Why Ikea makes you assemble your own furniture

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  • Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
  • Ikea's greatest innovation came from its greatest challenge.
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    Here's that paper I linked, about Ikea's various innovations. I read it after writing this video, but it echoes a ton of the same points: www.proquest.c...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 636

  • @cameronkemp6181
    @cameronkemp6181 2 роки тому +533

    For a long time Ikea has offered something many competitors still can't and that is the ability to get your furniture on the same day. It's not uncommon that other stores will have a waiting period of months on some goods, hardly practical when moving houses.
    May the algorithm continue to shine upon you this week Phil, dispite your lack of faith.

    • @catfish552
      @catfish552 2 роки тому +13

      Yeah, that's a very good point. Heck, you can even look at the website and make sure they have the products you want in stock before you ever go to the store.

    • @iesika7387
      @iesika7387 Рік тому +5

      @Dr PotatoSalad Any furniture store that doesn't stock more than one display copy of a particular item. Usually, furniture stores function more as showrooms where you pick out what you want, then they deliver it to you from a warehouse.

  • @JasonMcLemore
    @JasonMcLemore 2 роки тому +668

    I love assembling IKEA furniture. For me, it's quite simple and straightforward. Any time I've bought another furniture item that needs assembly (like my boys bunkbeds) that isn't IKEA, I compare which was easier. The single tool concept to me, just makes so much sense.

    • @PhilEdwardsInc
      @PhilEdwardsInc  2 роки тому +72

      I kind of enjoy comparing the little assembly tricks different companies use. There is a range, though I lack the engineering mind to pin down a lot of the differences.

    • @JasonMcLemore
      @JasonMcLemore 2 роки тому +26

      @@PhilEdwardsInc One thing I've noticed with IKEA is they seem to keep same types and sizes of screws/fastners/pegs. I'm the weird type who lays out all the parts and pieces on the table and set up an assembly line. Got a new subscriber by the way. Not sure how you ended up on my front page but I like what I've seen so far!

    • @hedgehog3180
      @hedgehog3180 2 роки тому +14

      @@PhilEdwardsInc I think it's usually less of an engineering decision and more of a design decision. Like using a single tool is about making sure that it's simple enough to assemble that everyone both has the tools and the skills to assemble it because otherwise they'd be limiting their market.

    •  2 роки тому +7

      @@PhilEdwardsInc I like how much insight into how things are built and what they are built from IKEA offers by making you put it together yourself. I also laugh at those "Do YOU know IKEA tables are made from cardboard?!" articles and videos... Like - yeah, what did you think?

    • @amandasunshine2
      @amandasunshine2 2 роки тому +4

      It makes me feel smart 🙃

  • @KimKhan
    @KimKhan 2 роки тому +368

    Being Swedish and working in North America in an IKEA store, the culture shock was definitely real. Ingvar Kamprad was spouted as an ingenious pioneer of business, making things for "the little man", with environmental concerns being at the forefront... and here I am going "Yep, he is definitely just some dude that started just another company".

    • @Seiku
      @Seiku 2 роки тому +34

      In my perspective when I first heard of Ikea, I and most people I knew thought it was just some large regional furniture store that sold cheap furniture. We thought it was nice for it's affordability and simplicity in furniture design compared to like Ashley's Homestore, or a RoomsToGo or something. I didn't know people made it a big deal over it's business practice or environmentalism. I guess it's probably something more sensationalized by articles and I don't think the average person here would think that way about it either (if they think anything about it at all); but I do think a lot of people like their style as more "modern" and some tend to apply the "it's foreign/European, so it's special" tag to things lol.

    • @tomaszprzetacznik7802
      @tomaszprzetacznik7802 Рік тому

      Oh my my, look how it's all a matter of perspective. For someone from USA it just another corporation. For many people from Sweden he might seem good uncle who cares for simple folks and environment. When in fact Ingvar was devoted fascist, and IKEA is constantly striving to comply with the image it is promoting - that of a leading environmentally responsible company preaching "a better everyday life for the many people" philosophy. Mainly because of IKEA’s attitude to developing countries. IKEA has long history of exploiting difference in standards of living, income, legislation, business culture, environmental regulations and general level of corruption in such countries. IKEA likes trading with non-democratic and totalitarian regimes. They sourced wood from communists, and after fall of iron curtain they started same tricks with fallen states like Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and poorest member of EU Romania.

    • @KimKhan
      @KimKhan Рік тому +1

      @@tomaszprzetacznik7802 Guy. I am the Swede, who was working in Canada, hearing Canadians talk about Ingvar as a goody-two-shoes.

    • @knrdvmmlbkkn
      @knrdvmmlbkkn 6 місяців тому

      "in North America in an IKEA store"
      That have got to be an absolutely *enormous* IKEA store, with North America fitting inside of it.

  • @mtalhaawais
    @mtalhaawais 2 роки тому +1375

    I think I'm part of the minority who really enjoy putting together their furniture.

