Expressionery's National Survey Reveals Overwhelming Majority Of Americans Expect Handwritten Thank You Notes

SAN FRANCISCO, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether as follow-up to an interview, birthday celebration or dinner party, 85 percent of Americans expect a handwritten thank you note rather than an electronic message, according to a survey of 1,356 adult Americans conducted by personalized stationery service, Expressionery. However, contrary to the expectations of others, 78 percent of people still admit to using social networks and email to express their gratitude. In recognition of the daily opportunity to thank others for gestures large and small, Expressionery has expanded their portfolio of thank you cards and offers helpful guidance from their Chief Wordsmith, Brett Nicol, making it easier to deliver a written thank you more frequently.

"We're passionate about the impact of the written word, especially for expressions of gratitude, and have completely refreshed our offerings to inspire people to send more handwritten notes," says Sam Faillace, vice president of marketing. "Our playful, design-forward stationery brings a fresh approach to special occasions and everyday correspondence. We also understand that many people want to write more notes but don't know where to start or what to say, so today we are introducing Brett Nicol, our Chief Wordsmith to help inspire people to rediscover the art of the handwritten note."

Co-founder of online stationery and gifting business, Forgetful Gentleman, Nicol has dedicated his career to helping others craft and deliver thoughtful messages, particularly through the written word. Now, as Expressionery's 'Chief Wordsmith,' Nicol brings his passion to a company who shares his pride in preserving written expression and is working to help customers say thank you anytime, anywhere.

"Taking the time to send a simple thank you note in response to gestures large and small is something I was encouraged to do from an early age and it has had a profound positive impact on my life," said Nicol. "We were heartened to learn this is a habit that is still being encouraged among today's digitally fluent generation of kids, with 74 percent of parents indicating they are teaching their children the importance of writing and sending thank you notes. With the arrival of summer, new grads on the job hunt or friends and family looking to thank one another for gifts, now is the time for everyone to jump into a thank you note writing habit."

Here are five notes of inspiration from Chief Wordsmith Nicol for your summer thank you note writing habits:

1. PAPER PRIDE - Whether you lean towards humorous or classic graphics, or simple or "loud" color palettes, choose a stationery design that reflects your style. A set of stationery that you are proud of is the first step in motivating yourself to write more.
2. FEELS SO GOOD – 93 percent of adult Americans admitted to feeling good about writing a handwritten thank you note. Go ahead, do something good for both your mind AND body this summer and follow up that relaxing trip with a friend or afternoon barbeque with a little note of gratitude to your host and/or hostess.
3. IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS – Whether you are long winded or short and to the point, a thank you note should reflect your personality. Simply be sure to touch on at least one of your favorite things about your weekend with your friend, food item at their barbeque, or feeling you felt while with the recipient and combine that note with a "THANKS," "Thank You," or "I really appreciate it"!
4. TIMELY THANKS – Set a goal to get a thank you note into the mailbox one week to the day of your return/day-trip/get-together. To help make that happen, establish the preparation of your stationery as a pre-trip ritual - set aside a note card with the envelope already stamped and addressed and place it by your nightstand so you can write a note before you go to bed.
5. RISE ABOVE THE NOISE – Hundreds of thousands of college students have graduated in recent months, a majority of whom are competing for jobs. So be sure to send a written thank you note after each interview or job recommendation you receive to stay top of mind for future employers this summer. Be sure those letters are error-free by referencing our Commonly Misused Words Cheat Sheet.

By combining quality stationery offerings with customer-friendly services like access to dedicated stationery experts and a thorough five-point printing accuracy-check service, Expressionery hopes to inspire even more Americans to take the time to share a handwritten note of thanks in 2013. In addition to new stationery offerings, Expressionery offers everything from personalized address stamps, embossers, gift tags, labels, notepads and journals for your Thank You note writing needs. Visit www.Expressionery.com for more information.

About Expressionery

At Expressionery, we believe that nothing quite compares to receiving a handwritten letter. Passionate about the written word, we like to think of ourselves as committed enablers. We aim to help you put the polish on the important relationships in your life, by offering a fresh, distinctive assortment of beautifully designed, quality stationery and personalized gift products that excite and inspire, all for a great value. In other words – the perfect platform for your creativity to shine through! Founded in 2005, Expressionery takes great pride in the fact that we've delivered millions of gifts, cards and stationery sets that have helped celebrate, share and give thanks for what life has to offer. A Harland Clarke company, Expressionery is headquartered in San Francisco.

Thanks for letting us be a part of all those smiles, hugs and fist bumps.

SOURCE Expressionery