Analyzed: Why do rocks, bricks and other weird things end up in product boxes?

Posted on Sunday, July 19 2009 @ 21:11 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
ARS Technica takes a look at how it's possible that people buy a new product in a retail store only to discover at home that the box of their next-gen gadget contains nothing but rocks, bricks or even meat:
The general consensus, however, is that customers themselves are responsible for the large majority of these cases. People purchase an expensive item, take it home, replace it with bricks, and sometimes even shrinkwrap the box for a return. Many retail stores won't check a box that looks like it was never opened in the first place, making this an easy switch to pull.

"If you get the right customer service rep who's had a bad day—or perhaps even someone you know at the store—then return an item at the right time, they don't check the box and you get your money back," a former Circuit City employee named David told Ars. "Maybe the store is really busy and everyone is in a rush, and people just assume that with many electronics, the weight is enough proof."
Read more over here.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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