    • @PhilEdwardsInc
      @PhilEdwardsInc  2 роки тому +208

      I am normally with you actually - but I did a dresser once that took forever…

    • @robertkraszewski9533
      @robertkraszewski9533 2 роки тому +111

      I agree too, it brings out my inner child, it's got the vibes of spending Christmas building a Lego set when I was a kid

    • @HarjaapSingh
      @HarjaapSingh 2 роки тому +72

      @@robertkraszewski9533 ikea is the adult lego 😅😂

    • @emiliskog
      @emiliskog 2 роки тому +25

      @@HarjaapSingh nope Lego is the adult lego it's not just kids products it's an everyone product

    • @hedgehog3180
      @hedgehog3180 2 роки тому +2

      I like it but when I moved out and had to assemble an entire apartment's worth of furniture I must admit I started to get really bored and frustrated. I think it's gonna be at least a year before I go back to IKEA after that.

  • @ASP4wesome
    @ASP4wesome 2 роки тому +179

    I've went to my "local" IKEA with my family a couple of times. Either for furniture, the food, or both. I've had my first experience putting together my new desk when I was around 12 (I'm now 18). I found it quite fun, maybe because I loved building with LEGO's and transitioning to IKEA furniture was quite intuitive. I've been doing it since and half of the furniture in my room are from IKEA.

    • @Helperbot-2000
      @Helperbot-2000 2 роки тому +10

      Of course, the danish had the idea of putting together their own toys, and the swedish had the idea of putting together their furniture

    • @TooDarnEasy
      @TooDarnEasy 2 роки тому +8

      @@Helperbot-2000 scandinavian ingenuity baby

    • @LouisSubearth
      @LouisSubearth 2 роки тому +1

      And now IKEA has a collaboration with Lego, the Bygglek line.

  • @liannapim1088
    @liannapim1088 2 роки тому +97

    You bought. One. Thing. At IKEA... You, sir, must have a will of iron. Also growing up in the UK, I never thought of IKEA as design-y or "prestige" - it was just one the cheapest places to get furniture. Enjoying your videos x

    • @PhilEdwardsInc
      @PhilEdwardsInc  2 роки тому +27

      (I secretly bought some drawers for a Kallax and some cookies.)

    • @kawaiilotus
      @kawaiilotus 2 роки тому +5

      Yeah, from the uk too, it's very much seen as a studenty, first time home or as a place to buy furniture if you don't want to pay a lot, also everyone here has at least a few pieces of Ikea furniture or products here.

    • @QUARTERMASTEREMI6
      @QUARTERMASTEREMI6 2 роки тому +3

      Ugh, the temptation to just buy stuff at IKEA is so strong! I studied industrial design for a short time, and everything looks so pretty and functional! ☺️😅

    • @Raymondgogolf
      @Raymondgogolf 2 роки тому +1

      Hi Lianna 👋 I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….🌹🌹🌹🌹

    • @lightwaves1859
      @lightwaves1859 2 роки тому +4

      @@kawaiilotus similar in germany, the association is with students and i feel it *used* to be kind of looked down at.
      let him who doesn't own anything from IKEA cast the first stone.
      actually i only have glasses and coathangers from there.

  • @CourtneyW618
    @CourtneyW618 2 роки тому +37

    Do a video about why we don’t have world’s fairs anymore and the legacy of them. I feel like there’s a story there that I’m missing and your production is always succinct yet gives the full breadth of the subject. It’s digestible and palatable yet I feel informed and still sort of like I’ve learned some deep secret at the same time. It’s really great content and I’m sure you would tell this story in an amazing way.

    • @PhilEdwardsInc
      @PhilEdwardsInc  2 роки тому +9

      That’s a good idea!

    • @francisquebachmann7375
      @francisquebachmann7375 8 місяців тому

      @@PhilEdwardsInc Any follow up to this. I'm excited to watch it.

    • @timseguine2
      @timseguine2 7 місяців тому

      What do you mean exactly by "we don’t have world’s fairs anymore"? There was one in 2021 (Expo 2020), and there is going to be another one in 2025.

  • @swusho312
    @swusho312 2 роки тому +73

    Never thought I'd happen to see my grandfather in one of your videos (Marian Grabinski), he was actually quite close to Ingvar and even designed the MTP line of cabinets which were a modular set of cabinets released in the 60s as a gift to Ingvar and his wife when they were getting married and is featured on ikeas 'History of ikea' page they have. (would have linked it but seems youtube doesn't like me doing that)
    He can be seen standing furthest back at around 5:50

  • @tessiepinkman
    @tessiepinkman 2 роки тому +26

    Having grown up with IKEAs headquarter just around the corner I gotta say you made me feel real proud as a Swede with this short history of IKEA. In Sweden IKEA is for *everybody* , it's so cheap that almost everyone gets their stuff for their first, second and perhaps even third apartment there. I don't know how you look at it on the other side of the world, but I think Ingvar Kamprad would be proud and happy to say that *anyone* can afford to have a beautiful home.

