why does newegg use packing peanuts?

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sao123

Lifer
May 27, 2002
12,653
205
106
Originally posted by: Gigantopithecus
Originally posted by: sao123
packing peanuts is fine... but the way they pack their hard drives is unacceptable.

I've read a lot of complaints about how Newegg packages hard drives but I've bought about a dozen single disks from them in the last few months; they've all come thoroughly bubble wrapped & packed with either crumpled paper or peanuts & I don't see what the fuss is about...?

BTW, if you buy a lot of stuff online that comes with packing peanuts, save them up & fill a garbage bag with them. You can usually get $5 or so for a 13 gallon bag on Craigslist from small volume eBay sellers since peanuts are a total ripoff at office supply stores. Kind of a PITA but it definitely beats sending them to the landfill.


1. every hard drive manufacturer has denounced shipping drives in bubblewrap, peanuts, and several other common methods of shipping hard drives.
2. New Egg has a very high rate of DOA hard drives, or drives which fail within the first 30 days... and the manufacturers are blaming the shipping.
 

eplebnista

Lifer
Dec 3, 2001
24,123
36
91
Originally posted by: Crono
Originally posted by: Xanis
IMO packing peanuts > * when it comes to packing materials.

You have to admit that bubble wrap is pretty fun, though.

Indeed :)

I actually prefer a combination of small-cell bubble wrap and foam peanuts instead of the large air bags or brown packing paper.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
My latest Newegg package came with some crumpled brown paper, with all the products crammed into a too-small box. Long live the packing peanuts (and their correspondingly roomy boxes)!
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
60,053
10,541
126
Originally posted by: eplebnista

Indeed :)


I knew where that went before I clicked :^D

That's pretty fun, but it lacks the tactile feedback of the real real thing. Support for a force feedback mouse would make it much nicer :^D
 

eplebnista

Lifer
Dec 3, 2001
24,123
36
91
Originally posted by: MotF Bane
My latest Newegg package came with some crumpled brown paper, with all the products crammed into a too-small box. Long live the packing peanuts (and their correspondingly roomy boxes)!

Same here and the packer at Newegg managed to squeeze/buckle the end of the retail Intel e5200 box with a crucial 2gb ram retail package when they put the paper in the box(thankfully they were both undamaged). They sent me an email with a link to provide feedback on their choice of brown paper instead of peanuts and I let them know I preferred the peanuts/bubble wrap combo.
 

mjrpes3

Golden Member
Oct 2, 2004
1,876
1
0
Wish newegg would use biodegradable peanuts... they don't have that annoying static cling effect that makes it a pain to dispose of and they make a handy snack.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,580
13,805
126
www.anyf.ca
I say using newspaper should be standard. people just don't do it because it's not really "professional" but at least it's green. Plastic, styrofoam etc can last for 100's of years in a landfill newspaper can be recycled and even if it's thrown out it will degrade fairly quick.
 

xavier es

Senior member
Jan 22, 2008
216
0
0
Originally posted by: Beanie46
This has been my experience with Newegg's packing.....put the item in the box (motherboard, cpu, hard drive, doesn't matter what) THEN pour packing peanuts over them until somewhat full.

Unfortunately, this leaves the items being packed lying on the bottom, just begging to be hit without padding when the box is thrown, dropped, etc.

And, if the box isn't tightly packed, the peanuts will settle down leaving items, even if packed in the center of a peanut-filled box, to drift around the box, essentially unsecured.

thats why i dont like the peanuts,
its like no one knows how to properly fill a box with peanuts so that the items are well protected.
 

Crucial

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,026
0
71
Originally posted by: sao123
Originally posted by: Gigantopithecus
Originally posted by: sao123
packing peanuts is fine... but the way they pack their hard drives is unacceptable.

I've read a lot of complaints about how Newegg packages hard drives but I've bought about a dozen single disks from them in the last few months; they've all come thoroughly bubble wrapped & packed with either crumpled paper or peanuts & I don't see what the fuss is about...?

BTW, if you buy a lot of stuff online that comes with packing peanuts, save them up & fill a garbage bag with them. You can usually get $5 or so for a 13 gallon bag on Craigslist from small volume eBay sellers since peanuts are a total ripoff at office supply stores. Kind of a PITA but it definitely beats sending them to the landfill.


1. every hard drive manufacturer has denounced shipping drives in bubblewrap, peanuts, and several other common methods of shipping hard drives.
2. New Egg has a very high rate of DOA hard drives, or drives which fail within the first 30 days... and the manufacturers are blaming the shipping.

Link to data for that last claim? I've ordered over 300 hard drives from them and have never had one DOA. I've had maybe 3 go bad after the fact.
 

Crucial

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,026
0
71
At least they stopped using that kraft paper crap they were trying for awhile. Every box packed with that had tons of blank airspace after being shipped. It compressed way too much during shipping.
 

