Why You Should Offer Discreet Packaging to Your Customers

All of these are valid reasons why you would want certain packages to be delivered in discreet packaging – and why many of your e-commerce customers may want the same level of discretion applied to their next order.

In this guide, we’ll explore how discreet shipping and packaging works, the types of goods that are best suited to it, and the key things to remember when packing goods discreetly.

What does discreet packaging mean?

Discreet packaging refers to packaging designed to conceal the contents of a parcel, ensuring they cannot be identified from the outside. This can serve privacy purposes – where either the customer or seller prefers to keep the contents confidential – or security purposes, reducing the risk of theft during transit.

When should you offer discreet packaging?

Every customer is different, so what might be embarrassing or sensitive to one person may not be to another. But generally speaking, the following types of items are where discreet packaging is often preferred or recommended:

Luxury goods

Items with a particularly high value are more susceptible to theft during transit. While businesses can ensure customers are eligible for reimbursement if such a situation occurs, it can still cause stress and disruption for both the seller and the buyer. Discreet packaging helps minimise this risk by concealing the contents, reducing the temptation for opportunistic theft.

Adult items

Adult goods, such as lingerie or personal items, are highly private purchases that often require discretion. They are also not appropriate for certain audiences, such as minors, to encounter. Any delivery of such items in clearly identifiable packaging could put the recipient in an awkward situation and face unwanted questions from family members and others. Discreet packaging provides buyers with peace of mind, ensuring that these scenarios are avoided.

Medical or beauty supplies

Healthcare is deeply personal, and many people may feel sensitive about purchases related to medical or cosmetic conditions. For example, someone addressing hair loss may prefer to keep their treatment and associated purchases private.

Discreet packaging ensures that recipients maintain control over their privacy, allowing them to decide whether or not to share this information with others.

Gifts

Imagine you’ve carefully chosen a special gift for your loved one’s birthday or Christmas. You’re excited to see their reaction when they open the box… but that moment has been ruined because they took delivery of the item and guessed what’s inside from the packaging!

For customers purchasing gifts intended to be a surprise, discreet packaging ensures the mystery stays intact – allowing the moment to remain as special as planned.

Goods being delivered to a business

Many customers choose to have products delivered to their workplace if they won’t be at home to receive them. While some employers are accommodating of personal post, others may have stricter policies, particularly if post rooms become overwhelmed with non-business packages.

Using discreet, unbranded packaging helps avoid unnecessary attention or suspicion, unlike a package covered in recognisable branding, such as Amazon’s, which might reveal the sender or hint at the contents.

Items that are legal in some places but not in others

Changing legislation around the world means that certain items, such as CBD products, may be legal in one region but restricted in another. Even in areas where these items are permitted, they can remain sensitive due to cultural perceptions or differing attitudes within the supply chain.

Discreet packaging safeguards privacy and minimises the risk of judgment or interference, helping ensure items reach their destination smoothly and without unnecessary complications.

What types of discreet packaging can be used?

There are many different methods of concealing the nature of the contents within a package, and different types of discreet packaging can be used depending on the size and type of the contents. These include:

• Plain boxes: The simplest option is to use a plain, unbranded box. This is a suitable option for most products, and by the nature of their shape, these boxes conceal the contents completely and cannot be associated with any specific type of item.
• Standardised package sizes: Packages with distinctive shapes or sizes can sometimes draw attention, prompting others to guess the contents – accurately or not. Using standard, generic-sized packaging helps reduce this risk by keeping the exterior unremarkable. However, it’s important to ensure that smaller items are securely packed to prevent damage when placed in larger boxes.
• Unbranded sealable mailbags: Smaller and softer items, such as clothing, can be shipped in sealable mailbags, which provide a discreet and cost-effective option. These mailbags also offer tamper-evident features, ensuring any interference is immediately noticeable. Typically, as a more affordable alternative to cardboard boxes, they help retailers maintain discretion while optimising shipping costs.
• Generic return labels: An often-overlooked aspect of discreet shipping is the label on the package. There’s little value in using unmarked packaging if the shipping label reveals sensitive information about the sender, such as a business name that hints at the nature of the contents.
• By partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, businesses can often use the 3PL’s company name and return address on labels, ensuring the source of the goods remains confidential and protecting the customer’s privacy.
• Unmarked shipping tape: Branding on shipping tape can also inadvertently reveal the sender or hint at the contents of a package. For discreet shipping, using plain, unmarked tape is recommended. This approach not only ensures greater privacy but also offers a cost-saving advantage compared to custom-branded alternatives.

Discreet shipping: key things to remember

While discreet shipping will always be appreciated by the customers who want to exercise privacy and security, it isn’t quite as simple as packing items into a plain box and sending it out. When putting a good discreet packaging process in place, you should also bear in mind the following:

Check for carrier and fulfilment restrictions

Many reputable delivery and third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer discreet packaging options. However, some carriers may have specific restrictions or requirements for certain items, such as requiring adult signatures for vapes or age-restricted goods.

When evaluating a logistics partner, it’s important to review their policies thoroughly to ensure they align with your needs. If necessary, reach out to discuss any specific requirements to guarantee a smooth and discreet delivery process.

Don’t sacrifice customs information for the sake of discretion

When shipping items internationally, customs declarations are often required to detail the contents of the package. While this may reduce the level of discretion when the package is delivered, withholding or omitting this information can lead to delays, fines, or even the package being held or returned.

To manage customer expectations, it’s a good idea to communicate any customs requirements in advance. This allows customers to prepare accordingly, ensuring a smooth and efficient delivery process.

Ensure items are still properly packed and labelled for timely, safe shipping

While discretion is important, it should never come at the expense of packaging or shipping quality. Items must be securely packed and clearly labelled to ensure they arrive at their destination on time and in perfect condition. These factors are just as critical as discretion in delivering a positive customer experience.

Get creative with interior packaging

While the outer packaging needs to stay plain for discretion, the inside is your chance to shine. Think vibrant designs, personalised messages, or branded elements that create a memorable unboxing experience. This not only delights your customers but also reinforces your brand identity in a unique and engaging way. By combining creativity with discretion, you can ensure the packaging leaves a lasting impression while keeping the contents private until the big reveal.

Ensure order handling, tracking and notifications remain confidential

Discretion doesn’t end with packaging – order handling, tracking, and notifications must also prioritise privacy. For example, a gift recipient could see a notification on their partner’s phone revealing, ‘Your package from “Beauty Gifts for Her” will be delivered today,’ spoiling the surprise!

To avoid such situations, apply the same principles of neutral and non-identifiable labelling across all fulfilment touchpoints, including tracking updates and customer communications. This ensures a seamless, confidential experience for customers from start to finish.

Ask for expert help if you aren’t sure

When it comes to discreet shipping, leaving things to chance isn’t an option – your customers rely on you to handle their orders with care and privacy. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the discreet packaging or shipping process, reach out to a trusted logistics partner like ILG. Experts with experience in your industry can provide tailored advice and ensure your processes meet both your customers’ expectations and operational needs.

ILG delivers customer satisfaction, whatever your needs

If you feel you need help putting the right discreet packaging in place for your customers, then a third-party logistics (3PL) partner can help you ensure that everything runs smoothly and quietly from start to finish.

At ILG, we have years of experience working with business in an array of industries, all with different needs and requirements. From big brands to growing e-commerce operations, they rely on us to get their products to the destination with the minimum of fuss and a service uniquely tailored to them.

To find out more on what we do with discreet shipping, how we do it, and how we can cater to the specific product range of your business, get in touch with our team today.