[lc3v1n3212]

Going to attempt the sealed box method at the Apple Store for an Unlocked 13 Pro

• Ordered with guest account (no apple ID)
  
• Just received the dummy iPhone 13 and resealing stickers
  
• Dummy iPhone 13 is about 20g less than the original
  

Anyone have experience with in-person Apple Store returns using the sealed box method? Any tips would be greatly appreciated

Worst case if they do open it and try to match IMEI, plan is to say that is how I received it (another SE returned the dummy iPhone and they didn't check)

[mothered]

Anyone have experience with in-person Apple Store returns using the sealed box method?

As with every In-store SE, attend late on a Friday just before close of business - namely when they're Inundated with customers and returns. As such, they won't have time to thoroughly check the return.

Also, Identify the most vulnerable employee at the service counter For example, young females tend to be naive/gullible, hence distract her by complementing her hair and nails. You'll find that everything mentioned, will draw attention away from the possibility of checking every part of the return.

[fabrizio89]

Keep us updated, if you can.

[lc3v1n3212]

Anyone have experience with in-person Apple Store returns using the sealed box method?

As with every In-store SE, attend late on a Friday just before close of business - namely when they're Inundated with customers and returns. As such, they won't have time to thoroughly check the return.

Also, Identify the most vulnerable employee at the service counter For example, young females tend to be naive/gullible, hence distract her by complementing her hair and nails. You'll find that everything mentioned, will draw attention away from the possibility of checking every part of the return.

Solid tips, TY!

I've been seeing most sealed box returns are done online/shipped. Anyone know if the higher success rate is online or in-store for sealed box iPhones? Might just do online return with same box it was shipped in to avoid being on camera

[synriz]

Anyone have experience with in-person Apple Store returns using the sealed box method?

As with every In-store SE, attend late on a Friday just before close of business - namely when they're Inundated with customers and returns. As such, they won't have time to thoroughly check the return.

Also, Identify the most vulnerable employee at the service counter For example, young females tend to be naive/gullible, hence distract her by complementing her hair and nails. You'll find that everything mentioned, will draw attention away from the possibility of checking every part of the return.

Solid tips, TY!

I've been seeing most sealed box returns are done online/shipped.  Anyone know if the higher success rate is online or in-store for sealed box iPhones?  Might just do online return with same box it was shipped in to avoid being on camera

For security reasons, online return is your best bet especially with something high value.

[mothered]

Anyone know if the higher success rate is online or in-store for sealed box iPhones? 

It does have a higher success rate via In-store.

I've done countless SEs without fail.

Might just do online return with same box it was shipped in to avoid being on camera

A cap/hoodie and a pair of sunglasses will do the job.

[mothered]

@lc3v1n3212, what was the outcome of the SE?

[eljot88]

No I am also curious. Do they even check the phone in store? What about other shops like MediaMarkt? I was thinking about return in shop but first I need to do test.

[johnnyboiog88]

No I am also curious. Do they even check the phone in store? What about other shops like MediaMarkt? I was thinking about return in shop but first I need to do test.

I returned a legit iPhone last week at a store near here, was relatively busy and got a worker who seemed a bit unsure of what to do so had a manager standing over her. He told her that they always open and check sealed phones at that store. I am unsure about others.

[eljot88]

No I am also curious. Do they even check the phone in store? What about other shops like MediaMarkt? I was thinking about return in shop but first I need to do test.

I returned a legit iPhone last week at a store near here, was relatively busy and got a worker who seemed a bit unsure of what to do so had a manager standing over her. He told her that they always open and check sealed phones at that store. I am unsure about others.

So, did they open it with you?