eBay has launched a re-usable shipping box (seen above) which has space inside for sellers to leave messages for their recipients. The fact that it is re-usable is not only a greener alternative, it is also a marketing vehicle for the brand.
Inside the box (which was designed by San Francisco studio Office) there are white spaces where the seller can write a message for the buyer.
The main purpose of the box is to be re-used and passed on between eBay customers, so a unique aspect of this new shipping method is that as the spaces on the inside of the box are filled in it will tell a story of the boxes journey. This helps to give the box character and allows eBay customers to be involved and interact with the brand on a personal level.
Not only does the principle of the box give eBay a greener way of life, there are also printed tips on the inside of the box on ways to re-use materials. This informs and encourages customers who are incontact with the new packaging to take action and follow eBay's footsteps to help the environment. Not only is it re-usable and full of useful information, the box has also been designed to minimise the use of tape!! Every angle has been covered.
The idea for the box came out of eBay's Innovation Expo, which it holds each spring as a forum for employees to develop prototypes for new products and 'breakthrough innovations'.
The box (which is made from recycled FSC-approved cardboard) was launched at the company's On Location event in San Jose. The company will manufacture 100,000 in three sizes as a pilot programme. To get hold of the boxes, users must sign up with the eBay Green Team.
I think that overall this is a brilliant step in the right direction for eBay. The company is long overdue a way to be greener, and I beleive that this new packaging is a great way to do it!
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