What is discreet packaging?
Discreet packaging conceals a package’s contents and origins. Sometimes, you may buy something online and you don’t want others to know what you bought for whatever reason. Opting for discreet packaging informs the seller to use unbranded shipping containers to avoid revealing what the package contains or the source of shipment. Anyone who simply looks at the package will not be able to tell what it is. Discreet packaging also uses shipping labels that are not connected to the seller. This way, it’s impossible to tell who sent it, whether that’s a company, store, or individual. Discreet shipping protects customers’ privacy, prevents negative associations between brands and certain products, reduces the risk of theft or damage, and helps customers avoid potential embarrassment due to explicit labeling.
Items Commonly Shipped with Discreet Packaging
Adult products When people think of discreet packaging, adult products are often the first thing that comes to mind. Adult toy stores often promote their discreet shipping options to make customers feel more at ease and less embarrassed when shopping for their products.
Medicine/medical devices To protect customers’ private health information and to reduce the risk of theft, many medical companies ship their products in discreet packaging. This includes most medical supplies, equipment, and medications, as well as any items that could inadvertently disclose someone’s medical condition.
Luxury items Luxury and high-end products are worth a lot of money, so thieves would be more likely to steal packages if they saw what they contained. Many luxury brands offer discreet shipping so customers can keep their packages safe.
Political materials Politics can be very divisive and sometimes even feel taboo to talk about. Because of this, political parties often send their support materials in discreet packaging. This helps conceal the customer’s political beliefs, which could prevent them from feeling ostracized, and prevents others from stealing or vandalizing the package due to conflicting beliefs.
Surprise gifts If you’re buying a gift for someone you live with, it can be difficult to hide it from them. Many customers opt for discreet packaging when they’re buying a surprise for someone and don’t want the other person to find out about it before the big reveal.
What Discreet Packaging Looks Like
Discreet packaging is usually plain and generic. Discreet shipping is meant to be vague and not draw attention to itself. Therefore, you won’t find bright colors or fancy graphics on the box or mailer. Here are some common elements featured in discreet packaging: Plain white or brown cardboard mailers or unmarked postal boxes Generic packing tape Shipping labels with no identifiable company names, logos, or other brand marketing No logos or slogans on the box itself Note that because the mail carrier needs to know where to deliver the package, the customer’s name and address will be listed.
How to Ask for Discreet Packaging
Look for a discreet packaging option at checkout. In most cases, brands and e-commerce sellers will communicate any discreet packaging options at checkout. The exact instructions vary from seller to seller, but in general, you’ll either check a box that indicates you want discreet packaging or leave a note requesting it to the seller.
Contact the seller to see if discreet packaging is an option. If you don’t see an option for discreet packaging at checkout, it may be worth contacting the seller to see what kind of packaging they offer. Their packaging may already be pretty discreet, and there’s a chance they will work with you to find a packaging option that works for your needs if you ask nicely. This option will likely work better for small businesses like Etsy stores rather than chains.
How to Package Shipments Discreetly
Communicate that you offer discreet packaging. Advertising that you offer discreet packaging shows potential customers that you understand their needs and want them to feel comfortable buying from you. Mention that you offer discreet packaging in product descriptions, by adding a tag on the item’s page, or at checkout. It also helps if you have a page on your site that explains how your brand defines discreet packaging and what customers can expect.
Keep the packaging simple, but don’t try too hard. Sometimes, trying too hard to be discreet can make a package stand out even more. Eliminate all identifying information, like branding materials and shipping labels that state your brand’s name and address. Rather than leaving the package completely blank, try including a simple, non-identifying feature, like a thank you sticker or packing tape that says “fragile” to help the package blend in more. Use a standard-size box, if possible, to disguise small shipments. Standard-size boxes can make small items seem bigger, therefore making it difficult for others to guess what’s inside.
Put your branding on the inside of the package for a unique unboxing experience. With the rise of social media influencers who often promote products and brands, marketing is extremely important for ecommerce sellers. Packaging often plays a large role in marketing, especially with how popular unboxing videos have become. Give your customers a fun unboxing experience by including your branding inside the package. This can include things like custom tissue paper, confetti, stickers, and a personalized thank-you note. If you typically ship your products in colorful or patterned boxes, consider putting the box together inside out so the plain brown or white is on the outside and the patterned side is on the inside. This will be a nice, colorful surprise for your customer when they open the box.
Discreet Packaging FAQs
Can you ship international packages discreetly? While you can still use unbranded packaging materials for international shipments, the entire shipping process won’t be as discreet as domestic shipments. This is because the shipper must document the package’s specific contents to go through customs. In some cases, the shipping company’s name and address may also be required.
Does discreet shipping cost extra? No, in most cases, companies, brands, and mail carriers provide discreet packaging and shipping at no extra cost to you. This is because these companies want to gain customers’ trust and help prevent porch theft.
Which mail carriers offer discreet shipping? Because discreet shipping mostly relies on how the sender packages the shipment rather than the shipping company itself, it’s possible to ship discreetly with most mail carriers, including USPS, FedEx, UPS, and Amazon. Be aware that FedEx and UPS cannot ship to PO boxes. USPS offers free USPS-branded packaging materials, so it’s often easy to ship discreetly through them. Be sure to purchase shipping directly through one of USPS’s standard services to avoid scams. When buying on Amazon, customers have the option to select product packaging, which reveals the package’s contents, or Amazon packaging, which conceals it.
What if my discreet package requires a signature? If you don’t want someone else signing for your package, try to be home when the package gets delivered or have it rerouted to a drop-off site, if available. Some sellers also allow customers to sign for their packages electronically on their website, then attach the signature to the order so the courier knows the package has already been signed for.
What are some other ways to ship packages quietly? There are plenty of ways to ensure your package gets delivered discreetly. Ship to a PO box, shipping locker, or a UPS or FedEx drop-off location to prevent sensitive packages from being left unattended. Require a signature to make sure the package is directly handed to someone at your house, or request specific delivery instructions to have your package left at a side door or somewhere out of sight.
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