Why your eCommerce store should offer discreet shipping
Are you considering discreet shipping and packaging for your eCommerce store? Discover the benefits here.
Not everybody wants their neighbours to know where they're shopping or what they're buying. This is why discreet shopping is rising in popularity, especially when it comes to eCommerce.
But what exactly classifies as discreet shipping – and how can eCommerce brands make the most of it?
Find out in this guide to discreet shipping for eCommerce stores.
What is discreet shipping?
Discreet shipping means using packaging and other materials that are designed to conceal the item inside. Plain, unmarked and potentially without a name or return address, discreet parcels provide high levels of privacy, even when they're going through the shipping process.
Why should an eCommerce store offer discreet shipping?
eCommerce stores offer discreet shipping for several reasons. Here are a few of them.
1. It strengthens security
Discreet packaging means people can't tell what's inside – or how much the item is worth.
Since expensive products usually come with branded packaging, shipping them discreetly can help protect the package from damage and theft.
2. It promises privacy
Some people like to keep things to themselves – especially when it comes to personal or sensitive products. By offering discreet packaging, you're helping customers get the products they want or need without having to worry about other people knowing about it.
3. It can protect brand identities
A brand doesn't always want its branding all over everything – especially when it offers a controversial product. Discreet shipping can help brands avoid gaining a negative association between products and their logo.
4. It helps prevent embarrassment
The idea of a package turning up with a rude logo or controversial label can fill some people with dread. They would be embarrassed if other people saw the item, so why not offer them discreet shipping to put their minds at ease?
Do customers prefer discreet shipping?
Discreet shipping comes with a lot of benefits, so it should come as no surprise that people tend to prefer it and it is growing in popularity.
Not only do many customers prefer to stay private when it comes to some purchases, but they also enjoy the extra security of discreet shipping.
How to offer discreet shipping from your store
Follow these steps to set up your eCommerce store with discreet shipping.
- Research legal requirements. Your discreet packaging will need to adhere to local and (possibly) international rules.
- Get yourself some of the plainest shipping packaging you can find. Keep your logo and branding off anything visible and go for white or brown envelopes and boxes.
- Omit your company name, return address and any non-obligatory identifying information from the packaging.
- Train anybody who will be helping with the packing and make sure they package customer orders in a way that meets their needs and expectations.
- Amend your checkout, adding an option for discreet shipping. You can have it as a checkbox option or a dropdown menu along with other shipping options.
- Let the customer know about your discreet shipping packaging policy before they even get their purchase. Perhaps send an email to put their mind at ease and start to build a bond of trust.
- Request feedback and log any issues from shipping customers to monitor how the project is going. Make improvements if necessary.
What does discreet packaging look like?
Discreet packaging is plain and boring. It usually involves brown or white paper and will use minimal markings, which helps conceal what's inside.
The product may be sent to a PO box or a generic business name such as "delivery department".
While it may be simple, discreet packaging should also be sturdy and reliable. If people don't want their purchases revealed, they probably don't want them rolling around on the street outside their house either.
Where can you find discreet shipping boxes?
Your best bets for discreet shipping boxes are:
- Online marketplaces like Amazon. Many sell unmarked boxes you can use as discreet packaging.
- Specialist packaging shops. Sometimes, these retailers can print custom designs on your packaging without using your logo or branding.
- Custom packaging businesses, which can tailor packaging solutions to your products without including any branding.
- Shipping or delivery companies, which usually keep all sorts of packaging in stock – including discreet options
Creating a memorable discreet unboxing experience
Just because the customer requested discreet shipping, it doesn't mean they don't want a fun and memorable unboxing experience.
The lack of branding on the outside can make the unboxing even more exciting. Just make sure the customer knows what to expect when you send out a delivery.
The most common types of products that need discreet packaging
Here are some of the most common types of products for which customers request and receive discreet shipping:
- Adult products
- Medical products
- CBD products
- Pharmaceuticals
- Beauty products
- Luxury products
- Subscription packages
- Vape products
How Stowsafe Fulfilment can help
You might think that using a third-party
fulfilment company gives you
less
control over your packaging.
But it doesn't have to be this way. At Stowsafe Fulfilment, we provide bespoke fulfilment services that are tailored to your brand and your customers.
The way it works is simple. We store your products in our large, secure warehouse – and when an order comes through, we pick them, pack them and ship them to customers.
The difference with Stowsafe is that we do things
your way. We're always happy to accommodate custom requests, whether they relate to storage, shipping or packaging.
Want to introduce discreet shipping options? With Stowsafe as your partner, you can rest assured that we'll get it done – and we'll do it in a way that delights customers and keeps you compliant with regulations.
To get started,
book a meeting with one of our fulfilment experts.
