Blog
In this special holiday blog post, you’ll find:
- Insights into consumer behavior for Christmas gift planning
- Overview of discount promotions and their impact on your profits
- Tips for assembling a photobook, including a link to our Mediaclip photo book creation video
- Sample email templates for promoting personalized products, ready to use
The 2024 holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about personalized gifts and custom-made products! In this special holiday blog post, we’ll share insights and tips to help you maximize sales of your personalized holiday offerings.
1. Consumer Behavior Analyzed: Optimize your Retail Strategy
Preparation is key to ensure that memorable gifts, like photobooks, large wall art, and personalized canvases, are ready in time to be placed under the Christmas tree.
However, research from Yesmail Interactive shows that less than 38% of people start their Christmas shopping before November. In fact, November (32%) and early December (20%) together make up 51% of orders for Christmas delivery, right before the annual print and shipping deadlines for personalized products.
As Thanksgiving is fast approaching in the U.S. this November 28, some of you have asked us if it’s too late to start preparing and making personalized gifts for Christmas. The answer is no! You are right on time!
Many personalized products, such as mugs, drinkware, and puzzles, require only one or a few images and can be made ready to order in a few minutes. Other gift options like photobooks are more intricate and may need more planning.
Quick Tip: Inform your customers (Website, e-mail) about your personalized product printing capabilities and showcase your full portfolio of products to inspire them.
For most personalized products, the key deadline for final orders is the end of the second week of December—Sunday, December 15, 2024. Be sure to check with your provider for the exact dates!
2. Consumer Insights and Smart Discounting for Holiday Sales
Did you know that last year, 55% of shoppers started their holiday shopping before Thanksgiving? This early start trend means that businesses need to showcase their personalized holiday products well in advance to capture shoppers’ attention.
In 2023, some 40% of Canadian holiday shoppers planned to shop on Black Friday, making it a more popular choice than Cyber Monday and Boxing Day.
Online personalized photo print retailers use various incentives to boost sales, especially from October to mid-December, when sales of personalized gifts are most popular. Key discounts include:
- Up to 50% off select products. High discounts are available up to Cyber Monday shrinking substantially the first few weeks of December.
Note: Personalization Product prices may have been over-inflated earlier in the year (February to June 2024), and savvy consumers are now checking the final discounted sticker prices carefully.
- Free Shipping with a minimum purchase, is the most popular discount year-round. This discount typically impacts final retail sales revenues by an average 9%-12%, depending on the product and delivery geolocation.
- Coupon codes are still one of the most popular methods used online. The code will often change by date and some restrictions often apply to specific items. Consumers often forget to apply the available codes to their purchase.
Discount Periods and Level Range:
- Oct 31 – Nov 13: 30%-40% off with free shipping (Selected Products).
- Nov 14 – Dec 2: 30%-50% off with limited free shipping (Selected Products).
- Dec 3 – Dec 11: 10%- 20% off with no free shipping (Selected Products).
- Dec 14 – Dec 22: Minimal to no discounts, free shipping is rare.
Offering discounts such as coupon codes can influence a company’s profitability in several ways. This strategy can drive increased sales but can also reduce profit margins and create customer expectations. Retailers can use tools like Impact of Discount Calculator to assess the financial effects of their discount strategies.
3. Tips for Assembling a Photobook
Photobooks make wonderful personalized gifts, right?
They’re especially appealing to DIY enthusiasts and amateur photographers, giving them a creative outlet to bring their favorite moments to life. With our easy-to-use Mediaclip software, creating a beautiful, custom photobook has never been simpler.
Watch and Learn: Discover how to assemble stunning photobooks with our step-by-step video guide. Thanks to our intuitive design tools, your customers can effortlessly customize their photobooks for any occasion, achieving a polished look with just a few clicks. Encourage your shoppers to capture those meaningful moments and transform them into keepsakes they’ll treasure for a lifetime. Oh, and by the way, no design skills are required!
4. Customizable Email Templates for Promoting Photobooks in Client Communications
Looking for festive inspiration for your holiday marketing campaigns? Here are some sample email templates designed to promote personalized products and help make this holiday season a memorable one for your customers:
Subject Line: 🎄 The Perfect Holiday Gift? One You Created Just for Them.
Body:
Dear [Customer’s Name],
This holiday season, create gifts as unique as your loved ones. From custom photobooks capturing treasured memories to one-of-a-kind ornaments, our personalization options add that extra special touch. Browse our collection to create a gift they’ll cherish forever 🙂.
Happy Holidays,
[Your Name]
Subject Line: 🎁 Capture Their Favorite Moments with a Custom Photobook!
Body:
Hi [Customer’s Name],
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the season? Make a custom photobook and keep precious memories close for years to come. It’s a heartfelt way to turn moments into keepsakes, crafted with love and ease. Start designing yours today!
Warm Wishes,
[Your Name]
Subject Line: ⏰ Last Call for Personalized Gifts – Order Now!
Body:
Hello [Customer’s Name],
The holidays are almost here, but there’s still time to make them memorable! Order your personalized gifts today to ensure they arrive in time for the celebrations. From stationery to unique photo gifts, we have something special for everyone on your list.
Don’t wait – order now!
[Your Name]