Time to rethink golf ball packaging?

[tony@CIC]

I just received my latest fix from Snell, and did what most of us do: removing and marking the balls. Some will go into my bag others into my ball stash in my garage, none will go back into the sleeves. As I was looking at the result it occurred to me how wasteful the packaging is - especially for the DTC companies. Most of us who buy from them do it by the doz/bulk so why put them in sleeves? Is this just a holdout to "the way they've always done it" or is there just not a better way? 

 

[ZenGolfer]

1 hour ago, tony@CIC said:

I just received my latest fix from Snell, and did what most of us do: removing and marking the balls. Some will go into my bag others into my ball stash in my garage, none will go back into the sleeves. As I was looking at the result it occurred to me how wasteful the packaging is - especially for the DTC companies. Most of us who buy from them do it by the doz/bulk so why put them in sleeves? Is this just a holdout to "the way they've always done it" or is there just not a better way? 

 

Id agree that the individual sleeves are pretty silly.  I think thats just the way they package them though, in case courses buy them and sell them in the 3-ball sleeves.

That is one thing that I do like about Nitro (yeah, I said Nitro).  All 12 balls just come in a big box.  No sleeves, just a big box.

[CarlH]

When I receive my 5 dozen order from Snell, I also pull them out to mark them, but then I put them back in the sleeves, but each ball will have a different number for each sleeve.  I prefer to have them in sleeves so that I can grab a sleeve or 2 before heading to the course when I want to replace some balls (my bag is stowed at the club, not at home or in my car).  It's easier to carry 1 or 2 sleeves than loose balls.  

[DiscipleofPenick]

I don't know, but there could be something to this. Maybe you guys are in the minority unboxing and marking all 5 doz at once? For example I throw a sleeve or two in my bag and I don't mark a ball to I get to the first tee. So the balls stay in the sleeve until I want a new one to keep them separate from the old balls in my bag.

[GolfSpy_BNG]

I believe there is a company based in Iowa that uses a tube instead of a boxed sleeve. Sniper is the name. Been thinking of picking  some up since they are local. 

[Tyler86]

I leave them sleeved also. Only because i frequently give them to friends who are forgetful, and that way they arent marked the same as mine. But it wouldnt hurt my feelings if they didnt come sleeved.

Edited August 4, 2021 by Tyler86

[RickyBobby_PR]

Who marks balls by the dozens?

I mark when I put it in play. The sleeves are a good way to keep things organized and it’s also a good branding tool. 

[FerdinandKola]

You bring up an interesting point about golf ball packaging. It's true that many of us remove and mark the balls, and the excess packaging does seem wasteful. Especially when buying in bulk, the sleeves might not be necessary.
If you're looking for more efficient and eco-friendly packaging alternatives, you might want to explore shrinkwrapping machines. These machines can provide a streamlined and effective way to package items without the need for excess materials like sleeves. They could potentially help reduce waste and enhance the overall presentation of the golf balls.

Edited August 17, 2023 by FerdinandKola

[PrismFlopper]

Good point about the sleeves, but i usually keep them sleeved in my bag. Unfortunately the sleeves tend to get ruined or get wet and make a mess in the bag if in too long. I think the stereotype would have to change across the board where if you buy a pack of cheap balls and they arent sleeved you dont really care, but if you bought like a pack of Pro Vs and they were just in a pack open then id think less of them just cause of the impression. I always enjoy opening a pack of vices and they may not be the best ball on the market but the packaging gives the impression of a premium ball.