Packaging - that big a deal?

[Lithium1330]

Yeh, they're probably afraid of what's in there...LOL

And just the thought of repackaging it is probably enough to stop them. Too much work!

Lu

Exactly, I wanted to say that but didn't find the words, that is why my thoughts would be "I'm not going to open that thing, too much work to open it and too much work to repackage it" benci is a master of psychological manipulation!

 

[Lithium1330]

Good idea Lith! I think you're on to something..lmao .

Benci's idea Riddle he is da man! lol

 

[deemkooo]

I find the boxes wasteful. I don't use them after purchase. Does anyone?

 

[MonkeyMonk]

gashin had I not read all the posts, and really thought about your question, I would have answered differently. I would have said it didn't matter as long as it was undamaged. But, after serious thought, I agree with everyone who said bubble wrap would make a better impression.
However, relative to e-cigs, a typed note in the ziplock bag would maybe make the best of both ... like... "Minimizing the packaging preserves the environment and reduces the overhead cost which is passed on to you". Or a check box on the order form allowing people to select boxed at an extra cost.

Relative to the e-cigar, I will say the box is nice. I like it because when it is stripped down to a shell, it can be used it to store all the atomizers, batteries and chargers of the e-cigs and e-cigar items. So, relative to cigars, I would say to definitely box.

BTW. I headed to your website next, too. (I'll take a baggie, or some recycled newspaper...it's better for the environment.)

 

[Elle]

i like your idea monkey! i think thats a great solution.

i also think it makes a difference wether you're a first time buyer or a regular. if i had a trusted supplier i felt comfortable with, there would probably be a time i would be ok w/ receiving my products in a baggie/bubble wrap.

but if i was brand new and thats what was shipped to me, i'd be a little weirded out. when i ordered my first starter kit there was a nice box, everything had its place and was properly packaged- lovely if it were my business, that's how i'd ship all initial orders, and place a little card in there outlining that future purchases would be available this way or "environmentally friendly" at a slight discount if desired.

 

[Jaaxx]

If you want dirt cheap e-cig packaging, look for fireworks suppliers. They have very, very cheap 6" cardboard tubes. Wrap a little bubblewrap around it, shove in tube, crimp ends and ship.

 

[SpaceCadet]

Well, I re-use or recycle packaging, and on the whole I find excessive packaging wasteful as many folks will just bin it! I don't care what my stuff comes wrapped in as long as it is shipped clean and turns up in good working order.

Hate mail on account of cheap ... packaging is just silly. If they wanna go elsewhere and pay more, fine. Some people, jeesh.

Hell, I'd even re-use a ziploc baggie!

 

[riddle80]

My mother (nitewriter) started up a company last year that manufacturers 100% biodegradable packing peanuts. You can eat them (trust me, I've had many..lol!). If you guys are wanting to be environmentally friendly you should check them out...

Puffy Stuff™ Biodegradable Packing Peanuts

They make several types. I'm sure the marshmallow of the fluff would work great for packing e-cigs in.

 

[ZambucaLu]

With the way things are going now, receiving anything in any type of pakaging would be a godsend...lol

Lu

 

[dnakr]

When one of the suppliers at this forum first opened - I was given the choice of shipment with the packaging for this amount or with a ziplock at this amount.

I went with the ziplock. I don't care how it is packaged - just as long as I get it in working condition.

 

[JustJulie]

I agree wholeheartedly with MonkeyMonk. A baggie might weird me out a little bit, especially if I wasn't expecting it. However, a note about preserving the environment and lowering costs with the savings passed on to the customers, well, that would have me doing a happy dance.

I guess it is about perception.

By the way, I get stuff from a framing supply company wrapped in bubble wrap with a label stuck on it. Never even gave me a moment's pause except to think, "How cool is that?"

 

[TropicalBob]

Packaging impacts the perception of a product's professionalism.

A new customer might wonder: Is this device a "reconditioned" e-cig? Is it new .. or used? Were instructions included (they should be). These considerations are important for new customers, and, I , too, would have lambasted as unprofessional any shipment in a plastic baggie. I want to know my order is new, from a real company, using professional packaging standards.

Once a company is known, cheaper shipping of replacement parts is great, a cost savings.

 

[Kate]

As well as boxed starter kits, Smokester sells an Eco version. It's basically the same thing without the box. I got one that was packaged in bubble wrap in a jiffy bag.

Midnyte Black Classic ECO eCig Starter Pack (green LED) RN4072B [4072ECO_BLACK] - £31.00 : E-Cigs.co.uk, Online Store

 

[KoS]

I do like some sort of a box or secured packaging. Athough some supplier seam to spend more on the box that the quality of the product. I think a baggie is a little extreme if it was just that. A lil buble wrap goes a long way. Just think, I waited for my stuff....It finaly got here and breaks in a day or so. If it was packaged poorly the first thing to come to your mind is what happened in the shipping prosses. Warenties are great and I applaud that. But when you drop your cash the last thing you want to do is send it right back and wait agiain.

 

[ejfan1977]

As a new consumer, I would have questioned the professionalism of the vendor I just purchased from... It's already a somewhat controversial item and to receive it in a plastic zip-lock bag, I would have thought it was very "underground" or "black market-ish". You may want to explain you packaging methods on your web-site so the consumer is assured that you are a trust-worthy vendor.

I do think that spare parts, e-juice, etc. are fine to be shipped in some bubble or foam wrap. i have no problem with that.

Good luck!

 

[surbitonPete]

It's probably just my sense of humour but there seems to be something rather funny about someone getting upset about the 'packaging' if the product is perfectly o/k. ........my packaging always goes straight into the rubbish bin.......'hey I want much better rubbish than this!' lol.

 

[ejfan1977]

It's probably just my sense of humour but there seems to be something rather funny about someone getting upset about the 'packaging' if the product is perfectly o/k. ........my packaging always goes straight into the rubbish bin.......'hey I want much better rubbish than this!' lol.

I agree to a point, but like I said "As a new consumer...". The rubbish is what it is, but at least let the consumer know what to expect.

 

[surbitonPete]

I agree to a point, but like I said "As a new consumer...". The rubbish is what it is, but at least let the consumer know what to expect.

Oh I can see both sides of the argument.....there is something that feels 'good' about receiving something all packaged nicely in a presentation box ......even if you are only going to throw it in the rubbish bin!

 

[ApOsTle51]

I like smokesters! way of doing things and giving the customer the choice at cost. If it's for my use then i'd get the eco or minimul packaging but if i where purchasing a kit as a gift i would pay the little extra for a boxed set.

 

[ejfan1977]

Exactly, just like opening a present! The excitement and anticipation of it! And yes, then the packaging gets tossed. However, there are some clever recyclers out there too.

By the way, cute avatar Pete!