How the “Send a Hint” Feature Can Boost Your Handmade Sales

A smart tool to make gift-giving easier and drive conversions this Q4.

Finding the perfect gift can be stressful for shoppers—especially during Q4, when the pressure to get it right is at its peak. Indecisive customers often leave empty-handed, not because they don’t love your products, but because they’re unsure if their loved ones will feel the same.

A clever “Send a Hint” feature, like the one used by a NYC jewelry store, offers an elegant solution. This simple yet impactful tool lets customers nudge their loved ones toward the perfect gift while increasing your chances of closing the sale.

In this blog, we’ll break down how the “Send a Hint” feature works, why it’s effective, and how handmade sellers can use it to boost their holiday sales.

What Is the “Send a Hint” Feature?

The “Send a Hint” feature is an interactive tool on product pages (PDPs) that allows customers to:

Share a product they’re considering as a gift with their recipient.
Provide additional details like preferences (e.g., metal type, size).
Nudge the recipient to make a purchase through a personalized email.

Here’s how it works:

Customers click the “Send a Hint” button on the product page.
A form appears, asking for:
- The customer’s email.
- The recipient’s email.
- Additional product preferences (e.g., ring size, material).
After hitting “Send Hint,” the customer gets a confirmation email, and the recipient receives a personalized message with a subject line like:
"[Customer’s Name] wanted you to see this!"

The recipient’s email includes:

A product image or description.
A clear call-to-action (CTA): “Gift It Now.”

Why it works: The customer’s name in the subject line adds a personal touch, boosting email open rates, while the CTA encourages the recipient to take immediate action.

How the “Send a Hint” Feature Can Boost Your Handmade Sales

Why “Send a Hint” Works for Handmade Sellers

Handmade businesses thrive on creating meaningful, personal experiences for customers. The “Send a Hint” feature aligns perfectly with this ethos, offering benefits like:

1. Eliminating Indecision

Shoppers often hesitate to buy gifts because they’re unsure about preferences like size, color, or style. The “Send a Hint” feature lets them share their ideas directly with their recipient, removing this obstacle.

2. Boosting Email Engagement

Personalized emails are 26% more likely to be opened. By including the customer’s name in the subject line and focusing the message on a specific product, you can increase the likelihood of a click-through.

3. Encouraging Faster Conversions

The recipient’s email CTA (“Gift It Now”) simplifies the buying process. This urgency, combined with a direct product recommendation, can lead to quicker decisions.

4. Enhancing the Shopping Experience

Offering thoughtful tools like “Send a Hint” positions your handmade shop as customer-focused, increasing the likelihood of repeat purchases and brand loyalty.

How Handmade Sellers Can Implement “Send a Hint”

Adding this feature to your online shop doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create a “Send a Hint” Button

Place the button prominently on your product pages, near the Add to Cart button. Use text like:

“Send a Hint”
“Hint This Gift”

Pro Tip: Use eye-catching colors to make the button stand out.

2. Build a Simple Form

When customers click the button, have a form appear that captures:

Their name and email.
The recipient’s name and email.
Any optional preferences (e.g., color, size).

3. Automate the Email Process

Use email marketing tools like Klaviyo, Mailchimp, or your platform’s built-in features to automate these emails:

Customer Confirmation Email: Reassures the sender their hint was sent successfully.
Recipient Email: Includes the product link, a product image, and a CTA like “Gift It Now.”

4. Test and Refine

Monitor the performance of your “Send a Hint” feature to see how many emails are sent, opened, and converted into sales. Adjust your messaging or placement as needed.

If you are on Shopify and want a quick install option, try the Drop A Hint app. It's quick and easy to install and setup. You can Drop A Hint in action here.

Best Practices for Using “Send a Hint” Effectively

1. Make It Simple

Ask for only essential details in the form. Too many fields can overwhelm customers and reduce adoption.

2. Personalize the Recipient Email

Use details like the customer’s name and product description to make the email feel thoughtful. For example:

“Hi [Recipient’s Name],[Customer’s Name] thinks you’d love this handmade [Product Name]! Check it out below.”

3. Create a Sense of Urgency

Encourage the recipient to act quickly by adding incentives like:

“Order within 48 hours for guaranteed delivery by [date]!”
“Limited stock available—don’t wait!”

4. Highlight Handmade Details

Emphasize what makes your product special. For example:

Unique materials.
The time or craftsmanship involved in making it.

5. Promote the Feature

Let your audience know about “Send a Hint” through social media posts, email campaigns, and banners on your site.

Examples of Handmade Products Perfect for “Send a Hint”

The “Send a Hint” feature works best for products that are:

Personalizable: Custom jewelry, engraved items, or monogrammed gifts.
Sizing-Specific: Rings, clothing, or shoes where size is critical.
Luxury or Premium Items: High-ticket handmade goods like leather bags or artisanal furniture.
Sentimental: Keepsakes, artwork, or meaningful mementos that recipients might not buy for themselves.