Amazon.com Launches Frustration-Free Packaging
Amazon.com has launched “Frustration-Free Packaging,” a new initiative designed to make it easier for customers to liberate products from their packages. Amazon is focusing first on two kinds of items: those enclosed in hard plastic cases known as “clamshells” and those secured with a large number of plastic-coated wire ties, commonly used in toy packaging.
Frustration-Free Packaging is being launched in the United States with 19 bestselling products from leading manufacturers including Fisher-Price, Mattel, Microsoft and electronics manufacturer Transcend. The product itself is exactly the same – Amazon has just streamlined the packaging. The project will expand across Amazon’s international sites beginning in 2009.
We’ve pulled together a video and a few pictures that demonstrate how frustrating packaging can be—feel free to send us your pictures and videos by visiting www.amazon.com/upload. We’ve also created a Frequently Asked Questions document on the program for those of you who want to learn more.
--Andi
Srikanth on November 03, 2008 at 12:10 PM
This is truly amazing customer oriented service from Amazon. It is frustrating to unpack stuff.
pcheng on November 03, 2008 at 02:43 PM
This is the best idea ever, deserves a Nobel.
**Jon on November 03, 2008 at 07:31 PM
I do agree that "Frustration-Free Packaging" is a great idea for some items. One has to take into consideration how far the item will travel or how it will be handled after it leaves the manufacturer. I have received items with boxes that were well tattered, however the packaging protected the contents. There are some items that I will no longer purchase on the internet because they were poorly packaged or shipped in their original manufacturer packaging. I do find it can be more of a pain to return damaged goods rather than take a few extra minutes to remove the packaging. It all depends on the item.............
Dan on November 03, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Jered on November 04, 2008 at 01:05 AM
Good idea, especially in reducing waste, however...
Climb down from your trees, people, use a tool! Get yourself one on Amazon right now. Get a Leatherman, Swiss Army knife, Kershaw, Benchmade, or Spyderco and stop acting like animals using your teeth and nails to open things. Evolve! You will use them all the time. I do, I've carried one almost every day for years.
Carry a small flashlight too. They're really useful.
bob on November 04, 2008 at 05:34 AM
The impenetrable packaging may be useful in a retail store. When Amazon ships directly to us, such packaging is a major annoyance.
Yes, with the proper tools one can break through but why should we need to. Items can be well protected from shipping hazards without being proof against people hazards.
So, thank you Amazon. May your good work continue.
Darlene Spengler on November 04, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Thank you thank you Thank you! I have arthritis and opening today's packaging is nearly impossible for me. I understand why companys have to protect their products, but there has to be a better way. The product is useless to me if i can't open it. Keep up the good work Amazon and get more companys to realize the problems they create for those of us with arthritis.
Lynne on November 04, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Bless you! Irregardless of whether you have proper tools or not, the hard plastic is ALWAYS sharp and I have cut myself a number of times. You could make knives out of this stuff!