Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.amazon.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.amazon.com/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Dear Customers, Wrap rage describes the frustration we humans feel when trying to free a product from a nearly impenetrable package. Some products are hermetically sealed inside plastic clamshell cases, while others (especially toys) use plastic-coated steel-wire ties. Without the right tools, wire ties can be painful and time-consuming to untwist. Today, we're excited to announce the beginning of a multi-year initiative designed to alleviate wrap rage Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1225750695.usr10.jpg" /></p><p>Great idea and it seems like a win for all sides.&nbsp; Clamshell packaging evolved as a way to deter shoplifing in the retail environment.&nbsp; Since this is not a problem for Amazon, they are able to cut out the extra cost and waste associated with this packaging.&nbsp; The packaging still seems a bit large for the size of the product, but at least most of it is easily recyclable.&nbsp; Hopefully the cost savings in packaging will offset the cost of having two different types of packaging and more companies will jump on board.</p><p><strong>UPDATE:</strong>&nbsp; Upon futher reading, my comment about the packaging seeming a bit large is a bit off-base.&nbsp; Apparently, the package is also the shipping box, so no more box in a box.</p>

[starstreak]

I could be wrong, but this also means if you bought it from Amazon, no more returning unopened goods as its not in the original box. Or if Amazon got a return, they could repackage it as new?

[Chris Gohlke]

Could be a problem, but on the mouse, for example, if you look at the other product pictures, it appears the mouse is still sealed in a plastic bag. I would assume as long as the bag is sealed, it could still be considered new. But clearly, something that needs to be clarified.

[Pony99CA]

Clamshell packaging evolved as a way to deter shoplifing in the retail environment.
But does it really deter shoplifting? There's been quite a bit about "boosting" (gangs of "professional" shoplifters) in the news lately, and they steal carts of stuff.

Also, even a casual shoplifter could get around this. For example, at a store like Target, you take in one of those plastic Target bags in your pocket with a receipt from another purchase made prevously. Once you're by the item you covet, you take the bag out, drop the item in and walk out holding the receipt. Unless they check your receipt (like Fry's or Costco) or somebody saw you, the packaging hasn't helped a bit.

(If the above paragraph is considered too encouraging of crime, just delete everything after the first sentence.)

I found the packaging so annoying that I bought a special tool (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/9fb2/) to help open clamshell packaging (not that one; they used to sell a different one). It's worked OK sometimes, but once I gave myself a pretty bad cut on the packaging (not from the blade).

Hopefully the cost savings in packaging will offset the cost of having two different types of packaging and more companies will jump on board.
I hope they'll also get rid of those horrible strips on DVDs and CDs, but I think those are there for a different reason. They allow people to remove the shrink wrap (for gift giving, for example) without compromising the ability to return the items.

Steve

[teschall]

Just a hint for those that dont know, but a regular old hand crank can opener works like a charm on most clamshell packaging.

[Jason Dunn]

I hate how difficult and frustrating they make most packaging, so anything that makes it suck less is a win in my book!

[phoenixag]

This is clearly a case of cost saving. The packaging is also the shipping box? No way!

I don't like it. It means that basically, once you open the box, the product is not new anymore. You can't sell it to anyone else, if you don't like it, you have to return it.

[Dyvim]

This is clearly a case of cost saving. The packaging is also the shipping box? No way!
Of course it is. It will save money for both Amazon and the product manufacturers (once they gear up enough to produce the reduced packaging items in bulk). Finding a way to reduce costs while at the same time doing something that will help the environment (reduced waste, reduced fuel in transport, reduced plastics) is the only way big companies will ever do the "right thing" (for the most part anyway), and I think is a win-win for everyone. The United States is ridiculous in the amount of wasteful packaging it produces (compare to identical items sold in Switzerland where each store is responsible for disposing of the packaging of all items it sells and customers routinely unpack items and discard the packaging in store).

I think it's a great thing. My personal pet peeve is children's toys with the dozens of wire twist ties holding the toy to the packaging- so annoying.

[Jason Dunn]

I don't like it. It means that basically, once you open the box, the product is not new anymore. You can't sell it to anyone else, if you don't like it, you have to return it.

As someone who re-sells his electronics often, that's a good point - I pride myself on re-selling my stuff in the original packaging and keeping things looking like new.

On the other hand, it's not like I can keep the blister packs, so if this is just a replacement for the blister packs, no loss...

[phoenixag]

Yes, if its just for the blister packs, I am all for it. I hate the ones in which Sandisk SD cards come in. It takes me 10 minutes to open those packs, using scissors! And I am lucky if I manage not to nick myself in the finger with the plastic.

Anyway, I too am someone who sells his old gadgets/things pretty often. It's the only way to remain on the cutting edge without being loaded with cash.
And like you, Jason, I always provide the original packaging with the product. Guess if its for all products, I'll have to provide a general brown box and say that was the original packaging :D

I do agree on the environment friendly part of it, of course.

[Constant Caffeine]

Having two small children I think it is a good idea. My wife and I have taken the items out of these clamshell packagings before wrapping the gift for the kids. Some of these toys take ten minutes to remove all the wiring, tape, etc.

My thoughts regarding the comments about returning open packages is that it was Amazon's idea to do this. They will have to figure out how to handle returns.

[Pony99CA]

My thoughts regarding the comments about returning open packages is that it was Amazon's idea to do this. They will have to figure out how to handle returns.
Agreed, but based on the comments here, that's only half of the problem. The other half is that people won't be able to resell the items as new (in the original packaging) because the packaging is the shipping container and you'll have already opened it.

I don't tend to resell my stuff, so I think that's a small price to pay to eliminate annoying packaging.

Steve