[mothered]

Sealed box seems risky to a certain extent. Obviously they can find the item is not there / has been replaced but can not prove that I had any doing in it.

Obviously they can find the item is not there / has been replaced

^ Not at all.

The point of the sealed box method, Is to return the box as per Its manufacturer's state. If there's no signs of tampering nor any type of Inconsistencies, then they'd have no reason to check. As such, they'll place It back Into stock with the rest of their Inventory and a refund/replacement will be Issued thereafter. What happens from this point forward, Is not tied/linked to you.

I've performed this on countless occasions (both online and In-store) without fail.

So would you place another item inside of the package at that point and reseal the item then?

You can add just about anything you like- they're not going to check It.

Although In-store returns (that're physically handed to the customer service counter) are not weighed there and then, It's good practice to replace It with something of similar weight, just to cover all angles.

[Tenney]

^ Not at all.

The point of the sealed box method, Is to return the box as per Its manufacturer's state. If there's no signs of tampering nor any type of Inconsistencies, then they'd have no reason to check. As such, they'll place It back Into stock with the rest of their Inventory and a refund/replacement will be Issued thereafter. What happens from this point forward, Is not tied/linked to you.

I've performed this on countless occasions (both online and In-store) without fail.

So would you place another item inside of the package at that point and reseal the item then?

You can add just about anything you like- they're not going to check It.

Although In-store returns (that're physically handed to the customer service counter) are not weighed there and then, It's good practice to replace It with something of similar weight, just to cover all angles.

Never done this before. Have any suggestions on how to remove and reseal the package?

[mothered]

Never done this before. Have any suggestions on how to remove and reseal the package?

Manufacturers package their goods In many ways, so It's difficult to (precisely) say without looking at It.

Do remember that you have all day to do It right, so take as much time as you need. It's also good practice to take a photo of the sealed box beforehand- just to have a comparison to match the finished product.

[Tenney]

Never done this before. Have any suggestions on how to remove and reseal the package?

Manufacturers package their goods In many ways, so It's difficult to (precisely) say without looking at It.

Do remember that you have all day to do It right, so take as much time as you need. It's also good practice to take a photo of the sealed box beforehand- just to have a comparison to match the finished product.

For sure! Let's just use an iPhone for an example. How would you go about resealing that. What would you use for the film? How would you rework it on there.

[mothered]

Let's just use an iPhone for an example. How would you go about resealing that. What would you use for the film? How would you rework it on there.

Are you referring to the actual plastic seal/bag that covers the entire box?

[Tenney]

Let's just use an iPhone for an example. How would you go about resealing that. What would you use for the film? How would you rework it on there.

Are you referring to the actual plastic seal/bag that covers the entire box?

Correct. The initial plastic seal that you have to break to open said box.

[Tenney]

Let's just use an iPhone for an example. How would you go about resealing that. What would you use for the film? How would you rework it on there.

Are you referring to the actual plastic seal/bag that covers the entire box?

So I've figured it out as far as the materials and the method. Now I'm curious on what to put. For something as small as an iPhone, something small and heavy would suffice, but if I would ever go towards something like a bigger laptop, what would you suggest as far as replacement item?

[mothered]

Now I'm curious on what to put. For something as small as an iPhone, something small and heavy would suffice, but if I would ever go towards something like a bigger laptop, what would you suggest as far as replacement item?

As said, you can replace It with any Item you like, but be sure the weight matches.

The objective of the "sealed box method", Is to return It as though It hasn't been opened. As far as you're concerned, you've (for example) received the same Item as a gift, hence no longer need the purchased Item. The Intention Is for the company to simply put It back Into stock (ready for sale) and Issue you a refund thereafter.

It's extremely unlikely that they'll open and Inspect the goods when there's no reason to do so.

[Tenney]

Now I'm curious on what to put. For something as small as an iPhone, something small and heavy would suffice, but if I would ever go towards something like a bigger laptop, what would you suggest as far as replacement item?

As said, you can replace It with any Item you like, but be sure the weight matches.

The objective of the "sealed box method", Is to return It as though It hasn't been opened. As far as you're concerned, you've (for example) received the same Item as a gift, hence no longer need the purchased Item. The Intention Is for the company to simply put It back Into stock (ready for sale) and Issue you a refund thereafter.

It's extremely unlikely that they'll open and Inspect the goods when there's no reason to do so.

And as far as it goes, say something of this nature is eventually found out to be a false item. Would a company such as Apple / a reseller like a Best Buy / Costco etc. look into this and attempt to track the usage of said device?

[mothered]

And as far as it goes, say something of this nature is eventually found out to be a false item. Would a company such as Apple / a reseller like a Best Buy / Costco etc. look into this and attempt to track the usage of said device?

That's "If" the device can be remotely monitored/tracked.

Each SE Is based on Its own merits, so It's not possible to generalize on a company's actions.