Is Every Cardboard Box Precious?

[Bookman]

When I'm in the market for a fountain pen or a dog pen or anything else, I want to know what I'm going to get for my money. So I want everything covered. I'm not just buying a nib, I'm buying the whole pen. Whether the pen is easy or difficult to disassemble; whether the cap, which the vendor said was postable, turns out not to be; precise measurements for length, weight, and diameters. It's going to be shipped: I want to know it'll be properly packaged. I once received a bottle of ink from Amazon loose inside a box meant for a large hardcover book. I need to know more than how it writes. How much more? Whudduya got? I won't know whether I want to know it until after I've read it, especially if it's well written. If the reviewer writes well and informatively, I'll read every word. If he or she doesn't, I might not make it to the nib analysis.

[inkstainedruth]

I think sometimes people include the "tease" part because they're actually excited when a new pen comes and want to celebrate (and that includes the anticipation of "unwrapping the present") -- and it doesn't occur to them that not everyone cares about the packaging. But both sides have a point: some people are definitely more concerned about the product than the packaging; but others want to make sure that they've gotten what they've paid for and that the pen isn't damaged.

(Why yes, I AM a Libra, why do you ask...? )

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[CupTea]

On Youtube I will watch through it, but of course my interest will spike once the pen (or whatever else) is out of the packaging. The unboxing part doesn't annoy me but I am also not really that interested.

 

Myself, I would keep boxes that are special or for pens that I know I might likely want to sell in the future. So, not too many.

[Wahl]

Most reviews are very boring, however, I would keep the box, just in case

[sidthecat]

The folks on "Antiques Roadshow" get very excited about original packaging. Obviously, it's rare and that adds value and supplies protection, which adds value.

I have a few pens which came in their original cases, which I'll try to remember when I sell them, but for most of the ancient items in my collection, their boxes are long gone.

The exception seems to be a certain class of dip pens. Most of the really nice ones have come with their cases.

[amcityink]

Some pens you have to keep the pen box.. Any MB pen purchased, (a new pen $200 or more) the box should be kept, just in case you do want to sell it... lets face it a 20-40 year old pen, with in it's original box (serial number matched) adds value... against one that does not come in it's box.

 

Even some pens less than $200.00 come in really nice boxes, specially for themed pens. Some Visconti's, Montegrappa's come in some pretty well made, special packages. I know a guy in China who specializes in packaging, and sometimes the packages are more expensive than the actual product in it.

 

But I agree with most here, the pen is unquestionably the most important thing... but I don't mind reviews of them being unpackaged... I think it can help those who want to make sure they're buying an authentic pen.

[Old_Inkyhand]

I am not into unboxing, but I think a bit of information about the packaging can be useful, especially if it is different than usual. When you want to buy a pen for someone, you may be interested whether it has a cheap plastic box, which looks like a coffin, or a more sophisticated one, with a soft kimono for the pen. Some people may opt for a nice box because it makes a better gift, the others may be interested in something pretty and useful (my friend keeps her office supplies in a handsome wooden pen box).

[ink-syringe]

Here's a funny thing. Pen boxing at retailers around the world is wildly different depending on regulations, culture and some companies make you buy the packaging and offer you different options.

 

Here pens have to come in gift boxes or they won't sell. The new Kaweco Perko? Comes in a Korea only box made by the distribution here because the won't ever sell in plastic sleeves.

 

Pens here all always come with converters.

 

Pens here are always separated from their box and then mated with a box (often the wrong one) at sale.

 

Pens here come in boxes different from other countries.

 

Etc. & co.