Whether it’s cluttering our inboxes or littering our letterboxes, junk mail is an unavoidable irritation; Brits receive 3.2 billion pieces every year. But while it might be hateful, it’s also effective. What is it about direct mail that spurs sales even as we rip it up and chuck it out?

Despite living in the digital era – with note-taking apps offering a high-tech alternative to regular notepads – manufacturers of writing tools and planners are experiencing a boom. So what’s behind the return of pen and paper? And is this revival anything more than a hipsterish fad?

Whether it’s an unexpected upgrade to first class on a flight or simply a cup of coffee on the house, nobody would turn down a freebie, right? Canvas8 sat down with Dr. Jiang Lan to find out how people react to special service, and why the perks of preferential treatment aren’t always welcome.

Personalisation is being used for everything from direct mail to coffee cups to bolster a connection with customers. But new research suggests that, while personalisation is effective when done right, getting it wrong can have long-term negative implications for brands.