Gigantopithecus

Diamond Member
Dec 14, 2004
7,664
0
71
Originally posted by: sao123
1. every hard drive manufacturer has denounced shipping drives in bubblewrap, peanuts, and several other common methods of shipping hard drives.
2. New Egg has a very high rate of DOA hard drives, or drives which fail within the first 30 days... and the manufacturers are blaming the shipping.

Per WD RMA instructions for a drive I shipped to them two weeks ago:

B. Wrap with 2 inches of bubble wrap or non-movable foam cushioning
E. ...DO NOT USE peanuts or packing material that can shift or settle during transit.

So no, they do not denounce using bubble wrap, at least one explicitly says use it! Of course they clearly say don't use peanuts. :p

As for your second point, anything other than internet forum scuttlebutt to back this up?
 

sao123

Lifer
May 27, 2002
12,653
205
106
Originally posted by: Gigantopithecus
Originally posted by: sao123
1. every hard drive manufacturer has denounced shipping drives in bubblewrap, peanuts, and several other common methods of shipping hard drives.
2. New Egg has a very high rate of DOA hard drives, or drives which fail within the first 30 days... and the manufacturers are blaming the shipping.

Per WD RMA instructions for a drive I shipped to them two weeks ago:

B. Wrap with 2 inches of bubble wrap or non-movable foam cushioning
E. ...DO NOT USE peanuts or packing material that can shift or settle during transit.

So no, they do not denounce using bubble wrap, at least one explicitly says use it! Of course they clearly say don't use peanuts. :p

As for your second point, anything other than internet forum scuttlebutt to back this up?


Text
Seagate / Maxtor
Use original packaging when possible, such as packaging sent with Advanced Replacement Order:
?Enclose each drive in an ESD (electrostatic discharge) bag or in an anti-static plastic shell (SeaShell).
?Secure each unit in 2 inch-thick foam rubber in a corrugated box. Do not use popcorn, peanuts, bubble wrap or newspaper. If packaging more than one drive, use a separate container for each drive.
?Print the order number on the outside of each box.
?For more information on how to pack your unit, please view: http://www.seagate.com/support/service/pdf/pack.pdf


Text
Hitachi
Using packaging that is not acceptable will void your warranty. The following examples show unacceptable packaging when returning hard disk drives to Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) under warranty. Packaging that is not acceptable includes use of bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts, paper, newspaper, cloth, or padded shipping envelopes. Additionally, non-qualified shipping containers like Styrofoam or cardboard dividers, or non-approved plastic or Styrofoam clam-shell containers are considered unacceptable packaging.


Text
Fujitsu
All products should be returned to FCPA in the original shipping container, or an authorized packaging box for the units being returned. The preferred method for hard drives is the use of foam inserts to enclose the disk drive completely on all surfaces (2-in. foam/surface). Each individual item must be placed in its own anti-static bag. When the original container is not available, a corrugated container with a minimum bursting rating of 200 PSI must be used. Ratings are generally located on the bottom of containers. If foam inserts are not available, do NOT use "peanut" packaging filler material, as this will not support and stabilize the drive during transit and will void the warranty.



2. In addition to all the newegg reviews of people complaining about doa products...
Ive bought over 20 drives from newegg over the last 3 years... 6 of them were DOA 3 more died within 30 days. Nearly 50%. Completely unacceptable.
And these are a wide range of drives... not 1 type or one comapny.

Maxtor DiamondMax
7200.10
7200.11
WD Raptors
WD Caviars
Hitachi Deskstar
 

StinkyPinky

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2002
6,977
1,276
126
I always go to a shop and physically buy a hard drive. It only costs slightly more, and if it fails you can just drive back to the shop and exchange. No pain in the ass packing and sending back
 

Crucial

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,026
0
71
Originally posted by: sao123
Originally posted by: Gigantopithecus
Originally posted by: sao123
1. every hard drive manufacturer has denounced shipping drives in bubblewrap, peanuts, and several other common methods of shipping hard drives.
2. New Egg has a very high rate of DOA hard drives, or drives which fail within the first 30 days... and the manufacturers are blaming the shipping.

Per WD RMA instructions for a drive I shipped to them two weeks ago:

B. Wrap with 2 inches of bubble wrap or non-movable foam cushioning
E. ...DO NOT USE peanuts or packing material that can shift or settle during transit.

So no, they do not denounce using bubble wrap, at least one explicitly says use it! Of course they clearly say don't use peanuts. :p

As for your second point, anything other than internet forum scuttlebutt to back this up?


Text
Seagate / Maxtor
Use original packaging when possible, such as packaging sent with Advanced Replacement Order:
?Enclose each drive in an ESD (electrostatic discharge) bag or in an anti-static plastic shell (SeaShell).
?Secure each unit in 2 inch-thick foam rubber in a corrugated box. Do not use popcorn, peanuts, bubble wrap or newspaper. If packaging more than one drive, use a separate container for each drive.
?Print the order number on the outside of each box.
?For more information on how to pack your unit, please view: http://www.seagate.com/support/service/pdf/pack.pdf


Text
Hitachi
Using packaging that is not acceptable will void your warranty. The following examples show unacceptable packaging when returning hard disk drives to Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) under warranty. Packaging that is not acceptable includes use of bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts, paper, newspaper, cloth, or padded shipping envelopes. Additionally, non-qualified shipping containers like Styrofoam or cardboard dividers, or non-approved plastic or Styrofoam clam-shell containers are considered unacceptable packaging.


