[StrattonOakmontVP]

Hi, just joined and took action, I went to a major electronics chain today and bought a premium laptop with in-store pickup to try the sealed box method. From what I read they won't even open the brown box if its sealed well. However, I don't mind learning to seal the outside and actual laptop box.

1) Is there a guide or tutorial (paid or free), that teaches me what tools and techniques are best to open this box or more details on the sealed box method? I inserted a pic below
2) I read clay is a good substitute for weight. What are other inexpensive materials that I can buy locally to substitute if I can't find a replica or broken one?
3) Do I need a real hot gun or will a hair dryer work?
4) Razor or a dull blade?

[mothered]

more details on the sealed box method?

Check out the articles on my blog.

[EquitableEngineer]

Specifically which model you got there ?

Also, i respect the fact that you have thrown yourself in to the deep end as its the best way to learn

[fasho1212]

Stacks of paper and an old/broken laptop also work. Hair dryer works great for the tape that your dealing with, and a sharp knife or razor is a must have.

[papken]

lookin for updates if there will be any

[StrattonOakmontVP]

Specifically which model you got there ?
Macbook pro

Also, i respect the fact that you have thrown yourself in to the deep end as its the best way to learn

thanks!

[mothered]

@StrattonOakmontVP, have you made any progress?

[StrattonOakmontVP]

@StrattonOakmontVP, have you made any progress?

I did. Here's what I did:

1. I messed up opening the brown box. I took my time but sliced the brown tape when I pulled up on the razor (95% done) while holding hair dryer. The top part of the box where the tape is to pull to open the box.
2. I practiced anyways on the bottom of the box which has two adhesives which is more difficult to remove. I looked at the macbook pro box and decided I may have picked a hard one to start with lol. I left it alone, still sealed.
3. Decided to return the macbook sealed to see if their process changed. I had to wait a few minutes and the customer service employee came back and opened it in front me. Another associate swung by and asked if it was standard now to open and he replied that's what their manager said. (might be store dependent). Got my refund.
4. With that info, I switched things ups and bought a cheaper pc laptop that I had but with a broken lcd monitor I replaced the serial number label at the bottom and returned. Got my refund. Paid cash. My first win!
5. I went to a different store location and bought a home speaker and found that much easier to open. I replaced with clay and they never opened it. Got my refund. I used a scale and made sure everything weighed correctly.
6. Went to a different store location and bought multiple home speakers. Sealed all except one. Told associate I changed my mind after trying out one. Bought one for every room in the house but changed my mind. Associate checked the one opened one with the real product and didn't check the rest.


My Key takeaways:
1. For beginner, Apple packaging is difficult and could possibly be examined more by this electronics chain
2. This store location opened Apple products but seemed it was a new manager policy. I might test again at another location but wanted to try again at the same location but switch the product.
3. Browse for products already on the shelf with easy sealing and buy bulk. It's good practice too.
4. Pay cash. Although there is a limit to how much they will reimburse you in cash that I read in their policy - $800. At least for this store location, I enjoyed paying with cash and getting cash back instantly.
5. All you need is a hair dryer and sharp blade as suggested. Thanks Smile

Next.
1. Post speakers online for sale locally.
2. Search online and local classifieds for replicas or broken parts for any items I can swap out.
3. Setup eBau account to sell online also although I prefer locally since cash is king.


Lesson learned. The bottom has two adhesives. The top is doable (pull tape to open part) but go slow with a razor and hair dryer and don't lift the blade no matter what.

[EquitableEngineer]

Thanks for sharing your experience bro, good thing you didn't go through with the macbook SB as it clearly would have failed spectacularly. Did you plan for them opening it ? If so what was your contingency ?

Good job on the speakers, executed with precision. Great idea about buying multiple and leaving one open as bait. Might have to start calling you the fisherman haha.

Cash certainly is king and its far and away the best way to pay when using this in store method. Thanks for sharing, a lot of people will benefit from this.

[10d20]

3. Decided to return the macbook sealed to see if their process changed. I had to wait a few minutes and the customer service employee came back and opened it in front me. Another associate swung by and asked if it was standard now to open and he replied that's what their manager said. (might be store dependent). Got my refund.

It still baffles me how the method is sold as being one of the best while presenting such high risks. You clearly dodged a bullet here my guy.

Thanks for keeping me away from SB for a while and congratulations on your successfull SEs. The whole thread was very helpful.