Received a Used or Damaged SkullSaints PC from Amazon? Here’s Why and What to Do

First off, thank you for choosing a SkullSaints Mini PC! We're thrilled to have you as a customer and are committed to providing you with a powerful and reliable computing experience. We build our PCs with passion and stand behind their quality.

However, we've recently become aware of a frustrating issue affecting some of our customers who purchase through Amazon. You expect a brand-new, factory-sealed product, but in some cases, you might be receiving a used, damaged, or incomplete unit.

This blog post will explain why this happens and, most importantly, tell you the exact steps to take to resolve it quickly.

The Problem: Amazon's "LPN" Return Loop

When a product is returned to Amazon, it's supposed to be inspected. If it's in perfect condition, it can be resold. If it's not, it should be liquidated or returned to us.

Unfortunately, this inspection process sometimes fails. Returned units—which may be damaged, have parts stolen, or simply have been used—are mistakenly put back into inventory to be sold as "new."

You can often identify these reshipped packages by a white barcode sticker slapped on the box that starts with "LPN." This is Amazon's internal tracking number for returned items. Even if there's no LPN sticker, you might still have received a repackaged return.

How to Spot a Reshipped or Tampered PC 🤔

When your SkullSaints PC arrives, please take a moment to inspect it before you do anything else. Here are the red flags to look for:

  • Broken Seals or Damaged Box: Our boxes are sealed. If the seal is broken or the box is crushed, torn, or re-taped, be suspicious.

  • Improper Packaging: The PC and its accessories should be snug and secure inside. If things are loose or rattling around, it’s a bad sign.

  • Physical Damage: Check the mini PC itself for scratches, dents, or even fingerprints.

  • Previously Used OS: A brand-new PC should guide you through the Windows setup. If it boots directly to a desktop or asks for a password for an existing account, it's a used unit.

  • The PC Won't Start: While this could be a rare defect, it's a major warning sign of tampering. We've received reports of "dead on arrival" units that were actually missing critical internal components.

  • Missing Components: Thieves sometimes return the PC after stealing parts. This can include the RAM (memory), SSD (storage drive), or the Wi-Fi module. If your PC doesn't turn on, this is a very high possibility.

The Crucial Step: How to File Your Return Correctly ✅

If you've identified any of the issues above, you need to return the product to Amazon immediately. However, the reason you choose for the return is critically important.

Please DO NOT select "Product is Defective."

Instead, you MUST choose one of the following reasons:

  • Product Damaged

  • Arrived Damaged

  • Missing Parts or Pieces

Why This Distinction Matters So Much

Choosing "Product is Defective" tells Amazon that we, SkullSaints, made a faulty product. This is incorrect. The product was fine when it left our factory; it was damaged or tampered with within Amazon's fulfillment and returns system.

By selecting "Product Damaged" or "Missing Parts," you are correctly reporting a fulfillment issue. This ensures:

  1. A Faster Resolution for You: Amazon can process your replacement or refund more quickly because the fault lies within their logistics chain.

  2. It Protects Your Replacement: Our warranty covers manufacturing defects. If a product is returned as "defective" but we find that the RAM and SSD have been stolen, we may not be able to process the replacement. This isn't a defect; it's theft. By flagging it as "Damaged" or "Missing Parts" from the start, you protect yourself and ensure the issue is handled by the right party.

Our Commitment to You

We are incredibly sorry for any inconvenience this flawed process at Amazon may cause you. We are working with them to improve how our products are handled.

Please know that genuine manufacturing defects are rare, and in those cases, our warranty and support team will always be here to help you. But for issues involving damaged packaging, missing parts, or used units received from Amazon, the fastest and most effective solution is to file the return correctly using the "Damaged" option.

Thank you for your understanding and for being a valued member of the SkullSaints community.