August 1, 2012 By

Product packaging–Getting a balance?

UPDATE 14/8: So a couple of weeks after we first posted the question, the results are in and it is interesting to see that the overwhelming majority of voters were not too fussed about packaging and preferred really enough to keep the product protected.  We are pleased by the results.  Certainly shows a demand for greener more eco products.

Here at Clove we consciously work to try and avoid over packaging.

ID-10061258There has been a gradual move within the technology industry to reduce the amount of materials used when it comes to packaging products and we are now seeing form the likes of HTC more eco friendly, bio-degradable packaging.

It is amazing what innovative box designs we can see for some products now. 

So this got me thinking, as to what the general consensus is on packaging?

Personally, if I go to buy a product in the shop, I want the package to look nice and be enough to tell me what it is all about and enough to protect it for the journey home but I do not want something overly bulky.

imageIf I buy something online, I often want less packaging to keep the cost and bulk of the parcel down, but of course want it to be packaged so it is not damaged in transit. Preferably I want it packaged in paper and not polystyrene or air pockets.

I wouldn’t say I was an eco warrior, but I do believe too many companies use too much plastic and packaging in places they do not need too. In the end we generally throw it away.

I think it is about getting a balance.  Less packaging can keep costs down for everyone and cost savings could be passed on, they probably wont be, but I would feel a bit better for knowing a few less resources had been used.

However I know others who hate getting something ‘bulk’ packaged, they want the fancy boxes and would by quite happy if their latest phone purchase came in a box the size of of a box for a desktop computer.

So what is you view? Vote in the poll below, but leave some more detailed feedback in the comments.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About Jon

Constantly challenging opinions and looking for new opportunities, Jon develops the product ranges and business activities and very much strives to maintaining growth and taking Clove in to the future.

Never knowing when to stop, he spends too much time in the office! He's very organised; writes lists, reports, spreadsheets, you name it, he's on to it!! When he does relax, however, he can be found driving his pride and joy (his Range Rover Sport), walking his Dog, down the pub or at a local restaurant. He does too like the finer things in life and often lives beyond his means, only the best hotels will do.

Comments

  1. Ian says:
    August 1, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    I can’t actually remember the last time I bought a phone in a bricks ‘n’ mortar shop, so it’s really not a factor for me; the box generally goes into a cupboard until it’s time to move it on via ebay. Are there really big piles of boxes in these shops that influence customers? Tablets I have sometimes bought in stores, and I’d consider them a purchase more dependent on packaging, I guess because they’re bigger, so the quality of the packaging is more evident. I hope I wouldn’t be swayed by a shiny photo-encased box over a recycled package, but if there’s any truth to the Apple claim that a lot of Samsung’s Tabs were returned because “they weren’t ipads”, then I guess there are a fair amount of buyers that are buying with their eyes, rather than doing a little research.

  2. Bugblatter says:
    August 1, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    My Razor Mamba mouse came in a clear plastic presentation case and was massively overdone.

    Any packaging I feel bad about throwing away is overdone.

    In phone shops they show the phones, not the boxes.

    I remember when my Touch HD arrived it felt like a bit of an event. opening that large box with the magnetic clasp and umpteen levels and compartments. In comparison my Touch HD2 was a bit of a let-down when it came to the unboxing experience, but really it was the phone that mattered and the smaller boxes are better for storage. My S3 was similar to the HD2 in terms of packaging, but again I was mostly interested in the actual phone.

    So keep it simple but attractive.

    • Clove says:
      August 1, 2012 at 4:57 pm

      Packaging is part of the experience and you naturally make a judgement. Most of us not wrongly would probably opt for the shiny packaging on the shelf even if an identical product sat in a dull grey box.

      I think with online it helps that you don’t see the box to be swayed by it so you have no real expectations unless you see an unboxing video?!

  3. Kim says:
    January 28, 2013 at 11:52 am

    I read a report that simply switching away from plastic uses more energy (wood/glass, etc) and that we should instead put more effort into using recycled plastic, again and again.