First of all - I didn't send Mark that chip but in defense of tape, I will say this:
As a former Postal Worker (3 years JUST in parcel post), one thing I learned and believe today is TAPE IS A PACKAGE'S BEST FRIEND.

Tape on the OUTSIDE of a package is major competition for the "things" that happen to parcels (ESPECIALLY small parcels) in the automatic belt-driven convenyor type equipment used to sort and distribute mail in the US Postal system. Tape the flap... tape the surface and tape over delivery address (keeps it from smearing - something we saw everytime it rained or snowed -anywhere in the country).
Tape prevents punctures and surface tears that I saw destroy "untaped" parcels EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Tape on the inside (like Mark explains) probably has less benefits than tape on the outside... but I have the PERFECT cutting tool that quickly, neatly and effortlessly cuts through any red tape (or clear or brown or layers or whatever the zealous taper can stick to me and my package

Problem is - I got this free... Fingerhut or something... years ago. Can't figure out where to buy some. If I could, I'd buy a case and send one to every chipper I know. The blade is so small, unless I was to be outright stupid (and careless), it only penetrates the outer layers - and it's still sharp enough (but it won't be forever ) to make short work of any Extreme Wrapping Situations.