Well packaged in one carton, with all the pieces bubble wrapped. The photos, when I purchased it, displayed a black paddle on the lever for ease in adjusting the stool height. This is one reason why I selected this particular adjustable bar stool over the others that did not have a paddle. I would pay slightly more for the added convenience. This item DOES NOT come with paddles on the lever, even though they illustrate paddles on item description photo and assembly sheet.