Collect Retail Carry-Bag Samples
Budget: $2 – $8 USD
I’m assembling a reference library of shopping bags and need someone on the ground in New York City to help. The job is straightforward: visit a range of retailers—from small boutiques to large chain stores—pick up their reusable, paper, and plastic carry-bags, and ship the collection to me.
Here’s how I picture the process:
• Visit at least 100 varied shops spread across Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens (feel free to choose areas that make sense logistically).
• Obtain one clean example of every carry-bag the store offers at checkout—reusable fabric or non-woven totes, branded paper sacks, and any plastic options still in use.
• Keep each store’s bags grouped together and jot a quick note with the shop name, date, and neighborhood. A simple spreadsheet or Google Sheet is fine.
• Snap a clear photo of each bag front and back before packing, so I have a digital record. Phone photos are acceptable; no fancy camera required.
• Package the physical samples so they arrive uncreased, then ship them to the address I’ll provide. I’ll reimburse the postage.
I expect the full set, photos, and a tidy inventory sheet as the final deliverables. If you already know your way around NYC retail districts, this should be a quick afternoon’s work plus time to organize and mail.
Here’s how I picture the process:
• Visit at least 100 varied shops spread across Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens (feel free to choose areas that make sense logistically).
• Obtain one clean example of every carry-bag the store offers at checkout—reusable fabric or non-woven totes, branded paper sacks, and any plastic options still in use.
• Keep each store’s bags grouped together and jot a quick note with the shop name, date, and neighborhood. A simple spreadsheet or Google Sheet is fine.
• Snap a clear photo of each bag front and back before packing, so I have a digital record. Phone photos are acceptable; no fancy camera required.
• Package the physical samples so they arrive uncreased, then ship them to the address I’ll provide. I’ll reimburse the postage.
I expect the full set, photos, and a tidy inventory sheet as the final deliverables. If you already know your way around NYC retail districts, this should be a quick afternoon’s work plus time to organize and mail.