I was just thinking about packaging today and my marketing mentor (Seth of course) wrote a great post about it!
There is NO reason for for huge globs of plastic to surround products that we purchase. I HATE when you buy something and then have to take 15 minutes to get it freed from it’s nuclear bomb proof package. My husband hates it too! Not because he objects to that type of packaging, but because of the 2-3 hours of grousing that comes along with it (that would be me!)
I also have a HUGE problem with tiny things that come in big packages. If they are that worried that I will steal something they should put it in a locked case or just put a chip in it that makes a huge noise when I leave the store. I have heard a rumor that the RFID chips in things will eventually be able to associate what I usually by with what I might like to buy and offer suggestions. If manufacturers are that smart they should be able to make a product that I can open without a blowtorch and a fire ax!
Another thing that makes me crazy is the packing within a package. My husband buys cigars that come individually encased in hard plastic tubes WITHIN a plastic wrapped container and tray. Now if he was buying them for hundreds of dollars each I could understand the concept BUT they sell for under $5 for a pack of 4! (As you can tell my manic zeal for marketing and packaging excellence has yet to have an appreciable effect on my spouse BUT someday maybe….:)
On a brighter note, I am SO glad that they are selling the reusable bags at the grocery store to use instead of the plastic bags! I totally dig the concept and personally have about 25 of them since I buy them everytime I go – I am a forgetful person and do not remember until that they are in the car or my home until I am in the checkout line. I am starting to have concerns that I have personally killed more trees by buying reusable bags than I have saved by not using plastic bags!
Thank you for letting me vent – we will resume our regular programming shortly!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am with you on that! As a mother of 2 not so little ones anymore, it is really crazy when you are trying to open kid toys etc……….they sew Barbie’s hair inside the packaging so she always has that cool wind blown look! How come I do not look that cool when I get all wind blown?? Then they strap every little ankle and shoe and accessory for Barbie down with a wire twist tie, then the hard plastic stuff and then the box! Yikes! And talk about a hazard to the kids when they play with all the little tie things instead of the toy! Okay I guess Tara hit a nerve here…
I wanted to give kudos though to WalMart. The other day I bought a CD and it was in a very simple cardboard package called an Ecopak, made from 100% recyclable and biodegradable paper. It also came with an info paper that has wildflower seeds embedded in it so I can plant it! Very Cool! Then if I had a good photographer in my family I could take a beautiful picture of it too!
So Anyway I get to listen to the very best of Sheryl Crow now without worrying about that stupid jewel case breaking like they always do anyway and maybe I will go and plant my seeds now!
Now I am ranting, it’s contagious!
Patty
http://pattynerirealestate.blogspot.com/
YAY – I knew there was a non-packaging underground.
And RATS – I have heard some really great stuff lately about WalMart. They started the affordable prescriptions, have now done a great job on packaging and I am sure there was something else. I am NOT a WalMart fan but I guess I should keep a little bit more of an open mind!
PS – They arrange Barbie’s hair? That is a little creepy!