As stated before, If I’m buying something, I love to get it online. I stay at home, read product reviews, and I don’t have to listen to department store music. However, one thing you can never be sure about is how the product is packaged. I’m not referring to how it’s protected against the postal service, but the amount and selection of materials used. Yeah, the thing that no one cares about.
My laptop has a measly two USB ports, so I decided to step it up and get a USB hub. I couldn’t believe it- the thing is half the size of a cigarette pack, yet the box was large enough to fit a VHS tape.
Look at all this crap! In addition to the hub, there’s also a tiny USB cord and an optional power adapter , but they still don’t justify all the material used here. A cardboard box, a cardboard box inside the cardboard box, an obnoxious plastic window, twisty ties, and plastic bags for the cord and adapter.
Why the plastic window to showcase the product? Why doesn’t a picture of the product printed on the box suffice? I was talking about this with my good friend Mark, and he mentioned it could be an anti-theft design. Maybe he’s right. I remember how some stores would put a clunky piece of plastic on CDs to make them really huge so you could only stuff a few in your coat at a time. Are people really stealing USB hubs? I guess so. I thought these were an item that were locked up on the shelves, but I wouldn’t know. Who actually shops at Best Buy anymore? The best buy is always online.
I really do think that brick-and-mortar stores are slowly becoming extinct…their only purpose is to be a showroom for a product you’re thinking about getting, then go home and buy it online for less. Does that make me a jerk? I’d like to think not. I want to save time and money while avoiding getting dumber by listening to salespeople upsell you useless warranties and lie about how they love the product you’re considering.
Anyway, remember kids: Before buying something try Craigslist, ask your friends or check out back of the store. You might be surprised at what you’ll find. Oh, and look for stuff with less packaging.