How to convince Apple employee not to open the box?

[dave420]

Most people who want them new in the box, sealed, are scalpers on eBay. Or to people standing in line. I completely understand why Apple has that policy as well as the stores.

Not necessarily. I was buying my iPhone for a friend and as I mentioned above the woman at Best Buy opened the box, took the plastic off and started using it. Is it really that much to ask that the person I'm buying it for gets to get an unused phone? I know how to set up an iPhone I don't need a Best Buy employee showing me. I was a little annoyed, but it wasn't a big deal. I didn't need to do anything on it and it just went right back in the box anyway. I don't even usually take the plastic off for a little while, maybe even until I have a chance to put a screen protector on.

I give the phone to my friend with the box opened and fingerprints all over the screen. Enjoy your "brand new" phone.

I've seen posts here where people have made the store give them a new phone in the same scenario, and I wouldn't criticize a person who did that too much.

 

[Banana Slug]

I can see needing to open the box if you've purchased it subsidised with a contract. But paying in full should mean you pay and walk away.

 

[chasgooses]

I was upgrading my phone on a contract. They were able to activate it without opening the box and I could have left the store immediately. I wanted to have a functioning phone since I wasn't going home to sync first so I opened it there. It seemed the default, however, was just to let you out with the sealed box.

 

[erzhik]

Apple store in US requires activation before leaving store for 5S. Not even a manager would allow me to leave without activating in store. Don't know where you guys are getting your info about "just walking out with it"... Not here.

No they didn't. My girlfriend got a 5s and I told them not to open it and they let me leave without opening. That was Boston.

 

[JRoDDz]

You just threaten them like this: "If you open my new iPhone box I'm going to break all your fingers." Then they probably won't open it.

 

[legioxi]

I've had experiences with phone launches where they let me out of the Apple store with it sealed and other times where they refused (management and all). This is in the US. It really depends on the store and person you speak with.

Even if you already paid, Apple can refuse and refund the sale. Whether or not this is legal, I don't know.

 

[EJ8]

I bought a 6+ using an ATT upgrade and as I was done paying the girl asked if I wanted it opened and set up. I thought all carrier upgrades got opened and activated. But I guess not.

 

[danpass]

"It's a gift. Thank you in advance for leaving it sealed."

 

[NewdestinyX]

Apple told me straight out at the store that it was to 'prevent scalp/reselling'. They were adamant at the store in King Of Prussia PA.. No people leave with a phone unopened. But they do NOT take off the plastic on the phone. Then just do the activation process thru it. So no fingerprints.