As a collector (not a speculator), the boxes are important to me. Due to a current lack of display space, most of my Harbour Lights are stored in closets in their boxes (and the boxes are inside plastic bags). I feel much better about storing a piece in its original box, especially the newer pieces that have styrofoam inserts. Admittedly, the older pieces packed in styro peanuts would store as well in any box. Packing materials are not nearly as important to me as the original box. The importance to me of an original box thus relates to aesthetics, storage, and re-sale if that day ever comes. In the secondary market when I'm looking to buy I don't consider purchasing pieces without a box. Now, give me an opportunity to buy a Southern Belle (for example) at retail, and of course I'd buy it without a box!