Hard To Open
MayorBob.
Posted to Business on Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 10:59:56 AM EST (promoted by port1080). RSS.
You wake up Christmas morning and scurry on down to the tree. You and your family find gifts galore under the tree. You experience the thrill and happiness of getting just what you wanted. Now you get to experience the dread that comes with trying to get what you wanted out of its package. Particularly if you find electronic gear or toys you are about to embark on one of the most frustrating aspects of the holidays - trying to get your stuff out of the clamshell or oyster packaging. Not only will it be a major chore to accomplish, getting the stuff free might be hazardous to your health.
The packaging, which is supposed to protect merchandise while it's in the supply chain, becomes a health hazard at this time of year. This is because most consumers are eager to get stuff open and in use (particularly for the kiddies). But the packaging is so tough and durable it's impervious to most scissors. Therefore, bigger and sharper implements need to be brought to the fray. Knives are the common tool of choice and it's not unusual for a person to lacerate themselves in the process. Barehanded opener beware, as that is a surefire way to cut yourself or lose fingernails. Michael Hunt, an emergency room doctor from Denver says:"People get frustrated and vigorous. That's when the mishaps occur. People don't appreciate the integrity of the packaging. You become rushed and not slow and considered in your approach."
But the purpose behind the tough and unforgiving plastic wrapping goes beyond making sure the product isn't destroyed in the supply chain. The main purpose is to reduce retail theft, something that costs retailers an estimated (US)$13 billion a year. According to Mary Ann Falkman, a retail industry observer, "in a nutshell it is pretty much all about retail theft." The stuff looks good on the store shelf and it's more difficult for a shoplifter to steal than loose items. Falkman just wishes they'd make it a little easier for people who actually bought the stuff to be able to open it at home.
The difficulties and hazards of this type of packaging are memorialized by the Oyster Awards. Consumer Reports bestows the Oysters annually upon those packages which present the greatest challenge to the unsuspecting consumer. This year's winners include an electronic toothbrush and a set of dolls. Another downside to oyster packaging is that most of it is made from PVC. While PVC is cheap and sturdy it's often difficult to recycle.
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