So today, I was looking through old drafts of posts that I never posted, so this is kind of old, but it contains information that might help you understand the very human side to online shopping. This knowledge was gained while I worked in packing and shipping in retail, and here I am today answering some questions I've had when I've received online orders. come with me on a journey to see the behind the scenes of modern day shopping.
Q: Why did my watch get sent in a box a small country could fit in?
A: We ran out of boxes. This happens more frequently than you'd expect. I promise, we tried to find the smallest box we could. Either that or the right size of boxes are on a shelf about 15 ft above our heads and there isn't enough watches or enough time to justify finding a latter tall enough to get them.
Q: The packaging tape on this box totally missed the mark and is all bunched up and crocked.
A: Sometimes the tape used is coated in water as its despenced through a wet hamster wheel like contraption. The stuff feels nasty all on its own without the help of the smell. Sometimes after we put the tape on, as we stack boxes, the tape can move around. Sounds very 1800s? It is. But that's what we have to work with sometimes.
Q: Why did I get eight different boxes when they all could have fit into one box?
A: That's because you placed 8 different orders in a row. Each order you place has a tracking number. Each tracking number has a different label. If you want it all in one box, order it all together in one transaction. We hate making 8 boxes as much (or more) as you hate getting them.
Q: Ew. Packing peanuts. Why?
A: For certain items we are required to use packing peanuts. Also for your information, they have recently come out with a new packing peanut that doesn't have static. This means that you wont find any sticking to the back of your shirt five hours later.
Q: Ugh. Why is my cardigan all wrinkled? Did they even fold it?!
A: Yes, yes we did. We tried, and tried, and tried ma'am. It's no one's fault that the cardigan you ordered is paper thin, slippery, and small. Folding cardigans is something everyone working in packing avoids if they can help it. With the folding boards it's ok, with buttons it's hard but fine, but without buttons or a folding board forget about it. I'm going to do the best I can, but I can't promise perfection. Warm iron if needed.
Q: Why is my package taking so long to get here?!
A: Let me tell you a story. We went out early (4:30 AM) one winter morning a week before Christmas and the 5 of us try to find over 500 online orders. By 12:00 PM we've maybe found half. We started packing like crazy. The mail guy came at 2:00 PM. Sometimes we just can't finish, even if you were one of the 200 people who ordered shipping as priority. In addition, sometimes we can't find what you ordered because customers (and employees) sometimes (rarely ever) put items they try on back where they found them. If we can't find it, the order goes to another store that has it.
Q: Why is the box so beat up?
A: Not the fault of those who pack. We pack things to near perfection. The beating up process happens in transit.
Q: Why did they stuff this box so full that I can't get my package out?
A: We were worried about it. Transit is rough sometimes, and if your item is fragile or expensive, a little extra packing love makes us feel better. We take responsibility in what we package, so making sure your item gets to you in one piece is something we have anxiety over.
Q:I payed 4 extra dollars to have this giant gift wrapped. Why is the bow smashed/beat up/looks like it's been through the blender?
A: first, I'd like you to pick up the box this giant appliance comes in. Then I want you to think about how much time you would put into wrapping it yourself before you got frustrated and just put a bow on top. We are required to wrap it, because yes, you paid for it, but a piece of wrapping paper (even the crazy thick stuff we use) doesn't stand a chance against a 50 lb. box of metal (that sometimes aren't allowed to be turned any way but right side up). Even if we wrap and pack it perfectly, the people who get it to your house aren't all supermen/women. We all get tired. If possible and not super inconvenient, it would save the world a lot of frustration of you would wrap larger items yourself. We can wrap a salad spinners, cloths, shoes, and anything else all day for you. Just please... Please... Pleeeeeeease not the 64 piece copper pots and pans set...
Well I hope that answers any questions. Just so you know, I no longer work in retail, but I can answer almost any question about online ordering. I think that as we move into a new age of being anti social and doing everything online, there will need to be more understanding between those who pack, and those who receive. Anywho.
Heads up: I have a giant post coming April 17. It will contain reviews of all the books I've read and not told you about because I've been busy reading. Warning, there's a lot. Have a good day!
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