Episode Number:

62

February 23, 2026

In this episode of The eCom Growth Show, Danan Coleman connects with Rick Elmore, founder of Simply Noted, to explore how ecommerce brands can automate handwritten mail without sacrificing authenticity.

In a world dominated by AI, email flows, and retargeting ads, Rick explains why physical mail, done right, may be one of the most overlooked growth levers available today.

Meet Rick: Engineering Human Connection at Scale

Rick Elmore is the founder and CEO of Simply Noted, the only fully automated handwritten mail platform in the world. After discovering no existing technology could deliver true pen-written automation, he built the machinery and software from the ground up, earning nine patents in the process. Over the past six years, Rick has helped brands blend advanced automation with authentic, human connection at scale.

Why Handwritten Notes Win in a Digital-First World

With inboxes flooded and digital ads everywhere, attention has become harder and more expensive to earn.

  • Physical mailboxes are largely empty compared to the 90s.
  • Handwritten notes see reported open rates as high as 99%.
  • A tangible touchpoint creates memory and emotional connection.
  • Brands that stand out physically are remembered digitally
Core Insight: When everyone competes in the inbox, the mailbox becomes prime real estate.

Automating Authenticity (Yes, It’s Possible)

Simply Noted allows eCommerce brands to send real pen-written notes, fully automated and fully customizable.

  • Every card design can be unique
  • Every message can be dynamically personalized
  • Envelopes are handwritten with real stamps
  • No visible branding, making the note feel truly personal

Through Shopify, Klaviyo, HubSpot, Go High Level, Zapier, API integrations, and webhooks, brands can trigger handwritten notes based on specific customer actions.

Big Idea: You don’t have to choose between automation and authenticity. You can engineer both.

Where eCommerce Brands Should Use Handwritten Mail

Rick outlines high-impact automation triggers that fit naturally into existing eCommerce workflows:

  • After a first purchase (especially high AOV products)
  • Abandoned cart follow-ups
  • Purchase anniversaries
  • Post-proposal follow-ups for service businesses
  • After major milestones

One powerful tactic discussed on the show: dynamically inserting one-time Shopify discount codes directly into handwritten thank-you notes.

Opportunity: Combine digital efficiency with physical differentiation.

Integrating Into Your CRM Without Extra Work

The key is understanding workflows. For example:

  • Purchase completed → Trigger thank-you card
  • Invoice paid → Send appreciation note
  • 30 days post-delivery → Send reorder incentive
  • Anniversary of first order → Send loyalty card

Because Simply Noted integrates directly with CRM systems, every note can be tracked inside the customer timeline alongside emails and SMS.

Takeaway: The handwritten note becomes just another automated step inside your existing customer journey.

The First 30 Days Matter Most

Rick emphasizes that the first 30 days after a purchase are critical:

  • Payment processing
  • Fulfillment
  • Delivery
  • Product satisfaction
  • Initial brand impression

Adding a thoughtful physical touchpoint during this window increases:

  • Lifetime value (LTV)
  • Repeat purchases
  • Referrals
  • Reviews
Strategic Insight: Loyalty isn’t built by ads alone, it’s built by moments.

Retention Over Acquisition: The Goldmine Under Your Nose

While many brands chase new traffic, Rick highlights the hidden opportunity in your existing database.

  • Past customers already know and trust you
  • Former leads may just need a nudge
  • Small loyalty boosts can increase close rates
  • Retention is often cheaper than acquisition.

Handwritten mail becomes a relationship multiplier rather than just a marketing expense.

Key Reminder: Diversify your growth channels. Don’t rely on a single platform or tactic.

Test, Iterate, and Evolve

Simply Noted itself was built through constant iteration. Rick encourages brands to experiment:

  • Start with one workflow trigger
  • Measure repurchase and response rates
  • Adjust messaging and timing
  • Layer in additional touchpoints strategically

Growth doesn’t require abandoning digital, it requires complementing it.

Connect With Rick Elmore & Simply Noted Website:

Final Thoughts

In a marketplace racing toward automation and AI, the brands that win will be the ones who preserve genuine human connection while scaling intelligently. Handwritten mail, when automated properly, becomes more than a novelty. It becomes a competitive moat.

Catch more conversations on The eCom Growth Show, where operators share practical strategies for building durable, relationship-driven eCommerce brands.