The softener was delivered in a sturdy corrugated box, but the inner cylinder had slid out of its molded base. I had to remove the timer controls and pry the upper molding from the brine tank to righten the cylinder. There was no instructions for this event. The unit is easy to program and has a compact footprint. The bypass valve that is included could be sturdier. I still think it is a good value and recommend an inner tank support to avoid the problem.