Subject:
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Poor packaging by TLC (was: Has any one else noticed...)
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.general, lugnet.dear-lego
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Date:
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Fri, 7 Jan 2000 01:30:49 GMT
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Viewed:
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1237 times
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The issue of poor packaging for retail Lego sets has bothered me for some time.
I remember the days gone by ('cause I still have all the boxes) when TLC
packaged the larger sets in styrofoam-lined boxes with plasic insert trays.
These were the good old days of Lego boxes--boxes that would last a long time
when used to store the pieces. I haven't seen a styrofoam-lined box by Lego
since about 1980. Since then the strutural quality and integrity of Lego set
boxes has declined.
When my copy of 4554 Metrostation arrived from S@H, it was in a full-sized
flip-top box with divider in the inner box. Not too bad. A few years later
when I ordered 2150 Retrostation I was very dissappointed that the box of
identical dimensions was not a flip-top box but just the thin paperboard TLC
used for its outer packaging. As well, among the larger Star Wars sets, none
have the flip-top box feature. Today sets are packed with only the thin
paperboard as protection from all sorts of mishandling, etc.
Then sets like 3052 and 3053 appeared on the shelves with a much stronger
paperboard that was 100 sealed, not just held closed by two little adhesive
stickers on the ends. Well, I was happy with this and figured that all
retailers would be, too. Unfortunately, this packaging does not seem to be a
standard for TLC.
Buyers of Lego and the retail outlets who sell Lego all have to deal with
opened packages since Lego boxes are not sealed well. The seals provided are
much too easy for ill-intentioned childeren and adults to breach. Some of this
activity occurs in stores and after purchasing with the intent of returning
sets that have been pilfered to some degree.
Poor package design is at fault here (as well as unscrupulous consumers) and
could easily be improved without substantial packaging costs [speculation]. I
favor packaging similar to that used on Lego Ninja Sets 3052 and 3053, 6088,
etc. Something should be done since opened/damaged sets in stores are subject
to full wholesale credit for retailers which, of course, costs TLC money.
TLC, as an enterprising venture, should see this as avoidable and unacceptable
expense; a problem with a viable solution easily at hand. I hope that they do
see things this way and act accordingly--the sooner the better.
In lugnet.general, Tamyra Teed writes:
> I've noticed this too.. more because I got a box without looking that
> someone apparently had opened, taken out what they wanted, and the GLUED
> it shut again and returned it. I'm not sure if they'll believe me if I
> take it back though... so I pondered calling CA though should they
> really pay for someone elses greed and rudeness?? I don't think so..
> though you can be sure I'll be looking at my boxes much more closely
> from now on.
>
> I just can't believe people have the b*lls to do this kind of stuff..
> what's worse is they get away with it :(
>
> Tamy
>
>
> leggomylego wrote:
> >
> > I hit the jackpot at a local Target today. (I tell you what I got a little
> > later!) One thing I did notice were a LOT of sets that were bought, VERY
> > carefully opened, looted, and returned. I noticed it on 2 different Amazon
> > Ruins. The tape on the bottom edge of the taped down tray just wasn't
> > sticking like it usually does. Then looking at it longer, I noticed someone
> > swiped the base plate!!! I was quite upset. I could have used a few of • those
> > sets at $19. But w/o the plate, I couldn't do it. Several other boxes were
> > opened as well. The ones that are taped on the sides; when you pull the • tape
> > up, it gets a little cloudy. Someone had used another adhesive to get the
> > tape to stick back down. Some of the boxes that actually tear, you could • see
> > where the box was sliced, and retaped. I have noticed this more and more
> > lately. Any one else?
> >
> > Eric
>
> --
> Keep on Bricken'
> -Tamy
>
> Follow the bouncing boxes!
> http://home.att.net/~mookie1/jambalaya.html
>
> http://home.att.net/~mookie1/
> http://mookie.iwarp.com/ (mirror site)
> Lego isn't a toy, it's a way of life!
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Message has 4 Replies:
Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: Has any one else noticed this lately?
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| I've noticed this too.. more because I got a box without looking that someone apparently had opened, taken out what they wanted, and the GLUED it shut again and returned it. I'm not sure if they'll believe me if I take it back though... so I (...) (25 years ago, 7-Jan-00, to lugnet.general)
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