ebay: green packaging with hidden messages

"Inside the box, which was designed by San Francisco studio Office, white spaces are left for shippers to write messages to recipients. As the box is re-used, these spaces will tell the story of its various journeys. There are also printed tips on ways to re-use materials such as old phone books for packing and the boxes are designed to minimise the use of tape.
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 last week. 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 here."

Taken from CR blog.

It's about time ebay took advantage of the packaging used by it's users, to promote themselves. I assume that people have to purchase these green boxes online? i think they would be more successful if they were readily available at post offices and stationery shops or accessibility and ease for users. I personally wouldn't purchase packaging online, to then get sent to my house in more packaging. However that aside it's a clever idea and a personal addition to the ebay brand. Ebay is all about people to people selling and the roots of ebay was non commercial and small businesses, therefore going back to their roots and making the ebay experince that much more personal and unique.

I do wonder whether the box would last more than a few journeys, especially if travelling with our ever so delicate royal mail handlers!

The design itself is very basic, but the detail is what makes it. the graphics are friendly and not gender specific. It would be nice to receive an ebay item in one to get a first hand glance of the whole experience.