[gionnyct]

Hi, I hope that you're able to read this before you try to do anything with this return.

Amazon is currently doing this with drones, phones, and other high dollar gadgets. Please keep in mind.

This product has a serial number that uniquely identifies the item. When your order ships, Amazon will scan the serial number and add it to the history of the order. Should the item go missing before it arrives, Amazon may register the serial number with loss and theft databases to prevent fraudulent use or resale of the item. There is no action required from you and the serial number will only be used to prevent fraudulent activity associated with the missing item.

If you've got a way around this, in order to keep the item out of the 'brick' state - please let me know!

for me it is not a problem, I would use the drone for personal use

[moonpilot]

Maybe this would be the best method:

1. Purchase new drone on a different account in good standing e.g. a friend or family member (would look a bit suspect if the other drone is on the same account)

2. After it arrives report the problem to Amazon a few days later. Say that they sent you the wrong drone (your old one). Say that you bought it for your son's birthday and to avoid disappointment you used it on the day for a short time (or if they look similar just claim ignorance that you only just realised it was the wrong one). That will explain the fact the box is open and any minor signs of wear.

3. Arrange a return (or a partial refund on the different price between the new and old drone) and simply send your old one back.

4. Enjoy your new drone!

I'm no SEing expert so see what others think, but to me this sounds like a more plausible explanation. I imagine a warehouse packer could easily pack the wrong drone that looks similar and in the same location. An empty box seems a bit fanciful given the product's size and weight, especially if its weighed by the courier.

[gionnyct]

I used the empty box method, now they are opening an investigation with the courier.
What should I expect?

[Slippery Slope]

Hi, I hope that you're able to read this before you try to do anything with this return.

Amazon is currently doing this with drones, phones, and other high dollar gadgets. Please keep in mind.

This product has a serial number that uniquely identifies the item. When your order ships, Amazon will scan the serial number and add it to the history of the order. Should the item go missing before it arrives, Amazon may register the serial number with loss and theft databases to prevent fraudulent use or resale of the item. There is no action required from you and the serial number will only be used to prevent fraudulent activity associated with the missing item.

If you've got a way around this, in order to keep the item out of the 'brick' state - please let me know!

I heard this too. Any sources to verify this?

It's stated under certain products, right before the description.

Hi, I hope that you're able to read this before you try to do anything with this return.

Amazon is currently doing this with drones, phones, and other high dollar gadgets. Please keep in mind.

This product has a serial number that uniquely identifies the item. When your order ships, Amazon will scan the serial number and add it to the history of the order. Should the item go missing before it arrives, Amazon may register the serial number with loss and theft databases to prevent fraudulent use or resale of the item. There is no action required from you and the serial number will only be used to prevent fraudulent activity associated with the missing item.

If you've got a way around this, in order to keep the item out of the 'brick' state - please let me know!

for me it is not a problem, I would use the drone for personal use

Yeah, but the problem is - They use the serial number to put the item into a 'brick' state - meaning that it becomes completely useless to anyone that has it. They do that because if it's reported stolen or "not in the box when I received it," the person that ends up with it can't sell it or use it for personal gain.

[Slippery Slope]

I used the empty box method, now they are opening an investigation with the courier.
What should I expect?

If you play your cards right, you can get out of this easily. It's all about execution.
You could expect to have proof of filing a police report. I've been asked before, questions like - "Have you reported this to the police?" - I always talk to them directly over the phone, which I find to be the best method if you're good with confrontation and quick with witty responses. Simply tell them, "Yeah, I've called the police and they're looking into this aswell."
Don't sound stern, just have a chill conversation with the agent. Use their names when you're talking to them and be respectful.

They'll of course offer you a refund or a replacement item.

You: "Yeah, Tom - when the box arrived, the products original packaging was in there, but it empty. It's clear now that I look at it closer that the original tape has been 'taped over' - this is ridiculous."
He'll say something like. "Ah, I'm very sorry to hear that, *name* - Let me see what I can do for you."
Proceed to receiving your refund.

EDIT: I just re-read the thread. Most of the time, it's the same case as you doing the receiving of the empty box method. You should be okay.

[DragonicRek]

I used the empty box method, now they are opening an investigation with the courier.
What should I expect?

If you play your cards right, you can get out of this easily. It's all about execution.
You could expect to have proof of filing a police report. I've been asked before, questions like - "Have you reported this to the police?" - I always talk to them directly over the phone, which I find to be the best method if you're good with confrontation and quick with witty responses. Simply tell them, "Yeah, I've called the police and they're looking into this aswell."
Don't sound stern, just have a chill conversation with the agent. Use their names when you're talking to them and be respectful.

They'll of course offer you a refund or a replacement item.

You: "Yeah, Tom - when the box arrived, the products original packaging was in there, but it empty. It's clear now that I look at it closer that the original tape has been 'taped over' - this is ridiculous."
He'll say something like. "Ah, I'm very sorry to hear that, *name* - Let me see what I can do for you."
Proceed to receiving your refund.

EDIT: I just re-read the thread. Most of the time, it's the same case as you doing the receiving of the empty box method. You should be okay.

Great tips, thank you for helping out other members!

[gionnyct]

thanks guys, now I have to wait three working days and see what happens.

[mothered]

Use their names when you're talking to them

This Is a good point.

It's human nature to feel appreciated when addressed by name, therefore gives the SE an added layer towards a successful result.

I always talk to them directly over the phone

Adding to this, of more Importance to what you say, Is how you say It. Your tone of voice can giveaway a lot of Information. If there are signs consistent with fabrication, your SE may well fail.

[stasys]

Is anyone here familiar with this method of SE with Amazon in Australia? I have an account that is a couple of years old but with only 1 order on it. No previous refunds at all. What would my chances of getting a refund on a console like a switch? Any help would be great!

[mothered]

Is anyone here familiar with this method of SE with Amazon in Australia? I have an account that is a couple of years old but with only 1 order on it. No previous refunds at all. What would my chances of getting a refund on a console like a switch? Any help would be great!

Rather than going off-topic, I suggest creating a thread.

Provide as much Information of relevance, Inclusive of any methods you're planning on using.