We can now buy items we're embarrassed to buy in stores because of e-commerce.
According to a OnePoll survey, 89% of Americans There is a willingness among consumers to pay higher prices for these items to avoid embarrassment.
Why is this the case? It's a shared experience. Over 72% of us believe that employees or fellow shoppers at brick-and-mortar establishments will judge us based on what's in our carts. The feeling of retail shame tends to subside as we mature, typically in our late 20s or mid-30s.
The top 10 items US consumers are embarrassed to buy at physical shops include condoms (29%), emergency contraceptives (26%), bed bug spray (26%), head lice treatment (25%), hemorrhoid cream (24%), diarrhea medication (24%), pregnancy kit (23%), bladder leak or incontinence products (23%), menstrual products (23%), and cold sore medication (23%).
Brands can ship orders without product identification or company name to prevent couriers and nosy neighbors from discovering what you ordered.
This is why discreet packaging is not just a feature but a necessity in e-commerce, providing us with the reassurance and privacy we deserve.
The purpose of discreet packaging is to conceal the contents of the box or mailer with minimal labeling to avoid drawing attention to them.
An Ambiguous Exterior: "Making" What's Inside
To keep its contents hidden, discreet packaging uses the following methods:
Bags or boxes that are plain
Use plain white, Kraft, or neutral-colored carton mailers, shipping boxes (full overlap or slotted), or bags without branding.
2. White labels/generics
For products that require legal descriptions, our discreet shipping labels are designed to be as inconspicuous as possible. They will only include the tracking number and the recipient's address, with no business logos or company names required.
3. Packages that are stealthy
Packaging materials with tamper-proof features are hard to open, protecting the quality and quantity of their contents. They may use seals and tapes that must be opened with scissors or blades. This way, it would be obvious if anyone else looked inside the package besides the recipient.
Category of Products Requiring Discreet Packaging
Distinct shipping is most likely to be requested or expected for the following categories:
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products
You may find some health conditions too embarrassing or sensitive for your customers to discuss and prefer discreet packaging for their medicines. The following are examples:
- Trouble with the digestive and urinary systems (diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, incontinence)
- Excessive sweating, foul breath, body odor, etc.
- (Baldness and acne)
- Apnea or snoring during sleep
- Fungus or virus-caused infection (toes, nails, reproductive organs)
- A pregnant woman
For instance, take InControl Diapers. This brand of adult urine and bowel incontinence diapers delivers orders plainly packaged on YouTube. The box has only three labels: the shipment number, your name, and your address.
2. E-cigarettes
USPS prohibits the shipment of vaping products, e-cigarettes, and similar devices with or without aerosolized solutions under the amended Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act).
In addition, it specifies how packaging labels should be worded. According to its mailing guidelines, "Permitted [cigarette/smokeless tobacco/ENDS] mailing-delivery only upon age verification" must appear in all caps on the address side of the mailpiece.
Customers' packages are shipped from four warehouses with available supplies closest to them. VapeA1 prides itself on offering "extra discreet plain box shipping."
3. The cannabidiol compound (CBD)
CBD regulations differ from state to state, but there are some commonalities. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management and California's Department of Cannabis Control require CBD retailers to use child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging.
Cannabis oil products' packaging should not contain cartoonish or bubble-like fonts or bright colors to avoid confusing people under 20 with candies or snacks.
Both New York and California expect CBD retailers to use packaging materials. Light and other contaminants can deteriorate the product during storage if it is not protected from Light. As a result of this requirement, the product is safe and of high quality.
It is important that vendors accurately indicate CBD levels on product labels to avoid receiving Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letters. According to a recent government study, only 31% of 84 CBD extracts sold online had labels that accurately listed the CBD content. As of July 26, 2023, the FDA has warned 12 companies marketing CBD-related products.
In the meantime, the Federal Trade Commission sent cease and desist letters to six companies for deceptive marketing of their edible products containing Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, another compound found in cannabis sativa. As with Doritos, Cheetos, and Nerds Rope Candy, the packaging resembled popular snacks.
Medical cannabis packaging from Utah-based WholesomeCo is discreet but not plain.
4. Items for adults
Products for adults include alcohol, lingerie, and sex toys.
New Zealand-based Elusive Lingerie asks customers to specify discreet shipping in the "Notes" section. Alternatively, they will receive a plain white box branded with our logo.
When it comes to sexy sleepwear, standard shipping procedures apply, but when it comes to liquor and pleasure toys, consider these procedures:
The liquor industry
State governments set rules for shipping liquor directly to consumers, including the types, maximum amounts, and permits. Brands cannot generally send them through the USPS.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures website, eight states and territories accept direct-to-consumer shipments of spirits:
- Aoahu
- The Nebraskans
- A Kentucky-based company
- W.Va.
