box solves a customer problem.
Then there's gift wrapping. For some people, it's a hassle. Gift wrap's not cheap, and it may require an extra trip to pick it up at the drug store. And for customers who ship items direct to the gift recipient, it's essential.
A couple examples: GAP offers one complimentary unassembled box for every three paid items ordered (why not one for one)? The other option is premium gift wrap service for $5 per order. Victoria's Secret will send you a gift wrap kit for $3, or wrap the gift for you for $6.
These add-ons also give you an opportunity to brand yourself to the recipient. If you sell items carried by many other retailers, the recipient has no clue where the gift giver bought the item. Why not put your logo on your gift box, or as a watermark on the white side of the gift wrap?
Whether you include gift wrapping or boxes as upsells or freebies is up to you - one will bring you easy additional revenue, the other a fantastic customer service experience.
Gift messages can be sent in a number of ways - with a greeting card like Vermont Teddy Bear Co.:
Or an email message, or even a message the customer can print off themselves instantly, like Peanut Butter of the Month Club:
For that personal touch, you can print a full-color (or black and white) gift announcement right from your computer. Another great solution for that last-minute gift.
A number of retailers like Disney and ThinkGeek will print a gift message on the invoice, like "Happy Birthday, Jerry!" This is an option for people who don't want to pay for anything extra but still want some kind of gift messaging option.
Multi-channel retailers like GAP and J.Crew can and do send gift receipts for return or exchange in-store across the country. If you're an online-only store that offers free shipping both ways, you can also accommodate gift recipients that way.
From GAP:
If you indicate that your order is a gift, we will automatically include a gift receipt that lists the items, but not their prices. Items can be exchanged or returned through Gap Online or at any Gap, GapKids, or babyGap store in the U.S. with a gift receipt.
Vermont Teddy Bear Co. has a fabric, embroidered tag for $6 that can be added to the gift-bear. Nice upsell, an alternative to a card.
Even if your customer doesn't request or opt-in to gift messages or any of the above, why not enclose some kind of flyer or insert that introduces the end-user with your brand and encourages them to visit your website?
If you're selling electronics or gadgets - you can offer online product support. For shoes you could include a guide to protecting and cleaning your shoes. For cookware, include a glossy recipe with a link back to your site for more helpful cooking tips and recipes.
Or if you sell sports gear or young adult clothing, include a sticker for your shop that can be placed on binders, laptops and car bumpers. Make sure the logo/sticker has a "cool factor" that this age / lifestyle group would be proud to promote. And include your web address!
1. Show what the gift box/wrap look like to assure customer that it's quality. Imagery helps. Here's an example from Disney Shopping:
Or the gift card design. Example from Vermont Teddy Bear Co.:
2. If you can't offer it for all products, or have other special restrictions, make this clear on your gift options explanation page.
Example from J.Crew: "Unfortunately, gift boxes are not available for some larger and odd-sized items, like shoes."
Example from Disney Shopping: "*NOTE: Gift Wrap and Gift Box options are predetermined based on the product. One or the other will be presented for you to choose. Some items may not include gifting options, as stated on the specific items' product pages."3. Create a "Gift Options" page and link to it from your Customer Service submenu.GAP is an example. It's a good idea to mention it in your gift finder, on product pages and in your checkout. Examples from Disney Shopping and Blue Nile:
4. Specify the length of the message, and let the customer see how many characters are left (countdown).5. Offer suggestions for message copy to help customers with "writer's block". Examples from Vermont Teddy Bear Co. and Blue Nile:
6. If possible, brand your boxes and wrapping with your company name or logo. Example, Lucky Jeans: