Reviving a dying art
New research from ipostparcels has revealed the extent to which writing letters and sending parcels to friends and family have become a “dying art” among the UK’s millennials. Drawing on a poll of 2,000 people conducted by Census Wide in July 2017, ipostparcels found: “The art of physically posting something to a loved one is dying out with 40% of millennials confessing to never having sent a handwritten letter, 46% have never sent a surprise parcel and 42% have never sent a thank you card.”
Interestingly, while millennials may not be keen on writing letters or posting parcels themselves, they still appreciate the gesture when someone sends a letter or parcel to them.
“Despite 43% never having sent a letter, card or parcel, 80% are sad that these aren’t sent as much anymore. 81% of those surveyed also said they would feel more excited if they received a package or a letter in the post from someone they know, over a text or message on social media,” said ipostparcels.
“Receiving a surprise parcel from a loved one was also ranked as the thing most millennials would be most excited to receive from a friend or family member above all other forms of communication.
“Most tellingly, 75% of millennials agreed that sending physical forms of communication strengthens relationships and shows you care more about that person yet 40% said that it takes too much time and 30% said that they’re too lazy or can’t be bothered.”
Gemma Conroy, Ecommerce Manager for ipostparcels, commented: “We can see that people are conflicted when it comes to how they communicate with their loved ones. Social media, text messages and other forms of digital communication are undoubtedly a fantastic way to keep in touch throughout our busy lives. However, there is clearly still a desire to receive parcels and letters due to the thought, care and meaning behind such a gesture.”
ipostparcels is holding a “Post For A Post Day ” promotion to encourage more letter and gift sending. The promotion starts today (18 September) and runs for the rest of the week.
ipostparcels is part of the UK Mail group, which is now owned by Deutsche Post DHL.
