Subject:
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Re: 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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Tue, 1 Feb 2000 23:01:31 GMT
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Viewed:
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2127 times
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In lugnet.general, Kevin Salm writes:
> 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.
>
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> 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
An important part of my Pre-Dark Ages Lego experience was enjoying the box. I
remember fondly those substantial boxes from the 70's with the deep trays and
wonderful Alternate designs on the back and inside lid. I loved the way classic
space was packaged - the 2 or 3 crater holes packed with pieces. Things were
still good even until the early 90's. The Whirl N' Wheel Super Truck, my long-
lost beloved, had the flip lid and nice plastic "window" to see the pieces
(though the cardboard box was a bit flimsy.) When I emerged from my dark-ages
in March of 99, and purchased the Tie-Fighter/Y-Wing over the Internet, I
naively expected the box to be part of the experience again. (I know, it was my
bad...I didn't pay attention to Lego boxes on the shelves. I was in my Dark
Ages.) I cannot stress how gravely disappointed I was when I saw/opened the
box. I felt cheated; it was like they just stuck the pieces in there and said
"Here your Legos, kid. That'll be fifty-four dollars (accompanied by hearty,
condescending, Boy-We-Put-One-Over-On-You laugher.) For all of us who grew up
on Lego, I'd wager that the wonderful boxes were an important part of the whole
experience. A wish come true would be if Lego would bring back the flip-top and
clear window for the large SW sets.
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