How to Use or Ask for Discreet Packaging as a Buyer or Seller

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Keep purchases private & safe from theft with discreet packaging
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If you’ve ever bought something online, you’ve probably come across the phrase “discreet packaging.” Discreet packaging is simply packaging that intentionally conceals the package’s contents and shipping origins to protect the customer’s privacy. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about discreet packaging, including what it is, when it’s used, and what it looks like. Plus, learn how to ask for discreet shipping as a customer, how to package discreet shipments as a business, and get answers to additional questions regarding discreet packaging.

What does discreet packaging mean?

Discreet packaging is packaging that contains no identifiable elements that would reveal what the package contains or where it came from. The shipping containers and labels are unbranded so only the person who bought the item knows what it is. Discreet packaging protects customer privacy and helps prevent theft.

Section 1 of 6:

What is discreet packaging?

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  1. 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. [1]
    • 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.
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Section 2 of 6:

Items Commonly Shipped with Discreet Packaging

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  1. 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. [2]
  2. 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. [3]
  3. 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. [4]
  4. 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. [5]
  5. 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.
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Section 3 of 6:

What Discreet Packaging Looks Like

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  1. 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: [6]
    • 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.
Section 4 of 6:

How to Ask for Discreet Packaging

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  1. 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. [7]
  2. 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.
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Package Shipments Discreetly

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  1. 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. [8]
  2. 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. [9]
    • 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.
  3. 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. [10]
    • 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.
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Section 6 of 6:

Discreet Packaging FAQs

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  1. 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. [11]
  2. 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. [12]
  3. 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. [13]
    • 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.
  4. 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. [14]
  5. 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. [15]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it legal to have discreet packaging?
    Tasmin Angelina Houssein
    Apple Watch Accessories Expert
    Tasmin Angelina Houssein is a digital marketing expert and the Director of Marketing for My Pretty Bands based in Columbia, South Carolina. Tasmin is skilled in SEO content writing, Google Ads, marketing, and consumer engagement, specializing in fashion accessories. My Pretty Bands is a retailer of custom, high-quality Apple Watch bands designed to be elegant, adjustable, and lightweight. My Pretty Bands has been featured in Vents Magazine and the Associated Press. Tasmin also has nearly a decade of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry, and regularly hosted high-profile clients throughout her previous career working for Chamada Prestige Hotels in Cyprus. She received a BS in Business Management with a concentration in Financial Management from University of Hull.
    Tasmin Angelina Houssein
    Apple Watch Accessories Expert
    Expert Answer
    Having a package discreetly packed is usually fine, but the legality and acceptability of discreet packaging can vary from place to place. In most countries, it’s perfectly fine as long as it follows local shipping regulations. The best thing is to check with your shipping company’s policy, as they may have specific requirements or restrictions on packaging that you need to follow.
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      • Choosing discreet packaging doesn’t usually affect shipping times, but it’s possible discreet packages may sometimes take longer to ship as the company has to ensure all identifying information has been concealed. [16]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://shiphero.com/blog/article/discreet-shipping/
      2. ↑ https://shiphero.com/blog/article/discreet-shipping/
      3. ↑ https://www.qodenext.com/blog/discreet-shipping/
      4. ↑ https://www.easyship.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-for-discreet-shipping
      5. ↑ https://packaginghub.com/blog/what-is-discreet-packaging/
      6. ↑ https://shiphero.com/blog/article/discreet-shipping/
      7. ↑ https://www.qodenext.com/blog/discreet-shipping/
      8. ↑ https://www.qodenext.com/blog/discreet-shipping/
      9. ↑ https://www.qodenext.com/blog/discreet-shipping/
      1. ↑ https://www.atomixlogistics.com/blog/the-essential-guide-to-discreet-shipping-and-packaging-in-ecommerce
      2. ↑ https://mailerbagfactory.com/mastering-discreet-packaging-a-complete-guide-for-e-commerce/
      3. ↑ https://www.easyship.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-for-discreet-shipping
      4. ↑ https://shiphero.com/blog/article/discreet-shipping/
      5. ↑ https://mailerbagfactory.com/mastering-discreet-packaging-a-complete-guide-for-e-commerce/
      6. ↑ https://www.shipmyorders.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-discreet-packaging-that-protects-customer-privacy-plus-design-tips
      7. ↑ https://www.qodenext.com/blog/discreet-shipping/

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