> Going into an Apple store and asking for (and buying) the computer that comes in the smallest box, which I had a good reason to want at the time This seems f

> Going into an Apple store and asking for (and buying) the computer that comes in the smallest box, which I had a good reason to want at the time This seems fine, but I've found a better approach in this sort of situation is to—as much as possible!—explain your reason to the person helping you. It's not about seeming less stupid (although that is one of the outcomes) but about giving the other person room to help you with your actual goal. When somebody understands why you need the smallest box, they'll have no reservations about finding it for you, and they might have even better suggestions you didn't consider (eg "order this laptop online, the boxes they use for shipping are more efficient").