    • @QUARTERMASTEREMI6
      @QUARTERMASTEREMI6 2 роки тому +5

      Ugh, the temptation to just buy stuff at IKEA is so strong! I studied industrial design for a short time, and everything looks so pretty and functional! ☺️😅

  • @johncrwarner
    @johncrwarner 2 роки тому +358

    I went with a couple of friends
    to a newly opened IKEA
    and we had a competition
    "who would spend the least in IKEA"
    I came home with six coloured plastic beakers
    but the winner came home with just a jar of lingonberry jam!

    • @JGHFunRun
      @JGHFunRun 2 роки тому +30

      The fact that you didn’t grab some lingonberry jam astonishes me
      I assume you had some at home then

    • @johncrwarner
      @johncrwarner 2 роки тому +11

      @@JGHFunRun
      I have to avoid too much sugar
      so I rarely if ever have jam in the house.
      I did need the beakers though.

    • @rsswd
      @rsswd 2 роки тому +6

      Go home with one blue IKEA bag.

    • @Coolbond2
      @Coolbond2 2 роки тому +2

      @@johncrwarner swedish jam tends to not have too much sugar in it, just enough to preserve things and maybe a bit more especially with jams that are tart like lingonberries where there is basically next to no unnecessary sugar.
      sure the sweeter jams tends to have more sugar in it than neccesery but in no way close to the american jams.

    • @EGRJ
      @EGRJ 2 роки тому

      How did it taste?

  • @BootstrapsBootstraps
    @BootstrapsBootstraps 2 роки тому +210

    As a Norwegian living in Denmark: IKEA is the furniture for students and people who want something cheap. Many of us enjoy assembling the furniture, but most of us think going to IKEA is exhausting (too big, and too many people).

    • @bluegas
      @bluegas 2 роки тому +2

      Spot on!😂👌🏻

    • @JSchroederee
      @JSchroederee 2 роки тому +4

      Yeah I think that's pretty universal

    • @bloqk16
      @bloqk16 2 роки тому +9

      @Tanja . . . it's like that in the US, too. I've been to an IKEA retailer once, and the aspect that struck me was the difficulty to "backtrack" my steps in the store. In other words, once I found what I was looking for, to reverse course, pay for the item, and leave.
      It seems that IKEA compels customers to travel the full length of the store to exit the premises.

    • @huusseins
      @huusseins Рік тому +1

      Same here in Indonesia. One day I went to IKEA and I can barely move, too crowded.

    • @kibaanazuka332
      @kibaanazuka332 Рік тому

      My swedish friends joke that you're better off just buying IKEA stuff secondhand because of how much IKEA furniture there is in Sweden.

  • @bonecanoe86
    @bonecanoe86 2 роки тому +57

    When I got my first apartment I was able to fit all the furniture I needed into a minivan. Not having to rent a moving truck and just making one trip was so nice!

  • @rodaxel7165
    @rodaxel7165 2 роки тому +89

    I had my first experience with IKEA this year, the first one in my country. Honestly I just went for the food. Furniture seems nice. Maybe I'll get to assemble one in the future.

    • @thatFNZ
      @thatFNZ 2 роки тому +4

      lemme guess, philippines?

    • @laurencecrisostomo9451
      @laurencecrisostomo9451 2 роки тому +2

      I was about to say PH aswell lol

    • @eurasiaacaci.-110
      @eurasiaacaci.-110 2 роки тому +1

      Philippines

    • @ryanortega1511
      @ryanortega1511 2 роки тому +2

      Yes, it's home to the world's largest Ikea store. It's at the SM Mall of Asia, one of the biggest malls in the world.
      Speaking of, you've got to look into Philippine malls, Phil.

    • @iMarcism
      @iMarcism 2 роки тому +1

      Ikea in my country also servers nice meat balls hahahaha..

  • @PJTierney
    @PJTierney 2 роки тому +43

    I’m glad this channel’s finally blown up and getting the views it deserves. Well done sir 🥳
    On-topic reply: I like the IKEA building process, went through it a lot with my most recent house move a few years ago. They don’t get enough credit for how clear their instructions are vs half the stuff you get on Amazon.

  • @Gbee33
    @Gbee33 2 роки тому +114

    How crazy is it that Gary Oldman is down to earth enough to assemble his own IKEA furniture? What an awesome guy!

    • @fefasoares81
      @fefasoares81 2 роки тому +3

      Best comment here! Hahah

    • @FirestormX9
      @FirestormX9 Рік тому

      If Gary Oldman was a type of furniture, Phil would be the version of that which you get from IKEA.

  • @lukedaniels619
    @lukedaniels619 2 роки тому +11

    I just found this channel, and it’s my new favorite channel. It feels like I’m watching an individual be able to explore their interest without being stuck exploring one theme or topic or influenced by other peoples vision of what something should be. But with the production value of a major studio.

  • @rkx0
    @rkx0 2 роки тому +14

    You have really good content here! Vox-style but without all the requests and what you wanna say! It sounds authentic and so entertaining but educational.

