Inside Newegg: They give us a Tour and you a Prize
by Anand Lal Shimpi on February 14, 2006 3:31 PM EST- Posted in
- IT Computing
Packing your Order and the Peanut Gun
With your order now complete, your tub heads down this high speed rolling conveyer but you will note that the conveyer has a row of metal links on the right side. The purpose of these links is to push your tub into the appropriate ramp for boxing when the system tells it that one is free. The picture below shows the metal links in action:
After your tub is sent down the ramp, everything is removed from the tub, scanned and compared against your order. Newegg's system will not print a shipping label unless the items in your tub match the items you ordered. With everything scanned and your label printed your items are boxed and then sent off to the peanut gun.
The peanut gun is by far one of the coolest things in Newegg's warehouse, and it's exactly what you'd expect. An enormous vat of packaging peanuts is hung from the ceiling of the warehouse (pictured above) and individual guns dangle from it like cow udders (pretty picture):
The peanut gun itself is pretty simple; you aim, squeeze the trigger and peanuts come out:
With your valuables bubble wrapped and the box filled with peanuts, it's handed off to the automatic taping machine. That's right, you hold the box shut and feed it into the machine that takes over and tapes it shut.
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aslaw - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
This is my first post: I've perused your site but linked in today through Ben's Bargains, and I was fascinated by the Newegg story! I've purchased from those guys and they are, indeed excellent vendors. Having now "seen" their operation and read about their commitment to quality, they'll remain a first choice when I am shopping.And you, Anand, have performed a real service by showing this to the web community. I'm only sorry that when I was in Los Angeles 2 weeks ago that I didn't happen upon the Newegg facility (hard to miss with the big sign on the front wall!!
Andy
Johnclarkiii - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
I have been reading your articles fairly often because I am a web subscriber to CPU. I really do enjoy your writing. In this case I enjoyed it so much I had to join your site and tell you thank you for your excellent writing but especially for the Newegg warehouse article. I buy primarily from Newegg and I work in the warehouse at Carpet Bonanza in Zeeland MI. It is a different kind of warehouse but it is very intersting for me to see just how Newegg handles the product. Again, thenk you very much. Keep up the great writing and I look forward to more interaction with you in the future.John
Wesleyrpg - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
hey....anandtech is a worldwide site, so why is the competition only for americans?not very diplomatic....us aussies get screwed over again. (grrr stupid xbox360 delay)
Ricardo - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
Wow Anand, how much are they paying you? Those are some seriously cool conveyors and bins, but this article reads like an advertisement or promotional campaign the whole way. Great detailed overview of the order process, nonetheless.kmmatney - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
NewEgg has been an advertiser on Anandtech for quite a while - these advertisers help keep Anandtech running, so any advertisement is deserved. Regardless, it was an interesting article.Staples - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
I am surprised it took someone so long to mention that this is 100% pure advertisment.nomagic - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
Newegg could be paying AnandTech, but who cares as long as it is a good read. This article is informative and interesting.krwilsonn - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
I love Newegg...been perfect so far and even sent me a thank you for being a customer letter with a free t-shirt, eVGA keychain, and Newegg sticker out of nowhere just because I placed a couple orders earlier in the year. Oh and as far as the UPS vs. Fedex debate, would you feel more comfortable if Fedex left your $500 CPU on your porch just because you are not home? Sure it is a pain but come on, it is worth the extra hassle to keep your gear out of harm's way.ohnnyj - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
Just ordered a Logitech G7 mouse on Sunday, arrived today (using UPS Ground). Great work Newegg!
John
Harkonnen - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
Canadians can't enter :(boo
*cries*