I'm basically very pleased with this stand, for the price.  I think it would be very hard to assemble alone, not because it's that complicated, but because you need someone to hold the shelves while you screw them in, but with 2 people it was pretty easy - I am not very handy and my 13 year old and I managed just fine. The hex wrench tool was in a different plastic bag than the screws that you need it for, so we had a few minutes thinking that tool had not been included.  The veneer can be easily scratched, so take care, but once assembled it looks nice and seems quite sturdy.