  • @211teitake
    @211teitake 2 роки тому +17

    I'm surprised to hear that you used to think IKEA as a fancy designer company. I always thought it as a Walmart of furniture. They compete with price, volume, and cost cutting.

    • @Piedude345
      @Piedude345 2 роки тому +3

      Honestly the quality of ikea furniture that ive gotten recently seems to be a lot better than what i got 15 years ago

    • @Call-me-Al
      @Call-me-Al 2 роки тому +3

      @@Piedude345 it used to be a lot better 20-30 years ago, but it might have flipped back around again. I bloody love their sitting/standing raisable electronic desks, at least.

    • @tessjuel
      @tessjuel Рік тому +1

      The apartment I have now was furnished by a professional interior designer specializing in custom works for the filthy rich. (No, I can't afford that kind of luxury, she's my sister.) I was shocked when she took me to IKEA to do the bulk of the shopping but she was adamant that some of the stuff they sold there was just as good as the expensive prestigious brand items she used for her paying clients. And it turned out she was absolutely right.

    • @shrimpflea
      @shrimpflea Рік тому +1

      IKEA from my experience is hit and miss. I have bought some really good quality stuff and some terrible quality stuff too.

    • @MarylandFarmer.
      @MarylandFarmer. Рік тому +1

      Same I always thought of them as lower quality stuff. I have friends who put ikea cabinets in their kitchen. I never had the heart to tell them how bad they looked, but they also didn't do so great at any of the other remodeling either so I might just be bias from watching people fail at assembly

  • @VAM_Physics_and_Engineering
    @VAM_Physics_and_Engineering 2 роки тому +23

    I personally enjoy that if you want to look at one item before you buy you have to walk past every item sold in the store. I call it the slaughter house sales technic... just have faith in the arrow on the floor and eventually you will reach the inevitable checkout. (I assume this is all locations) Great as always Phil!

  • @Unraveled
    @Unraveled 2 роки тому +11

    Everytime I discover a vox's employee personal channel I feel like I stroke gold. I've been binge watching since yesterday, pretty good stuff! Keep it up

  • @benm8530
    @benm8530 2 роки тому +11

    I'm wondering how else you get your furniture in the US if you are not into self-assembly? In Germany basically, all affordable furniture is to self assemble, no matter if it's from IKEA or not. However, Ikea usually has the best and easiest to understand assembly guide. Also, the things they sell are of higher quality compared to other shops of the approximately same price. And from my place, it's just a 20 minute walk to a (or more) free cup(s) of coffee. 😉

    • @monicarenee7949
      @monicarenee7949 Рік тому +1

      Some stores deliver whole furniture to you and most stores deliver self assembly but it’s less parts to assemble. For example, a bed frame from another store I ordered from I did have to put parts together but it was much less parts and way easier to assemble than ikea. But ikea ends up having smaller packaging for this reason

  • @naimr.4301
    @naimr.4301 2 роки тому +16

    Ikea and the play place has such a permanent impact on my child hood. My parents were broke most of the time so Ikea was like a fun gettaway trip. They look for furniture and have time away from kids. And we watch old Disney movies and jump in the ball pit. And can't forget meatballs after. I love Ikea great informative video as well.

  • @robertkraszewski9533
    @robertkraszewski9533 2 роки тому +8

    I was just on an ikea binge on UA-cam and you just released this video, almost perfect timing

    • @HarjaapSingh
      @HarjaapSingh 2 роки тому +1

      Did you see that video by future proof on that $9.99 table?
      I was watching it yesterday and just today got a notification from this video by coincidence😂😂

    • @robertkraszewski9533
      @robertkraszewski9533 2 роки тому +1

      @@HarjaapSingh yeah I had just watched it, it was so good

    • @HarjaapSingh
      @HarjaapSingh 2 роки тому

      @@robertkraszewski9533 I'd love to see a future proof x phil edwards collab if it ever happens

  • @Wico90YT
    @Wico90YT 2 роки тому +16

    Huge fan of Ikea. A lot of the stuff I've gotten from them has lasted years, and is cheaper than similar designed (but lower quality) stuff from Target/Walmart.

  • @KevinVerberk
    @KevinVerberk 2 роки тому +11

    I love these quirky videos. I appreciate that you take a serious documentary approach on something that influences our daily life, but isn't this big existential thing all the time. 👏👏👏
    And the exact right amount of self-deprecation and observational humor 👌

  • @pamlegaspi
    @pamlegaspi 2 роки тому +6

    Hey Phil! Loved all your Vox videos and Im so glad to stumble upon your personal channel! Thoroughly enjoying binge watching them 🙌

  • @HarjaapSingh
    @HarjaapSingh 2 роки тому +4

    5:17 now that, that is an EPIC metaphor

  • @totoroben
    @totoroben 2 роки тому +6

    To flat pack it. Also you can break down the furniture to move it more easily. When creating self assembly furniture you have to consider it's strength. Your competition is actual carpentry joints that are very strong. I've seen shelves made in Mexico that were cheaper and extremely poor construction, broken from the get go, and everything is held together by drywall screws. A small upgrade of using dowel machine screws, better wood, and more precise drilling where the pieces screw together mean that the furniture will be able to be assembled quickly and not as likely to break. Ikea-esqe furniture (most furniture sold on Wayfair is now designed like this) can also break down just as fast as it was assembled to move or sell to someone else. You can assemble IKEA furniture faster with a hex drill bit with a slip clutch that you can adjust the max torque. I think at this point everyone should own a battery drill.