- N.H.
- R.I.
- As a state
- Washington, D.C.
Generally, shipments must be clearly labeled with the following words: "Contains alcohol: Signature required.".
New York alcohol shipments must have the same words, but their labels must end with "Not for Resale." North Dakota shipments do not require the phrase "Contains alcohol."
Toys for pleasure
Brands need to check state laws before shipping sex toys, which are banned in Alabama (due to the Alabama Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1998), Texas, and Georgia. A local novelty store in Texas sells these adult products as "novelties."
Bonjibon posted a video on TikTok showing its "super boring" white label-plain packaging.
Goods that are expensive or luxurious
High-end or luxury products include:
Items of fashion: watches, jewelry, precious stones, perfume, designer clothing, bags, and shoes
Electronics, drones, video or film production devices, and medical devices are all high-tech gadgets.
Sculptures, paintings, prints, and collectibles are examples of artwork
5. Items related to politics
It is possible to ship individual candidate campaign products to thank donors and supporters or to Bulk them up before rallies and sorties. Among these items are:
- Embroidery pins
- A magnet
- Stickers for bumpers
- Hanger tags for doorknobs
- Pencils
- Pads of paper
- Balls are used to relieve stress
- Fanning hands
- Glasses
- The wristbands
- A lanyard
- The keychain
- Using umbrellas
- Shirts, caps, and hats
- A banner
- A balloon
- Throws from the table
- The mugs
- Bags for totes
- Clothing
- Placards for yards
Unboxing with Discreet Packaging: 3 Steps
The interior of the discreet packaging can be customized to fit the box design, colors, and messaging. Make your unboxing experience unique by following these steps:
Welcome your customers
Your personalized message can be anything from "Thank you" to "Hello" to acknowledge your client's purchase at the back of your box's cover or lid.
You can also include your business name, logo, and other details here.
2. Put a sticker on the order and wrap it in custom tissue paper.
Using stickers, tissue paper, and your logo, brand name, and colors ensures your customers remember your business even after using your product.
3. Provide promotional inserts
Create custom promotional inserts based on your engagement and customer acquisition goals:
- Put a personalized insert instead of a message on the lid of your box to thank buyers.
- Utilize social share inserts to get feedback from clients on their purchases.
- Give current customers a referral card, encouraging them to refer their friends to your company.
Additionally, you can use them to explain how to use the product, share your company history, and promote upsells.
Discreet packaging boosts your business.
When you offer discreet packaging, you can benefit from the following:
Protecting your privacy
You protect your reputation and buyer's privacy by concealing your business name and the specifics of their order.
Some frustrated clients capture their unreported shipping failures on video. These videos may turn off prospects who discover that your brand does not ship as discreetly as you claim.
In the meantime, satisfied customers can polish your reputation by leaving positive feedback on your review forms and social channels.
A security system
You can find discreet packaging for high-end items and embarrassing body products. The use of generic-looking packaging can prevent theft, damage, and destruction.
Optimization of the box interior
Despite being unobtrusive on the outside, your box can include all your branding elements inside.
Print your brand colors, logo, slogan, or personalized message on the interior of your packaging box. Alternatively, you can wrap your product with custom tissue and seal it with a label.
To promote extended engagement with your shoppers, include thank you and social share request cards in your packaging inserts. For dividers or holders, use eco-friendly materials.
Discreet Courier Services Available
Alternatively, you can work with a fulfillment center offering discreet labeling and shipping. Their expertise in this area will give you confidence and trust in their services.
Discreet packaging is not just a trend; it's the key to future-proofing your business. It's a forward-thinking strategy that will keep you prepared for the future. Offering delivery options to your customers' discreet shipping can help you avoid being overtaken by fierce competitors by 2026 when 24% of retail purchases will be made online. According to the Census Bureau, there are more than two million retailers in the country.
Work with seasoned packaging suppliers who provide white-glove treatment from box type selection to prototyping to surprise your customers.
With Luxury Custom Boxes, brands can achieve a balance between a discreet exterior and an impressive design on the inside.
A print-ready design aligned with our artwork guidelines will ensure a smooth and speedy production process. Moreover, our packaging design specialists can advise you on everything from box structure to packaging inserts and inside printing. When you work with these accomplished graphic artists and engineers, your packaging will become a trust-building vehicle for your brand.
We provide 2D and 3D mockup development so you can examine and test your box folded up before production. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need discreet packaging.
