One of the constant hot button topic's in the hobby on message boards and other places are the "Guaranteed Hot Packs" you find on ebay.   As someone who knows all of the methods used, I felt it was time to put a lot of this business to rest.
    Beckett's recent response to this question was a joke.  If you've read the article, you remember the response - that the person opened the 23 out of 24 packs without getting the "hit" in the box.  This may happen rarely, but it is not why you see all of these packs pop up on ebay.  This is simple logic - there are far too many packs online for this to be the case.  It was an illogical and untrue statement, and I would like to think the people at beckett know this.
     So how does it happen?  Veteran collectors with clout on message boards will simply state to you that these packs are simply "resealed", and a low end game used or autographed card is put into a pack to make a profit.  This being ebay, I don't doubt for a minute that there are some sellers who use this practice, and these sellers ruin it for anyone else who is selling actual sealed packs.  Make sure to look at a members feedback fully, going many pages back to see if a pattern of negative feedback is left in regards to resealing packs before you purchase.  However, this is not how its done by people who know what they are doing.  It wouldn't make sense - they would lose their reputation and business if they did this. There is also the scale theroy - that people use very expensive scales to weigh packs. I don't really buy this one because its not necessary to spend a big amount of money on a scale when it can be done with patience and two hands.
      So how exactly is it done?  Well, to the collective sigh of relief of sellers who sell the tips online, I will not at this time share the actual information.  But I can tell you these facts:

#1) It is simple to find a game used card in any pack of cards.  I am accurate about 99% of the time, with the occasional slip up that I always attribute to rushing.

#2) I can find an autograph in any Topps product put out. I can find autographs from Upper Deck about 80% of the time.  I have never had a problem with Playoff Contenders football, either, although DLP is by far the hardest one to find autos in. 

#3) Decoy cards do not work!!!  They are supposed to prevent in pack searching, but they actually sometimes make it easier.

In closing, make sure if you like to buy these packs that you check a user's feedback to make sure they are not resealing.  If they are (or if they have private feedback) - STAY AWAY!!!  There are reputable people on ebay who sell guaranteed packs which have never been opened.  Find a seller you like, and stick with them. 

PS - If any of the card companies read this, get in touch with me.  I would love to help stop this practice, and I think you need to learn from someone who knows how to find just about anything because you all still do a terrible job!!!!