What is Discreet Packaging? The Ultimate Guide

What is discreet packaging and shipping?

Discreet packaging and shipping is a technique whereby companies package and deliver products to customers with the guarantee that no one other than the customer and the company will be aware of the contents of a box based on the appearance of the outside packaging. Not only are the contents of a box concealed, but also the name of the company or individual who sent it.

What does discreet packaging resemble?

Effective discreet packaging avoids any clues or indications of what is inside a box; in other words, there is no branding! Plain, generic shipping boxes in boring colours like brown are standard so that they do not stand out among other packages. Standard sizes are also used so that the size of the product cannot be determined.

Shipping labels must not show which company or brand sent the box either. Using an alternative name or partner is common practice.

However, it is important to mention that you need to be subtle, but not too subtle. If you want to send products that are packed discreetly, another effective strategy is to use generic packaging tapes or irrelevant words such as 'thanks for your order'.

In summary, the following elements should be included in your package to ensure it is regarded as discreet:

- A plain box or mailer

-Standard-sized packages

- Generic packaging tape

-Shipping labels with an alternative company name.

-There should be no branding on the exterior.

Why use discreet packaging?

This method of packaging can be used for a variety of items and is not always at the customer's request. Discreet packaging can prevent the theft of valuable items and draw unwanted attention away from personal products.

The following are some of the products that typically benefit from discretion:

Luxury items: high-end, expensive items are the best targets for thieves, so discretion is highly advisable for such items.

Medicine or medical devices: medicinal products may also be regarded as high-value targets by thieves. However, there are also other personal considerations that justify the need for discreet packaging of medicine. For example, many women may prefer to keep their purchase of birth control private.

Political references: politics may be a highly controversial topic. Customers should be free to practise their beliefs without fear of their packages being vandalised or stolen.

Vapes and oils are a new product that should be handled discreetly. Many consumers would prefer to keep their vape-related purchases private, and many companies today cater to this need.

As with vapes, discreet packaging of edibles and weed has also become the norm in regions where cannabis is legalised.

Adult products: Customers are adults, so it is understandable that they need privacy when purchasing adult products such as toys, clothing, and other paraphernalia. Sex toys are the first example of discreet packaging that comes to mind when we talk about discretion, yet we have put this example last to show that many other industries can do the same.

The unboxing experience of discreet packages.

Since plain exteriors are a special requirement, designing a memorable unboxing process for consumers is a bit more difficult. Nevertheless, this remains important in the modern e-commerce market because the unboxing experience is becoming a key way to differentiate your brand from others.

One way to avoid a plain exterior is to turn your box inside out! By this, we mean that you should brand the inside of your box.

Interior-printed designs,

Custom stickers,

custom tissue paper and unique inserts.

Unique inserts

There are numerous ways to improve your customers' unboxing experience without compromising the need for discretion regarding the interior of a box. After all, it's not just the exterior of a box that helps customers enjoy the unboxing experience — the interior is important too! Contrasting a dull box with an exciting interior is a great way to create a powerful unboxing experience!

The need-to-knows of discreet shipping.

Now that you understand how to package your products discreetly and why it is a good idea, here are a few things to remember when the time comes to ship your products.

Firstly, most large carriers, such as USPS, FedEx, UPS and Amazon, allow discreet shipping boxes, but impose certain limitations or conditions on items such as vape devices or other fragile goods. In some cases, these items may require an adult signature upon delivery. Make sure you and your customers are aware of these restrictions and requirements so your products can be shipped without issue by your chosen carrier.

Secondly, when it comes to international shipping, it is important to realise that complete disclosure and paperwork for a package are virtually always necessary for customs declarations. This may include the name of your company, your physical address, and the exact contents of the packages. Do not attempt to evade these rules, but be transparent with your customers about what information must be disclosed and what can remain confidential. While it may be tempting to try to provide customers with a truly discreet experience, it is far better to act within the law than to create unnecessary and undesirable issues!

Offer low-profile packaging to your clients.

Offering discretion demonstrates to customers that you care about their needs and addresses their concerns regarding privacy and theft. Nevertheless, this intention should be made clear. Demonstrate to customers that your site has a privacy option and inform them that their purchase will come in a plain package, to prevent any misconceptions as to why your boxes are plain on the outside.

Now that you know all about discreet packaging and how to optimise the unboxing experience while maintaining the balance between customer privacy and customs regulations, it's time to start packing! Contact one of our Winpack printing product specialists today if you have any questions or would like to start your next custom packaging project!