    • @playgroundchooser
      @playgroundchooser 2 роки тому +3

      👆👆 This is it.
      Couldn't have said it better.

  • @mattlucier6493
    @mattlucier6493 2 роки тому +4

    Absolutely loving the content! Love having wonderful creators do the hard work for me so I can look at friends and family and say “well did you know” 😂 thank you!

  • @itisryan
    @itisryan 2 роки тому +4

    Love your channel. Videos are sooooo well made. A lot to learn from your information and your editing. Keep us your amazing work!

  • @gregorymoore2877
    @gregorymoore2877 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the IKEA video. I also enjoy assembling IKEA furniture. I find the prices to encompass a wide range. It is possible to pay a lot for a piece. But's also possible to get a similar item very inexpensively. I like that they have the concept of collections with names. There's something about a "collection" that might make somebody want to buy at least one of every item in the collection, they way their collection is complete. I got a nice standing desk and a couple metal drawer sets which I think should last a long time. Also, I got a shelf with sliding cabinet doors. My wife observed that their designs are very good for helping you make good use of small or oddly shaped spaces. There is also a certain esthetic their designs exhibit, which I think is why people think of them as "designy."

  • @sphinxtheeminx
    @sphinxtheeminx 2 роки тому +1

    A while ago I lived near an IKEA. I had a very stressful but high-paid job. I used to buy stuff to assemble as a form of therapy and then donate it to charity shops aka thrift stores to make way for the next project. It was cheaper than counseling!

  • @Smothtiger
    @Smothtiger 2 роки тому +1

    Is rather fun to see the set change and grow with each video. Like putting up tourist postcards on the fridge from places you have been to.

  • @wattambor5043
    @wattambor5043 2 роки тому +1

    Just found this channel 3 hours ago and lo and behold - a new upload. Criminally underrated guy

  • @ArdensGember
    @ArdensGember 2 роки тому

    These videos are just the perfect length. Right around 10 minutes is enough to get in depth on the key points, but it's not dragging it out to where it feels like watching a full TV episode .

  • @Pibola64
    @Pibola64 Рік тому +1

    Ikea's flatpack strategy is genius; Not only does it save space and is more eco-friendly due to less cardboard being used, quote on quote building it yourself also leads you to like that furniture piece more than if you just bought it complete, since you had to put your precious energy and time into it, you don't want those to go to waste. This applies even to people who don't like the assembling part, and even more to people who do like it (such as myself).

  • @MorRobots
    @MorRobots 2 роки тому +4

    Yep, the IKEA effect is a bonus and flat packed furniture is a great unlock for logistics and manufacturing.

  • @eli6797
    @eli6797 2 роки тому +13

    I love putting furniture together as it makes me feel like I’m putting my house or my room together by myself, it also makes moving or if you’re simply throwing thy piece of furniture away really easy. The only thing I don’t like is when you put something together and it’s cheaply made and the materials are bad.

  • @geenskobe
    @geenskobe 2 роки тому +5

    You're videos are amazing man

  • @howdycowboy247
    @howdycowboy247 2 роки тому +1

    I love Ikea because the designs are simple sleek and consistent, I get to build it myself, and it's accessible to almost any budget.

  • @vvclife
    @vvclife 2 роки тому

    Your presentation is amazing. I love the little bits of humor is refreshing. Great work!! This is my second video, I will be watching more!

  • @randomations11
    @randomations11 2 роки тому +11

    I love assembling furniture, but some people simply can't stand it, and I get that. Also, if y'all are sick of hex keys, you can always uses a star bit in a drill (if you don't have a hex bit.)

  • @JonJosephKuhn
    @JonJosephKuhn 2 роки тому +2

    Amazing as always Phil. It’s incredible to watch your numbers going up so quickly. You deserve every bit of the success you’re having right now. How exciting!?!?!

  • @mikea.1586
    @mikea.1586 2 роки тому

    I just came back from the largest IKEA in the world here in the Philippines and your video popped out. Love it.

  • @holohulolo
    @holohulolo 2 роки тому +4

    IKEA is truly the place to go when you just moved into a new place, especially when you're on a budget and a small space, it's because they often advertise it to be so.
    At first before I actually shopped at IKEA I always assume they are some fancy furniture store, but when I finally went there years later I realise they are relatively cheaper also because the furniture have simple designs. You dont have too many choices that makes it difficult for you to make a decision. The quality of material is obviously subpar, but you dont really care because it does its job, it looks nice and would last years, and on top of that at a relatively low price. Not to mention you can shop a little at a time bring furniture home on the same day. I remember I had the 60cm wide bookshelf and I carried it all the way home on a bus. It wouldn't have been possible if kot for the flat design and also not possible if it was made of solid wood planks because it would've been too heavy.
    There's that joy and sense of accomplishment assembling it, but also because you assemble it for people who dont often get to built stuff, you get to learn how these furniture's are built and you'd more likely know what went wrong and how to fix when the furniture isnt functioning like it's supposed to.

