Book Packaging: New or Recycled? A Secondhand Book Dealing Dilmena....

[Amber Cross]

Hi All,

I am the owner/operator of a small secondhand bookstore that predominantly operates online. I'm always sending books out in the mail and have always used recycled cardboard and bubble wrap to package my books in. In my mind it saves the buyer money and is good for the environment. However, I'm becoming increasingly concerned about the impression this leaves the buyer with when they open their parcel as re-used packing material can sometimes look a little scruffy. For the full story, I suggest you check out my blog post - Book Packaging: Brand New or Recycled!! Either way I'd love to hear your thoughts on whether you think new or old packaging makes a difference to the consumer and in what way? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Amber
Ambire Secondhand Books
http://www.readinghabit.com.au
http://feedyourreadinghabit.blogspot.com

[Essord]

I buy quite some books online, new and secondhand. It's usually sent in cardboard or bubble wrap. In the end, for me, it is most important that the book doesn't get bent or has damage because of the packaging. In my opinion, that is the only requirement, especially with books. The packaging has to be tight so it won't shift out of position, but not too tight so the book gets damaged. It's not easy to find a perfect solution as both cardboard and bubble wrap have their pro's and cons. The package material is far less important than the content, even if it looks scruffy.

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

Hmmmm. I think what you're doing is great: small things like this can make such a big difference. But I understand why you think it might reflect badly on your business.

Maybe you could have an announcement on your ordering form on the lines of, "Our environmentally aware business always uses recycled packing materials, etc. . . ." so that they know what to expect. Or combine it with some graphics so that you have a button that catches the eye of whomever visits your site.

[parchmentgirl]

I think what you're doing is great! And I think that you customers will appreciate your effort to reuse and recycle. I suggest printing a little card to slip in each package explaining your company's initiative to be environmentally friendly. That way people will understand why the packaging looks a bit scruffy. You could even turn that into a special feature on your company's website. As long as the books come undamaged, there's no reason you shouldn't use secondhand packaging materials!

Kate
http://parchmentgirl.com

[Book Calendar]

Cardboard and bubble wrap makes a nearly indestructible package. Slide the book into a bag wrap it in bubblewrap 2 to 3 layers thick, add two square slats of heavy cardboard about an an inch wider than the edges of the closed book make sure the book is firmly attached to the cardboard, and that the bubble wrap completely surrounds the book, then slide it into an envelope. You can pretty much guarantee the book will not be damaged in shipping. It is a selling point. Indestructible packing that can be sent anywhere in the world. You could also sell the environmental benefits. Call it jewel box packaging. At least that is what I called it.

[Shan]

I would not mind a book showing up in "scruffy" packaging if the materials are environmentally friendly. To me that is more important than how the packaging looks, and for me, as soon as the package arrives I rip into it anyway to get to the book and toss out the packaging.

I think that if you were to post online that you use recyclable materials and that you are environmentally conscious, and even put something on the packaging itself, your buyers wouldn't mind at all, and also be appreciative of it.

Shan
http://goodbooksandacupoftea.blogspot.com

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

Thanks, Stephanie! =)

I think that Parchment Girl's suggestion of having a little card in the box as well is a great final touch.

[Amber Cross]

Thanks to everyone for your feedback so far. Sounds like you're all in agreeance with me. It's nice to know we're on the right track. We are looking at doing a stationery redesign soon, so I'll jump onto some of your suggestions regarding cards/stickers. We are always looking for ways to differentiate our business from our competitors. This might be one way of achieving that.


Kind regards,

Amber
Ambire Secondhand Books
http://www.readinghabit.com.au
http://feedyourreadinghabit.blogspot.com

[Amber Cross]

Hi All,

Well it's been a while since I initiated this discussion, but you'll all be pleased to know that we're still using recycled packaging material and we've taken your advice and gotten a sticker made up that will go on all book parcels to explain our policy. For the full story, including a picture of our quirkly little sticky, just click through to the Reading Habit blog - http://feedyourreadinghabit.blogspot.com.

Amber
Reading Habit
http://feedyourreadinghabit.blogspot.com
http://www.readinghabit.com.au