What are Buckslips? The Cheapest Form of Print Marketing!

estimated reading time: 6 minutes

What is a Buckslip?

A Buckslip is an inexpensive and versatile form of print communication. Buckslips are used by many businesses and organizations to share marketing messages, promote products or services, and provide useful information. Though buckslips are relatively simple marketing pieces, they provide an excellent way to build brand awareness.

A buck slip performs a function similar to a Flyer, but in a much smaller format. Whereas most flyers are the standard 8.5"x 11" size, buck slips are generally a third of that size. As such, most buck slips are around 8.5" x 3.5" or slightly smaller. Because of this reduced size, buck slips are one of the absolute cheapest forms of print marketing available.

Buck slips derive their name from the fact that they are small and rectangular shaped sheets, reminiscent of paper money. Though "buckslip" or "buck slip" are the most common terms for these printed pieces, they are sometimes referred to as buck inserts or buck sheets.

Even though a buck slip doesn't provide a lot of space for a printed message, this is actually more of a benefit than a hindrance. Why? Because the smaller size of a buck slip requires the marketing message or promotional offer to be very brief and to the point. Hence, this focused message is often more impactful than a lengthy one because the reader can comprehend it quickly and easily.

Like most promotional pieces used in the world of business, buck slips are almost always printed in full color to grab and hold attention. Also, a buck slip can be printed on just one side or it can be printed on both sides. Text weight paper stocks are generally used for buck slips to keep the cost as low as possible. However, depending on the project, a cover weight stock could also be used to give the buck slip a premium feel.

How are Buckslips distributed?

The most common way for distributing buckslips is to include them as part of a mailing. The smaller size of a buck slip allows it be inserted in the same envelope used to send customer invoices, statements, sales letters, and other mailed correspondence. Buck slips add minimal weight to a mailing and can easily fit into a standard #10 business envelope without needing to be folded.

Buckslips can also be placed within the packaging of products being shipped. Buckslips take up hardly any space and can be slipped into cartons or Jiffy mailers to provide some quick information or reminders about the enclosed product as well as to promote other products and accessories.

In addition to being part of a mailing or package shipment, buck slips can also be distributed in person. In a retail setting, buck slips can be handed to customers entering the store or at check-out. Buckslips can also be placed into a shopping bag with a purchase, stapled directly to a customer's receipt, or placed in a stack near a register or display for self-serve.

What are the most popular uses for Buckslips?

The versatility and economy of buckslips makes them an effective marketing tool for both business-to-consumer and business-to-business applications. Below are some of the most popular uses for buckslips…

Announce Sales and Promotions - buck slips are perfect for announcing sales, discounts, and special offers. Consumers love a bargain and a lower price makes them feel more confident about making a purchase. Hence, announcing a sale or special offer via buck slips encourages consumers to take action.

Spread the Word about Upcoming Events - buck slips are an excellent way to invite clients to an upcoming event such as a webinar, tradeshow, or workshop. In addition to providing the date, time, location, and RSVP instructions, the buck slip itself can act as an admission pass.

Highlight Products and Services - buck slips are ideal for promoting products or services. In addition to highlighting the features and benefits, buckslips can help build excitement around a company and its products. This is why buck slips are especially useful for introducing new or improved offerings.

Provide a Reminder - buck slips offer a convenient way to remind clients about an upcoming event or an action that needs to be taken. For example, utility companies with underground pipes or cables may periodically include a reminder buckslip with mailed invoices to remind homeowners to call 811 before they dig in their yard.

Give Instructions - when supplied with a product, buck slips are a quick way to provide brief instructions or a special alert related to the main content of the package. For example, buck slips can draw attention to important first steps or vital care instructions the consumer needs to be aware of at the onset.

Share a Coupon - used primarily to attract value conscious consumers to retail stores, printed coupons can be redeemed for special savings on a future purchase. Buck slips can be printed with one or more coupons to detach or the entire buck slip can be designed as a redeemable coupon.

Cross Sell - buck slips are a proven way to encourage customers to explore other products and services that a business might offer. Many times a client is not aware of all the things a company has to offer and buck slips are a great way to share this information.

Enhance Customer Service - buck slips are a practical way to improve customer support. Buck slips can provide the hours of operation, methods of contact, location information, mission statement, tips and suggestions, FAQ's, and a host of other details that will enhance the customer experience.

Express Gratitude - buck slips can be used to offer a "Thank You" message to customers for their purchases and ongoing loyalty. It's a simple gesture but it helps customers know how much you appreciate their patronage and look forward to serving them in the future.

Request Referrals - one of the best ways to get referral business is to ask for it. Buck slips can be used to encourage satisfied customers to refer friends and family. An incentive can even be offered, such as a discount on a future purchase, for the person doing the referring and/or the prospects being referred.

Encourage Further Action - in addition to providing information on its own, bucks slips can also be used to encourage the recipient to seek additional information through a secondary action, such as visiting a website, calling a phone number, or scanning a QR code. The added depth of information that can be obtained increases the odds of a positive interaction.

Solicit Feedback - many businesses solicit feedback from customers through reviews or surveys. The goal is to gain increasingly positive feedback which, when shared with potential customers, helps build trust and encourages interaction. Buck slips are great for directing customers how to leave feedback.

As you can see, Buckslips offer a variety of low-cost ways for businesses and organizations to boost their marketing efforts, communicate with customers, and foster long-term relationships. A Buckslip may be a small slip of paper but it will make a significant impact toward building your brand.

Buckslips are a Great Value - Simple, Affordable, and Effective!

If you are looking for a low cost way to supplement your marketing efforts, one of your best options is custom printed Buck Slips. Even though Buck Slips are inexpensive, they are a proven way to promote your company and its offerings.

As a full-service commercial printer, Color Vision can assist you with a Buck Slip project or any other print project you may have. Just give us a call at 800-543-6299 to discuss your printing needs.

Or, use our simple Quote Request form to send us your project's specifications and we will be happy to email a custom quote to you.

As always, we hope to hear from you soon and look forward to assisting with your next print project!