Ok... Out of curiosity... I recently purchased a copy of Al-Qadim, shrink wrapped, from a local store that I know to be reputable. Now, is there any way to tell if it is genuine SW or if it has been re-wrapped? The box itself is immaculate, leading me to believe that it is original, but I would like any tips. Thanks!

Looking it over again, it looks legit. I'll post a pic as soon as I can get it down to a size the site will accept. Apparently my phone takes pics that are too big to handle.

EDIT:
Posted photos now.

dbartman wrote in How to spot original shrink-wrap vs. fake...: .... Dents, dings, crinkles, warping, rust, and/or stress cracks can all be legitimate and the SW still be original.  ...

Opening shrinkwrapped items, especially shrinked boxes, to find that staples have rusted is miserable but in my experience quite common. < super-duper-sadface >

Bracton wrote in How to spot original shrink-wrap vs. fake...:

red_bus wrote in How to spot original shrink-wrap vs. fake...:Opening shrinkwrapped items, especially shrinked boxes, to find that staples have rusted is miserable but in my experience quite common. < super-duper-sadface >

Wait.  What?  I don't understand.  "Opening shrinkwrapped items"?     Why would you ever do that?

That was my question!          

Rip it open.
Toys are meant to be played with not stuck on a shelf only to be looked at forever.

Toys in this case including game items such as book,  modules etcetera....

Blackmoor wrote in How to spot original shrink-wrap vs. fake...:I looked at my shrink Land of Fate boxset and it has the same type of shrink yours does, it has the plastic joining section of the shrink on the sides of the box. I bought mine from a guy who opened a case so I am pretty sure it is legit shrink from the day!!

Thank you for the confirmation!

I have opened a few items that I was questioning if shrink was original, mainly so I could find out if item was complete. (So far yes).  Most were the lower value items.  Also removed shrink that was so brittle (mainly off boxed games) it was cracking more each time I handled it, only a matter of time anyway.

I did have one item that was in original shrink, but had gotten wet, so after I opened it found pages had that slight warping that light moisture can cause, it was original shrink as well, but had just a enough tears in it that moisture got it. Thankfully I got it for a good price versus what it usually goes for.

I fully intend to use and play all my games, so when the time comes, shrink may come off, but I leave it on till that time, in case I never get around to playing it, then it will be worth a bit more if I sell it later

misterspock wrote in How to spot original shrink-wrap vs. fake...:Does this look like original shrink on the World of Greyhawk folio? It went for almost $400..

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Does it look too "baggy" for instance at the bottom?

Really hard to tell... The first picture looks like there is a really bad seam along the right side, but without being able to see it in person, can't say yes or no.

misterspock wrote in How to spot original shrink-wrap vs. fake...:how about this one? you can see on two modules that there are price stickers under the shrink


** expired/removed eBay auction **


the seller has two other auctions for D&D Master's set boxes "in factory shrink" too.  That leads to the question.. which 'factory' are we talking about?

That kind of crappy shrink just SCREAMS "HOMEBREW" to me. Someone went out, bought some cheap shrinkable plastic at Home Depot and went to town.