Text
Fujitsu
All products should be returned to FCPA in the original shipping container, or an authorized packaging box for the units being returned. The preferred method for hard drives is the use of foam inserts to enclose the disk drive completely on all surfaces (2-in. foam/surface). Each individual item must be placed in its own anti-static bag. When the original container is not available, a corrugated container with a minimum bursting rating of 200 PSI must be used. Ratings are generally located on the bottom of containers. If foam inserts are not available, do NOT use "peanut" packaging filler material, as this will not support and stabilize the drive during transit and will void the warranty.



2. In addition to all the newegg reviews of people complaining about doa products...
Ive bought over 20 drives from newegg over the last 3 years... 6 of them were DOA 3 more died within 30 days. Nearly 50%. Completely unacceptable.
And these are a wide range of drives... not 1 type or one comapny.

Maxtor DiamondMax
7200.10
7200.11
WD Raptors
WD Caviars
Hitachi Deskstar

My experience is the exact opposite of yours and I have purchased many more drives than you.
 

rsd

Platinum Member
Dec 30, 2003
2,293
0
76
In high school we built a catapault/egg launcher that we used to throw eggs 30-50yards in the air. With a box probably no bigger than 8"x8" filled with packing peanuts, I was able to catch an egg without it breaking at all.

Yes, I just blew your mind.
 

sao123

Lifer
May 27, 2002
12,653
205
106
Originally posted by: rsd
In high school we built a catapault/egg launcher that we used to throw eggs 30-50yards in the air. With a box probably no bigger than 8"x8" filled with packing peanuts, I was able to catch an egg without it breaking at all.

Yes, I just blew your mind.

that aint nothin...throwing an egg 50 yards without breaking is easy.

Lets see you create a package which will allow a dozen eggs to survive UPS delivery from california to pennsylvania.
 

nutxo

Diamond Member
May 20, 2001
6,824
503
126
Originally posted by: sao123
Originally posted by: rsd
In high school we built a catapault/egg launcher that we used to throw eggs 30-50yards in the air. With a box probably no bigger than 8"x8" filled with packing peanuts, I was able to catch an egg without it breaking at all.

Yes, I just blew your mind.

that aint nothin...throwing an egg 50 yards without breaking is easy.

Lets see you create a package which will allow a dozen eggs to survive UPS delivery from california to pennsylvania.

When my kid was in 6th grade he competed in the egg drop at PLU. He didnt let me know he had to have the project done until 8pm the night before. I put together a thing out of a cardboard box, some stretch fabric, black tape and some popped microwave popcorn . It took me like 15 minutes. The kid brought home the gold.

 

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
167
111
www.slatebrookfarm.com
I think that the next time I ship something, just for shits and giggles, I'm going to pack it with Cheetos cheese puffs instead of packing peanuts.
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
60,053
10,541
126
Originally posted by: DrPizza
I think that the next time I ship something, just for shits and giggles, I'm going to pack it with Cheetos cheese puffs instead of packing peanuts.

...and a mouse. Don't forget the mouse :^D
 
Feb 6, 2007
16,432
1
81
Originally posted by: nutxo
When my kid was in 6th grade he competed in the egg drop at PLU. He didnt let me know he had to have the project done until 8pm the night before. I put together a thing out of a cardboard box, some stretch fabric, black tape and some popped microwave popcorn . It took me like 15 minutes. The kid brought home the gold.

So... you did your kid's homework for him because he procrastinated? That's a great example to set.
 

fleabag

Banned
Oct 1, 2007
2,450
1
0
I don't like peanuts because they're environmentally unfriendly since they can't be recycled..
 

Sea Moose

Diamond Member
May 12, 2009
6,933
7
76
Originally posted by: Atomic Playboy
Originally posted by: nutxo
When my kid was in 6th grade he competed in the egg drop at PLU. He didnt let me know he had to have the project done until 8pm the night before. I put together a thing out of a cardboard box, some stretch fabric, black tape and some popped microwave popcorn . It took me like 15 minutes. The kid brought home the gold.

So... you did your kid's homework for him because he procrastinated? That's a great example to set.

kid will fail in life.

pwnage by parenting
 

techs

Lifer
Sep 26, 2000
28,559
4
0
Originally posted by: lxskllr
Originally posted by: techs
I order from Newegg all the time and the peanuts are a pain in the ass.

You don't like pulling your new thumb drive out of the huge box, and getting peanuts all over the floor?

No matter how careful I am I always end up with some on the floor. And they can't be vacuumed because of their size. Using a dustpan is hard because they are so light they just fly away when you try to lift them into the trash.