[mothered]

if there was not an SE'r who boxed them

Do note that "boxing" and the "sealed box method", are two different methods.

If the SE'er boxed them, they would've received a box/package that was tampered with, hence the Item was (seemingly) stolen In transit and evidently the return would no longer be part of their Inventory. The sealed box method has the objective of returning the box that appears to be In Its original/factory state (without the original Item enclosed), with the Intention to have It placed back Into stock and a refund Issued to the SE'er thereafter.

In this case, the sealed box method Is of relevance, whereby the buyer purchased the SE'ers return.