From looking at previous review posts, perhaps the company improved how they packed it because I thought it was shipped really well - from it being compact to having foam liners and Styrofoam to protect each piece as well as having each different screw, dowel, etc. packaged separately and labeled to match the instructions. This piece is really easy to put together with clear, picture instructions and it is a pretty solid piece of furniture. There are no flimsy 1/8" hardboard shelves or paper backing (actually no backing for that matter, which doesn't bother me). The legs are the only solid wood pieces, but the shelves, top, bottom and vertical pieces are thick, veneered particle board and are very sturdy for my use (books and toys for a nursery). The only negatives I had was that there are a few minor blemishes in the paint. But for the price and also for it being a nursery, I don't mind it too much.