Almost 79% of UK consumers sent at least one piece of physical mail in the past year

This week we pass the last mailing days before Christmas (Wednesday for Second Class, and Friday for First Class) – and research shows UK consumers remain devoted to the tradition of sending physical Christmas cards, along with the posties who deliver them.

Despite the ubiquity of emails and texts, Quadient research reveals physical mail continues to keep the Christmas spirit alive – in fact, almost half (45%) of us sent Christmas cards in the mail last year.

Quadient’s research of 2,000 UK consumers also finds that:

• Overall, almost four fifths (79%) of UK consumers sent at least one piece of physical mail in the past year
• Half (50%) of people said they sent mail for an occasion where a letter is traditional (e.g. Christmas card, birthday card, wedding invitation)
• Almost as many (40%) said they sent mail because it was better suited to a special occasion

 Our festive connection to post doesn’t end there. ‘Posties’ will be dashing through the snow (or rain!) delivering the final few items before the big day. They play such an important role in our lives that almost three quarters (70%) of us think it’s important to have a good relationship with their postman/woman. In turn, almost as many two thirds (64%) said they do have a good relationship with their postman/woman.

 Anthony Coo, Head of Product at Quadient commented: “At this time of year, there’s nothing better than getting home to find a brightly coloured envelope sat on your doormat. It is hard to beat the special feeling as you recognise the handwriting of a relative or friend, and open the first Christmas card of the year. Although the world is becoming increasingly digital, people still value the importance of having a Postie delivering mail through their letterbox. Almost half of us sent a card last Christmas – demonstrating that we will always gravitate towards physical mail for the messages that really matter.”