[Crapshoot]

I really need a new laptop but I’m too poor to afford one.  I have money upfront, but can’t afford to not get it back. I’m only familiar with DNA and have done 1 before with amazon(who emailed me a few days after the refund that my account had a high number of refunds). I do actually use Amazon and don’t want to get banned so Amazon is a no go right now.

I’m located in the US so I figure I have a few options: Best Buy, Walmart, target, and Newegg. I’ve read that Newegg is a terrible choice.

I’ve also seen on here to say the laptop was leaking something or it caught fire. But others have said that the company requests they send it back in a special container or they will send their own people out to retrieve it. This method seems like a high risk of backfiring if they make you send it back or pick it up as you’ve basically backed yourself into a corner.  At least with a DNA if it fails and they refuse a refund you can claim a neighbor or family member had the package  and do a normal refund.

What do you all think the best place for a DNA on a laptop would be? Should I consider another method besides DNA?
Realistically, will a DNA of this amount require a police report? I’m a bit worried about having to file a fake police report.
Most delivery services here just leave the packages out front without signature, but would a expensive item like a laptop require signature?

Any input is welcome, thanks!

[Defeat]

Have you considered Amazon Canada?

You'll probably pay duties and fees, but it'll all be refunded.

Edit: Newegg is fine, just make sure you pay with PayPal in case they give you a hard time which they probably will.
BestBuy is usually pretty smooth. Not sure about Target (no longer in Canada), and Walmart may require a police report (haven't done them myself).
Don't file a fake police report - I know what you mean, it's just a formality, nothing more. File it as lost, and close it right after if it comes down to it, but I know the feeling.
And it really depends on the company, they might, they have for me in the past, but there's been instances where they do require it. They'll usually tell you though, many sites say anything above X value will require a sig...

[mothered]

I’m only familiar with DNA

The wrong Item received and the sealed box method are both suitable.

I’ve read that Newegg is a terrible choice.

Correct.

Newegg Is difficult to deal with at the best of times.

Realistically, will a DNA of this amount require a police report?

The DNA tends to trigger an Investigation and subsequent to that, a PR Is likely to be requested.

I’m a bit worried about having to file a fake police report.

Never falsify a police report.

It's only needed for administration purposes to move forward with the claim, so It's fine to file one.

Should I consider another method besides DNA?

As per above.

What do you all think the best place for a DNA on a laptop would be?

As @"Canadian Moose" mentioned - Best Buy.

[elemenowpee]

I really need a new laptop but I’m too poor to afford one.  I have money upfront, but can’t afford to not get it back.

Remember that the majority of the time, if your SE fails just send it back for a legit return. Large companies will never seem to question/link your SE attempt if you just send the item back asking for a refund.

This is speaking for experience

[Crapshoot]

Have you considered Amazon Canada?

I haven't. I assumed that a order on amazon Canada would be smart enough to process in the US and ship from US.

The wrong Item received and the sealed box method are both suitable.

I'll have to look into these more as I'm not familiar with them.
Does wrong item received just mean I order the laptop and when it arrives I say they sent me a book or something? Isn't their shipping system smart enough to know better?
And the sealed box method is to open the box carefully and remove the laptop then seal it back up and return it? What happens if they check it later and see it's not there? Would the recharge the item to me?

The DNA tends to trigger an Investigation and subsequent to that, a PR Is likely to be requested.
I’m a bit worried about having to file a fake police report.
Never falsify a police report.
It's only needed for administration purposes to move forward with the claim, so It's fine to file one.

By fake police report I meant filing a police report when I know the truth.


I'm going to have to do some research and come up with a plan. Thanks for the advice everyone!

[fasho1212]

Have you considered Amazon Canada?

I haven't. I assumed that a order on amazon Canada would be smart enough to process in the US and ship from US.

The wrong Item received and the sealed box method are both suitable.

I'm going to have to do some research and come up with a plan. Thanks for the advice everyone!

for the sealed box method you should ensure that you replace the laptop with an item of equal weight. MSI gaming laptop packaging is pretty simple, they just have msi branded tape on both sides of the box then there is a secondary box which contains the laptop. all you need is a hairdryer to remove lightly and a little patience.

[mothered]

By fake police report I meant filing a police report when I know the truth.

In that case, the report per se Is not fake.

That Is, It'll be an official police report.

[Crapshoot]

If a delivery requires a signature, would leaving a note saying “please leave package if no one is home” for the delivery driver hurt the chances of a DNA or be used against me?

[mothered]

If a delivery requires a signature, would leaving a note saying “please leave package if no one is home” for the delivery driver hurt the chances of a DNA or be used against me?

Given you're providing the delivery Instructions, It essentially makes you responsible for loss of goods.