  • @KnarfStein
    @KnarfStein Рік тому

    I love IKEA! Its products are modularly designed, of great quality, decently priced, and yes, I do love assembling them!

  • @lipinglin1994
    @lipinglin1994 2 роки тому +3

    At least for China, my mom use to help IKEA import their stuff in the 90s. It use to be fully assembled furniture. The custom at the Chinese Shanghai port decides that they will tax 200% import tax on these stuff as they see them as luxury items. IKEA found my mom's logistic company and start working on how to deal with these by giving them the idea that it is best to take them apart and import them into China. Since they are categorized as parts, their tax is only around 20%.

  • @limiv5272
    @limiv5272 2 роки тому +1

    I actually went to IKEA today. I love building the furniture, I love spending most of a day walking about the huge store checking out every seat and trying to pronounce all the item names [emphasis on trying], I love stopping at the restaurant. People in my country sometimes look down on IKEA furniture because it's relatively cheap, but their stuff actually holds up amazingly well. I have pieces of furniture from there that I bought when they first opened a store in my country - 2001

  • @Cizzzeron
    @Cizzzeron 2 роки тому +3

    As a swede in the diaspora (Australia) i don't care much about the furniture. It's all about getting some food from home at a decent price, so that you can forget the fact that you haven't been back to the home country for years.
    I wouldn't mind if they put the embassy in an Ikea so that I could renew my passport and get lingonberries at the same time.

  • @aarondavidlopezdegante7884
    @aarondavidlopezdegante7884 2 роки тому +1

    man I love this channel, de design the music the vibe you give, you are awesome, keep growing and don't stop

  • @HarjaapSingh
    @HarjaapSingh 2 роки тому +7

    This actually reminds me of a video done by "future proof" on UA-cam
    They do videos on economics and behavioural psychology
    And they're around the same sub count as you phil
    So you guys could potentially collab ???
    Would be so cool to see that happen!!

  • @is_A_me_mario
    @is_A_me_mario 2 роки тому +2

    Top notch video quality, you are so underrated, I look forward to see you reach 1 million subscribers!

  • @TheBitBracket
    @TheBitBracket 2 роки тому +6

    Wow. I would have never have guessed that I would be hyped about the history of Ikea. Good editing and timing can really work magic, can't it.
    I hope someday I can make videos with this kind of quality. But for now I'll just have to enjoy your videos :)

  • @MalachiTheBowlingGod
    @MalachiTheBowlingGod Рік тому

    best personal channel that personally talks about personal stuff personally

    • @PhilEdwardsInc
      @PhilEdwardsInc  Рік тому

      this is a personal comment i'm personally leaving (accept no impersonal impersonations)

  • @archer242424
    @archer242424 2 роки тому +3

    Hey Phil, this is the 2nd video I've watched of yours (just watched this and the running track videos back to back), and I'm already wanting to subscribe. Your videos have a Vox vibe in terms of information quality and presentation, but even more personal and fueled by your own curiosity. Thanks for the great content. Look forward to future videos and digging into what you've already got on your channel!

  • @Garbimba1900
    @Garbimba1900 2 роки тому

    Having spent my Sunday assembling two Billies and a Malm, I find the timing of this video serendipitous! :D

  • @landgrenwilliam
    @landgrenwilliam 2 роки тому

    This channel is amazing! Big fan of the work you do :)

  • @vincentpollack
    @vincentpollack 2 роки тому +1

    Youre gonna be big very soon. keep these videos pumping!

  • @davidlylejones
    @davidlylejones 2 роки тому +1

    I love the “furniture dorks” label above the people standing behind the IKEA dragon.

  • @neilsamuel5268
    @neilsamuel5268 2 роки тому

    I love that i found this channel yesterday and you are still pumping videos!!!
    Keep the motivation up and take some time for yourself💯

  • @FabianSalomonsson
    @FabianSalomonsson 2 роки тому

    Great video Phil! I'm from Småland so it was quite unusual to see this kind of video about something so close to me. Your pronunciation was excellent! Thanks.

  • @TheRacoonGhost
    @TheRacoonGhost 2 роки тому +3

    2:45 its funny because while Småland is a real place in Sweden it allso translates to "small/little" (Små) "land" (land)

  • @pttn975
    @pttn975 Рік тому

    I love IIKEA. It's amazing all the ways they came up to save money. No words in the instructions means no cost to translate into different languages. No coloring on the flat packs and all the packaging can be recycled.

  • @DrMetPhD
    @DrMetPhD 2 роки тому

    So hyped that you have an independent channel now. You deserve all the rewards of your hard work and success!

