I opened it, looked at it, then took it in the bathroom (better light and I've heard a steamy atmosphere helps cut down on dust in the air) and applied the screen protector. When I finished that, it went in the case. Only then did I even turn it on.
Third phone in a row where I've not touched the screen. I did that with my X and when I traded it the guy was impressed with how nice the screen was. Of course it was. It had literally never been touched! I went through multiple screen protectors because I'm a klutz, but I'd just take it back to the mall, drop it off with Zagg, eat lunch, then pick up phone.