[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!

nobody expects a box to be kept for a display device, they're just too big, the box my samsung came in was just gigantic

[Mr.D]

I chuck them after 6 months. Keep all manuals and paperwork though.

[Kebabhead]

I usually keep the box's for a year in case anything goes wrong, with the exception of the plasma box which I binned immediately as it was far too big to fit in the loft

[mh123]

See

Parcel Force - Claim


Now you know what to do!

[Reign-Mack]

only usefull if you plan to sell on at some point original box is usually the best way to post (in terms of avioding damage).

[Mr Cat]

yeah, I've still got my sub box and that contains a load of boxes for my other kit...hmm...should start and think about putting some in the loft tho...

[Steve_P]

I keep all my AV boxes, even my plasma box... Yes it maybe huge but it folds flat and slides in behind a wardrobe in one of the spare rooms so it can't be seen. All other boxes and the plasma box base are kept in the loft.

S.

[unique]

as i just live in a flat, i have no space to keep boxes and stuff, so i usually hold onto the box for a few weeks or so until i want to clean out and throw out the box as i know the product works. i never sell anything on fleabay, so no need for the box unless it's faulty, but then if under warranty you don't usually need the box, just take back to retailer

due to lack of space, i will often flatten the box and stick it behind the fridge or something, so it doesnt take up space. it's fine if you have a loft or basement to fill with junk, you can keep everything, but for people with a lack of space, box flattening is a good thing. just chuck out the polysterene. if the product does go wonky or you want to sell it you can usually get bubble wrap or something. or you can stick all the poly from numerous boxes inside 1 box to cut down on space

Tend to keep thembut recently had a clear out and any box over 5 years old was binned. Still have all the manuals etc though. The Only Box that will not get thrown away is the one that my Telescope ( 6" Newton reflector ) came in. I rate that more fragile than all the Hi Fi apart from the turntable.

[Knyght_byte]

got all the boxes incl foam for my current kit....

got rid of all the boxes for my older kit that mum uses now, its all well past sell by date, and tbh wouldnt be worth repairing now compared to rebuying as it was budget gear..

finally chucked a load of dell boxes that i had lying around...lol....

need to get a bit throw tbh to put over the remaining ones as they have to stay in my room, got them all in a tower formation in the corner of the room...lol.....wardrobe next to them on one angle and new shelves i put up on the other angle.....makes the room look a bit industrial at that point...heh...so a nice throw will help disguise i reckon.....

[GBDG1]

Having had to make a special trip to town yesterday just to buy packing materials, which cost me a fiver, definitely keep!

[Paul O]

I keep mine until the end of the warranty, then throw them. They take up too much room for my liking. Just clutter.

Are you likely to sell the equipment, though? And if you are, you could just use a box for something thats just coming out of warranty?

A lot of people keep things "just in case" and end up with houses full of junk that "might come in handy".

If you've got the space, might as well keep them I suppose, but personally, I prefer the room.