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IMEI on the Box vs IMEI in Settings
The IMEI in Settings is the one to check. The IMEI on the box only helps when it matches the phone.
The IMEI on the box and the IMEI in Settings are supposed to be the same number. When they differ, the box is not describing the phone you are holding. Run the iPhone IMEI check, the blacklist check, and the Find My check on the number from the phone. A clean report on the box IMEI does not describe the device in your hand.
Which number to copy
Settings, General, About is the source. *#06# should show the same IMEI. The SIM tray is a third copy on many iPhones. The box is the least reliable of the four, because boxes are reused. A screenshot of About is also weak. Read the screen yourself.
Dual IMEI phones
Some iPhones show IMEI and IMEI2, plus an EID for the eSIM. A blacklist check is per IMEI. If the phone has two, ask which one the carrier will use and check the one that will be on the network. Matching only IMEI2 to the box while IMEI is different is still a mismatch. Write both down and compare them to the box before you pay.