Postcards from Strangers

'To Be Returned' Encourages Random Snail Mail Sending

I love a good blog, nothing makes my day more than finding a cool idea, that is continually updated. So when the To Be Returned blog came to my attention I knew that it was both original and has the makings to be absolutely hilarious.

The premise is this: you put your name and address on an pre-stamped postcard, with the instructions that the finder should personalize the card and mail it back to you. Then you leave it in a public place, and wait for its return. Once it is safely back in your hands you scan that pretty baby into your computer, and share it with the entire world on To Be Returned.

Random Snail Mail Sending
Opportunities for companies to innovate and create personalized and fun ways to encourage snail mail sending.
Crowdsourced Personalization
Businesses can tap into the power of crowdsourcing to create unique and customized products with user-generated content.
Nostalgia-based Marketing
Marketers can leverage the emotional appeal of nostalgia and create campaigns that promote the sentimental value of handwritten letters and postcards.

Who This Affects Most

Stationery and Greeting Cards
Opportunities exist for businesses within the stationery and greeting card industry to create unique products that leverage the personal touch of snail mail.
Crowdsourcing and Community Building
Businesses can create platforms that bring people together through shared interests and hobbies, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Marketing and Advertising
Advertising agencies and marketers can create campaigns that tap into the power of nostalgia and genuine human connections through personalized snail mail campaigns.
SCORE
1.3 out of 10
GENDER
30% Men70% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 23%
Activity 9%
Freshness 8%

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