Author Topic: Different Technique for Packaging Large, Heavy Sets (Read 2834 times)

Robbie · « **on:** December 06, 2011, 01:05:09 »

When I see the same long retired sets in shops over and over I often wonder how have these sets managed to sit on the shelves for literally years. I think of course the simple answer is the sets aren't popular with children (or adults), but also I think the packaging has a lot to do with the slow sales of the larger, heavier sets.

One example is the long retired steck castle 3666. The box is so heavy and only sealed with the tabs on the two sides and a few pieces of the clear playmobil tape. The boxes get all busted and bruised while moved around the store and eventually the tape comes loose which gives the customer the impression the item has been opened, used, or even a returned item. I scored one of these at Tuesday Morning. It was marked $99.99 but because the box was damaged and they "didn't know if pieces were missing", I got away with it for $25.

Another more widespread example is the Train Station 4302. These showed up at TJ Maxx and Marshall's stores a few years ago and they already looked used the moment they hit the sales floor. Some sat there until they were marked down to $15! Nobody wants a used-looking toy in a department store.

One store had 3 of the Space Station 3079 and all the boxes were busted open. It could be a hit with a child if only it was presented better.

Perhaps Playmobil could shrink wrap the bigger sets so that the end customer is assured that all pieces are included. This would make a store owner happier since he/she could actually SELL the bigger sets and not have them floating around for years. Mom and pop shops need all the help they can get in this economy, so helping them unload the big ticket items faster is a must. Most shops end up marking down damaged sets, which means a loss for something that could be fixed by Playmobil itself.

Thanks for reading,

Robbie

bonniebeth · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2011, 01:12:27 »

You're absolutely right about that, Robbie. They could take better care inside the boxes, too, because anyone who buys a lot of playmo knows that it's all loose in the box, and if the box is bounced around and busted, something could easily be damaged or missing.

I have noticed that at TRU, the big sets like the new dollhouse 5302, now have a security device on them, the kind that has cords wrapped all the way around the box in both directions and connected to an alarm, to keep them from being stolen. You usually see this kind of security device on expensive electronics. SO they are taking some car to protect these sets, as these cords also make it impossible for the box to come open unless deliberately cut and ripped open.

Robbie · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2011, 01:35:06 »

Very interesting! I didn't realize TRU had started doing that. It protects the box AND protects the item from being placed on the bottom of cart and being casually walked out the door.

bonniebeth · « **Reply #3 on:** December 06, 2011, 01:44:24 »

Yes, that's the main purpose, I'm sure. Has anyone else seen this? Because we have a brand new TRU in town, and that's the one where I've seen this. I wonder if they're doing it everywhere, or just in new stores.

playmogal · « **Reply #4 on:** December 06, 2011, 01:53:03 »

Robbie,
I have noticed that problem, too, at TM and sometimes at TRU. The larger boxes often look terrible after a few months and sometimes on arrival. Sounds as if you used that to your advantage! Our TM and TRU will not reduce prices if the boxes are bashed up a bit. I have tried many times, so you are fortunate.

bb: I don't remember seeing the security cords around the 5302 Grand Mansions at TRU, but that would be a good idea with their price of 139USD. Sometimes I do walk out of the grocery store or Target with something in the bottom of the cart....by mistake, so I am sure it happens a lot at toy stores. That is why they have to put a bag on everything they ring up....I think. Will probably happen soon in all stores because of high theft rates, Pgal

Wolf Knight · « **Reply #5 on:** December 06, 2011, 06:57:33 »

That is a very interesting subject Robbie! I have only gotten two of such large heavy sets that been sitting around in a small toyshop for years at a discount price... I have found many but the toyshop owners were not keen on giving it cheaper $:-\$ You see, playmobil sells a lot in Greece and a toyshop owner knows it will sell...so, unless its a very small store with its main market being reading and writting matterial for school, they wont bother if its covered in dust, or opened and mistreated to give it to a customer at a lower price... I got a 3019 like that, and the box was indeed opened and asked can ''we make sure everything is inside?'' and the guy gt furious because he felt Like I was implying he is sellig reused stuff .. Maybe if a technic like the one you are proposing Robbie,can help in such cases, avoid a misunderstanding...

playmofire · « **Reply #6 on:** December 06, 2011, 08:50:23 »

Certainly in the UK, if a toyshop has a major item in a damaged box, they just contact Playmobil whi send them a replacement box. It may apply to the smaller sets too; it ceertainly applies, for example, to the 4821 fire engine.

playmogal · « **Reply #7 on:** December 09, 2011, 14:23:58 »

bb: You are correct about the security cords around the 5302 Grand Mansion set at TRU. I had not noticed them before, but they are there.

TRU must have a major theft problem with so many American kids throwing massive tantrums for sets their parents can't afford. Would you rather listen to your kid scream for an hour or steal the item that they demand? I can understand parents who take the later option!!! Anything to avoid the ear piercing shrieking attacks so common in TRU! Aye yai yai yai, Pgal

flatcat · « **Reply #8 on:** December 09, 2011, 15:00:36 »

All three of those sets I have bought recently in toymaster.

I think it is mainly because they are expencive, and so they don't sell as well

Damo