  • @DamonMcLean1
    @DamonMcLean1 2 роки тому

    Just came across this channel. Truly fantastic job. This is what I think majority of all docu series tries to be. You're genuine and deliver information in a energetic but relaxed way. Thank you!

  • @TenshiR
    @TenshiR 2 роки тому

    I'm actually ordering IKEA kitchen cabinets and furniture right now and this video popped up in my notifications 😮

  • @max-de-boer
    @max-de-boer 2 роки тому +2

    As a Dutchman - one of the most surprising things I learned in my business undergrad studies was that IKEA may look very Swedish; but with their current corporate structure they are very, very Dutch

    • @triciac.5078
      @triciac.5078 2 роки тому

      What do you mean by this? In that, what are Swedish and Dutch corporate structures (first) and how is IKEA’s more Dutch than Swedish?

    • @max-de-boer
      @max-de-boer 2 роки тому

      @@triciac.5078 In a nutshell: IKEA nowadays is not one company legally speaking, but rather a whole collection of different companies (some owning the stores, some managing the supply chain etc.). All of these companies are owned by a number of IKEA holding companies that are located in the Netherlands nowadays. That is where their headquarters are and where the board meets.
      Why this complicated structure? Unfortunately it was largely to evade tax payments...

    • @triciac.5078
      @triciac.5078 2 роки тому

      @@max-de-boer that sounds like American more than anything :) I’ve been trying to explain to a coworker that even though our company is worldwide, we can’t actually work worldwide if our job is based in America. Your job needs to be transferred to our international version of our company if you want to work outside of the USA. And your chances of that are less than zero. Cuz corporate sucks. We’ve lost good people because their spouse was transferred internationally and the company wouldn’t move their job to the international version.

  • @steviebea
    @steviebea 2 роки тому

    ur channel is SUPER underrated!! thrilled to be here before 100k 🥰

  • @blaster-zy7xx
    @blaster-zy7xx Рік тому +1

    I always loved IKEA. I would sometimes just stop in for lunch, get some meatballs and end up with some batteries, a saw, a lamp, a power strip, and picture to hang on the wall.

  • @robertmcdonnold3038
    @robertmcdonnold3038 2 роки тому +1

    My wife and I visited an ikea store in Milwaukee while we were on vacation last summer. We didn't like the layout of the store. We had to walk the entire store to get to the exit. Granted, there were a couple of secret shortcuts but still confusing. There was nothing in the store that we felt like we really had to have. It seemed like the type of store you would have to visit many times to feel comfortable in. It was way too big. That was our first and last visit. Not a good experience.
    P.S. I really like putting things together.
    Thanks
    Bob

  • @peabody1976
    @peabody1976 2 роки тому

    4:01 I literally lost my cellphone in that IKEA in 2003. I got it back, scuffed up and damaged (it lasted another 18 months).
    But I love IKEA, and find it incredibly fascinating. Now I want köttbullar.

  • @TheHugoQS
    @TheHugoQS 2 роки тому

    You can tell this man is a genuine dude

  • @caspiansfriend
    @caspiansfriend Рік тому

    Very interesting. Thanks! PS: Love the approach you take to your videos. Cleverly put together, good audio (always a must), nice cuts, excellent script! But, again, I learned a lot about IKEA. There is a much more fascinating history there than I originally thought.

  • @crummyautumn
    @crummyautumn 2 роки тому

    I love these mini-documentries/deep dives

  • @Thebreakdownshow1
    @Thebreakdownshow1 2 роки тому

    Almost forgot to watch this one. Once again great storytelling.

  • @gimpy612
    @gimpy612 2 роки тому

    Wow your pentagon video really helped your channel. a boost of 30K subs in a matter of a few days is great to see!. I'm glad i stumbled across your channel you'll fit right into the rest of my video queue

  • @KayAteChef
    @KayAteChef Рік тому

    That palm tree really ties the set together.

  • @finlayross9229
    @finlayross9229 2 роки тому

    Some of my favourite vox videos are the ones featuring you so as soon as I saw you had your own channel I had to subscribe love the work man

  • @hosank
    @hosank 2 роки тому

    I never thought I would enjoy videos about IKEA narrated by Commissioner Gordon.

  • @Discotechque
    @Discotechque 2 роки тому

    Man, this channel is like Rare Earth but for anything and everything under the sun.

  • @HelamanGile
    @HelamanGile 2 роки тому +1

    You appreciate something a lot more that you put together yourself

  • @groadoswaggins
    @groadoswaggins 2 роки тому

    Impact driver. Makes assembly SO much easier.
    This has been your tip of day, you may now return to your normal viewing.

  • @LinusBoman
    @LinusBoman 2 роки тому +2

    Here in Sweden Ingvar Kamprad has a reputation for being an extremely tight fisted man, always squeezing every penny out of his suppliers too. Very cutthroat in business. Apocryphal story maybe, but I heard while I was still alive but retired he'd visit IKEA locations and when they put the price of hotdogs up he made management change the prices back!

  • @kevinrodrigueza2989
    @kevinrodrigueza2989 2 роки тому

    You're really good at this Phil. Love the vids.

