[Ddog]

wouldnt this method be quite risky?

Every SE has an element of risk, but the key Is to significantly minimize It by being methodical/strategic.

With the sealed box method, If you don't give them reason to check, then they won't open a "manufacturer's packing"- this will deem It a secondhand/used Item. I  certainly wouldn't purchase something brand new that's been tampered with.

if i were to do this method on an iphone, would it be a better option to replace it with another phone or can it be anything that matches the wight?
i know on the new iphones the packaging is very easy to open and close.