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Discreet Packaging: A Complete Guide For Online Shoppers
One remarkable benefit of online shopping is the convenience it provides. It takes only a few clicks for customers to place orders and have them delivered to their various. However, the online shopping experience may come with certain risks while being delivered, particularly when youâre dealing with highly valuable items. Examples of such risks include cargo theft or product counterfeiting.
With this in mind, itâll be a smart move to conceal the value or nature of your products while theyâre in transit. This is what discreet packaging helps you achieve. With discreet packaging, you can ensure safe and secure delivery of purchased items to your customers.
In this guide, weâll explore some important things you need to know about discreet packaging.
Ready? Here we go!
What is discreet packaging?
Discreet packaging is a type of packaging used by physical or ecommerce stores to conceal the contents of a package so that onlookers cannot know its nature or value. Typically, it involves using plain, or unmarked mailer boxes, poly bags, or other packaging materials. The primary purpose of discreet packaging is to ensure that the contents do not attract unwanted attention and are protected while in transit.
Apart from expensive or high-value products, discreet packaging can also be used for medical products, medical devices, adult products, and politically inclined productsâ basically, any product that the buyer may feel embarrassed or too concerned to receive openly.
Online shoppers who opt for discreet packaging can be confident that no one outside the ecommerce store they have patronized knows the content of the package. It gives some form of anonymity to the product that was purchased. Outsiders may even be unable to tell who sent the package or the location itâs coming from. For instance, instead of using the storeâs return address on the package, some brands may use the address of the order fulfillment centers to maintain privacy.
Why discreet packaging is relevant for high-value items
When it comes to high-value items, discretion should be a priority. Why? Valuable products, such as electronics, jewelry, luxury goods, or sensitive documents, can easily gain the attention of porch pirates. Porch pirates are criminals that steal packages from peopleâs doorsteps or porches. As of 2022, it was reported that 79% of Americans were victims of these âpirates.â
So, as an ecommerce business, donât just find ways to increase sales. You also need to be intentional about the safety of purchased products. With discreet packaging, you can create an added layer of security that helps deter potential theftâ just like hiding your product in plain sight. This is particularly helpful if you are shipping products to an area with high theft rates.
Moreover, discreet packaging helps maintain customer privacy. In a world where personal information is prone to unwanted exposure, keeping your purchases discreet safeguards your privacy. It also prevents unnecessary exposure of your preferences to others.
What does discreet packaging look like?
Discreet packaging takes advantage of certain components to preserve anonymity. For most online retailers, discreet packaging entails using plain, unbranded boxes or envelopes. These containers may lack any explicit labels or logos that might indicate the contents' value or nature.
Discreet product packages are also characterized by generic or plain colors like brown, white, or black. In some cases, the packages may have shipping labels that specify how the package should be handled during shipping. For instance, if itâs a fragile item, you could see a package with âFragile Handle with Careâ label.
Using discreet packaging does not mean your product packages have to be boring though. You can also use creative, but subtle package designs like the example below. These designs can even come in various shapes and sizes. You may also seal the boxes with fancy packaging tape.
Additionally, you might use tamper-proof packaging, ensuring that the package arrives intact without any signs of tampering. This is one way to guarantee your customers that no one has looked into the package after it was shipped.
The unboxing experience and discreet packaging
Itâs only natural for customers to have a strong sense of anticipation when opening their packages. So, even when you want to go subtle with discreet packaging, you should also keep your customer experience in mind by creating an outstanding unboxing experience.
For instance, opening a well-packaged, tamper-proof box can be delightful if you include some layers of custom inserts and a simple thank-you note.
Now, letâs explore some creative ways you can merge discreet packaging with a remarkable unboxing experience.
Interior printed designs
If youâre using corrugated packaging or cardboard boxes, the interior of this box provides an excellent opportunity to delight your customers. Consider printing vibrant and eye-catching designs on the inside of the box. This could include your brand's logo, unique patterns, or playful messages that reflect your brand identity. See this example:
With such additions, when a customer opens the package, they will be greeted with an unexpected burst of colors and motifs that allow them to experience the joy of unboxing.
Custom tissue paper
Create a memorable unboxing experience by using custom tissue paper to wrap the product inside the shipping box. This adds a layer of elegance and sophistication, making the customer feel like they are unwrapping a special gift.
Custom tissue paper can be branded with your logo or have a unique design that complements your product or brand theme.
Custom box inserts and personalized notes
Use custom box inserts to securely hold the product in place and add an extra touch of luxury. These inserts can be made from premium materials and tailored to fit the product perfectly. You can use inserts made from foam, paper, wood, or any material that works best for the type of product in your package.
Custom inserts not only protect the item during transit but also enhance the unboxing experience by presenting the product in an organized and visually appealing manner.
Additionally, adding a personalized note inside your product package is one way to show customers that you remembered them. And, you can bet that theyâd appreciate this. Hereâs a good example:
With card inserts, you can choose from a variety of sizes and designs to come up with something that syncs with your brand. Remember that details like font types and color can also add to the customerâs experience.
Still on unboxing matters, bear in mind that how you arrange items in your package also matters. Customers should see that you put some thought into it. This can be seen in how you layer the products or wrap them up.
For creative personalized messages, you can use generative AI tools to draft something catchy and exciting.
How to communicate discreet packaging
As an ecommerce brand, you can provide your online shoppers with the option to choose discreet packaging while making purchases on your website. This is one way to let customers know that you are committed to meeting their preferences.
For example, Amazon includes a hint on its website letting shoppers know that they can opt for discreet shipping:
You can also use a checkbox or toggle that customers can easily click to indicate their preference for discreet packaging. If the nature of the product youâre selling requires a default discreet packaging, you should also communicate this with your customer.
After orders have been placed, you can send a confirmation email to remind customers that they have chosen discreet packaging. Then, reassure them that their privacy will be maintained as the product is delivered.
Another way you can communicate discreet packaging to your online shoppers is by adding FAQs about discreet shipping to your website. Here youâll answer questions like âWhat is discreet packaging?â âHow can I use discreet packaging?â âWhy do I need discreet packaging?â and so on. These FAQs should help your prospects get basic, but vital information about your discreet packaging options.
Remember to clearly display your business phone line on the page. Customers should be able to easily contact you in case any of their questions arenât answered on the FAQs page. This also allows them to update their order to be shipped in discreet packaging after completing a purchase.
In closing
What is discreet packaging? Discreet packaging serves as a safeguard for high-value items, protecting them from theft, maintaining privacy, and reducing visibility during transit. They may come in generic brown, white, or black boxes, poly bags, envelopes, and so on. You can also use creative but subtle designs that still maintain anonymity.
The unassuming appearance of discreet packaging does not compromise the excitement of the unboxing experience. So, interior printed designs, custom tissue paper or box inserts, and personalized notes can help you delight customers when they open your package.
You can also inform customers that discreet shipping is available for specific products. This is often as simple as adding a checkbox to the order process, or a note next to products that can be shipped in discreet packages.
By prioritizing discreet packaging, you can ensure that online shoppers are confident, knowing that their valuable purchases will reach them securely. So, take advantage of this as you ensure that your customers enjoy the peace of mind that comes with discreet packaging.
Martin Gessner is the Founder of Focus on Force. He has spent over 10 years working in various Salesforce roles including business analyst, project manager, consultant and solutions architect. Along the way he has earned twelve certifications, published "The Salesforce Career Playbook", and helps Salesforce professionals learn more about Salesforce, develop their career and prepare for certifications.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-gessner-66bb071/
