Equipment boxes - to keep, or not to keep?

[chinesewhispers]

That is my question.

Simple question, looking for some other people's opinions.

How many people keep the boxes that their equipment comes packaged in, what equipment is it, what's the purpose of keeping it, and how long do you keep it for.

For example, I keep the packaging of my current equipment for two reasons, firstly for transportation purposes (though now my Uni and renting days are over, this is less than an issue), and secondly for added resale value.

I am now wondering whether it is worth keeping them, or should I ditch them. The boxes are for my Arcam DV88, my Arcam AVR200, and a couple of boxes for my speakers. All the items are coming up to, or just over 4 years old, and I cannot now see the original packaging increasing resale value (not that I have any intention of resale at the moment.

Should I keep the boxes, or am I turning into a hoarder?

[Conn]

Boxes are the reason that house builders gave us attics. Its extra insulation (and give the fire brigade more to do if your gaff goes up)

[overkill]

Keep em'. Every time I throw a box in the bin the gear that goes in them pulls a wobbly and has to go back. Meaning a right saga involving either a new box, or tons of bubble wrap. Remember you might get the kit to the shop safely but they then have to send it to the repairs dept. Believe me I've seen some things come back in less than 'pristine' shape when not boxed.

Not to mention of course when you move house it makes life soooooo much easier if you have the boxes.

[lostinspace]

I've kept the boxes and packaging for all my stuff, even though I can only dream of owning Arcam gear! The box goes out when the unit goes faulty and isn't worth repairing.

I used to always trade my purchases in at Richer Sounds under the 3 year deal, so needed the boxes to get best return.

It looks better if you resell anyway if you've got a nice clean box to sell it in. My son traded his PS2 in for an XBox a couple of years ago, and got more than normal tradein value simply because the box was mint.

[BrianC]

I keep all my boxes/manuals/packing for two reasons:

1) To send it back in if it breaks
2) More importantly, to sell it on with.

While I don't think too many people who buy via the classifeds forum are bothered about having the proper box for something it does make a difference on Ebay.

[JohnG]

I keep the boxes for all my stuff for a couple of years in the loft. If something has a longer guarantee then I will keep the box longer.

[shahedz]

i think its worth keeping now just for selling on your Gear, its silly as all they are , are pieces of cardboard, but equipment sells better and for a higher price with them

[mjn]

Keep all boxes in loft.

[Mr Cat]

yeah, I keep all my boxes too

[Nick_UK]

Originally Posted by Conn

Boxes are the reason that house builders gave us attics. Its extra insulation (and give the fire brigade more to do if your gaff goes up)

I agree. Although I must admit that we've got boxes up there which we no longer have the matching equipment for.

[PoochJD]

HI,

I keep my boxes too. The best way to decide is this:

If the item would cost more to repair, than it would to simply buy a new replacement, then keep the boxes.

e.g. A kettle from John Lewis, say, might cost you a tenner. But in all honesty, if it breaks within six months and you don't have the box to get it repaired, it's no big loss. Do the same with your new HD ready TV, costing over £1200, and you can guarantee that it'll go tits-up, the minute after you discard that box!


Pooch

[Daddy k]

got all boxes for all av gear except for plasma box as it was far too big lol. suppose it helps with resale

[Henry]

Originally Posted by Nick_UK

I agree. Although I must admit that we've got boxes up there which we no longer have the matching equipment for.

Me too. Another vote for keeping them. It does add to the resale value and reduces problems with carriage if you do need to return the item or sell it on.

Originally Posted by krismc

got all boxes for all av gear except for plasma box as it was far too big lol. suppose it helps with resale

Same here, you pay 2 grand for an amp... i'd say it's woth keeping the box

[chinesewhispers]

Well, an overwhelming vote for keeping them.

As long as I'm not the only one hoarding, it makes me feel a lot better.

Thanks guys, the kit is 4 years old, so repairs are probably not going to happen under any warranty (if at all) but eventual resale may be worth it.

Our loft is converted, and the cellar (which I am currently trying to make a HC room) is where they are living. Hence the reason for rationalisation of 'junk'.

I'll find space for them somewhere.

Oh, and goodness knows what happens when my Sagem 50" arrives in the next couple of weeks!