  • @Mark.Taylor.
    @Mark.Taylor. Рік тому

    Excellent Video.
    I also saw somewhere that people feel attached to things they build and Ikea knows that.

  • @netpilot5
    @netpilot5 2 роки тому

    Congratulations on 100K subscribers!

  • @Ikaisu.
    @Ikaisu. 2 роки тому +1

    These mini documentaries are great it’s surprising how little subscribers you have

  • @shanekimberlin
    @shanekimberlin 2 роки тому +2

    Hey, just wanted to say thank you for putting out these videos. They're well-made, thoughtful, and feature a unique style that avoids a lot of video essay genre pitfalls. Have you ever read any Uncle John's Bathroom Reader? They had longer articles/stories in their pages, with topics ranging from the production of Spanish-language version Dracula to the story behind Murphy's Law. I read them religiously growing up. Your videos fill the same sweet spot as those books, helping a person understand more, connecting very strange dots, big and small, to a fuller picture of our world.
    It's also been really inspiring to see you go (I'm assuming) independent, and it's frigging awesome how your channel's subscriber number's exploded in growth these last few months. Congratulations. Anyway man, wish you well, and keep up the amazing work. Cheers!

    • @PhilEdwardsInc
      @PhilEdwardsInc  2 роки тому +1

      Definitely know Uncle Johns! Thanks for the nice words - this is still a side project for me but it’s gotten really cool lately to get the algorithm’s love.

  • @hullinstruments
    @hullinstruments Рік тому

    You keep this up... And you might very well be the first journalist left out of my "last will and testament."
    Because at the moment.... my family has been instructed to throw my cremated ashes in the eyes of every journalist they can find.
    Really been enjoying your stories

  • @abisekk
    @abisekk 2 роки тому

    Yo Phil just for the record I was here since you had like 700-800 subs haha. I'm so happy for you. Good video like always.

  • @blehbleh9283
    @blehbleh9283 Рік тому

    I love Ikea. Cheap and easy to assemble + the food is cheap and good so getting a meal there is also great

  • @the_kombinator
    @the_kombinator 2 роки тому +1

    Wow I have an original Billy bookcase still - at least from the 90s. It's basement furniture that stores my vintage computer spares, but those things survived like 5-6 college and 20s moves lol. They're still fairly solid!

  • @Aztesticals
    @Aztesticals 2 роки тому

    I have no idea who this is, and they didnt just pip up in my recommendations. This is the only channel I can see now. I refresh and it just shuffles the videos. This man is the only channel I can load now. Other videos are just buffering for ever. UA-cam has a gun to my head telling me to watch you.

    • @PhilEdwardsInc
      @PhilEdwardsInc  2 роки тому

      Maybe if you go outside and take a nice walk it’ll get the idea.

    • @Aztesticals
      @Aztesticals 2 роки тому

      @@PhilEdwardsInc I was outside climbing to sunfish pond in the Appalachians with snow spikes to strain for when I go hiking in the Greenland portion of the greater Appalachian range in a few years. I'm exhausted and hurting like hell. And it gives me more Appalachian trail history.
      Train not strain

  • @althermella8633
    @althermella8633 2 роки тому

    I really enjoy your editing and filmmaking, it's really quite satisfying

  • @nikolatasev4948
    @nikolatasev4948 2 роки тому +1

    I have bought furniture from several different places.
    The cheaper ones get the job done, du don't last.
    Other imitators (jysk) were not well thought out, hard to assemble or skimping out on items so the products fell apart.
    Ikea were the only ones which I had zero issues assembling, that may look cheap but are made to last. And they were relatively affordable. I can't speak about the company, but the products and the stores are great.

  • @michellehawks8455
    @michellehawks8455 2 роки тому

    This a a really good edited video! I normally don’t watch these kinds of things, but for channels like this… it makes it interesting 😁👏

  • @Awesome123000
    @Awesome123000 2 роки тому +2

    You make really good vids, please keep it up

  • @Deucely
    @Deucely 2 роки тому

    I subscribe, not really because of the content(don't get me wrong, I like it), but because of who you are, keep this up, thank you for being you!

  • @sunkey1181
    @sunkey1181 2 роки тому

    This channel is criminally underrated.

  • @hermask815
    @hermask815 2 роки тому +6

    In Germany some folks took IKEA as an acronym which they disassembled to
    I idiots
    K kaufen- buy
    E einfach =just
    A alles= all/everything

    • @icantthinkofaname8139
      @icantthinkofaname8139 2 роки тому

      Idiots is the same in english and German?

    • @Gameboygenius
      @Gameboygenius 2 роки тому +1

      @@icantthinkofaname8139 the plural form is "idioten" if you want to be grammatically correct.

    • @hermask815
      @hermask815 2 роки тому +1

      @@icantthinkofaname8139 medically trained personal don’t use it anymore, so the commoners of the mentioned countries may use it in not exactly the same way, but
      In short … simply YES.
      English and German are both using a Greek word ; idiot is a Greek word.