OMG!!! I could NOT wait to write this review... these folks GET IT when it comes to shipping and protecting their product!! Amazon could learn from them, for sure!!! They placed a protective strip of cardboard on inside of the folding flaps (BOTH top and bottom) where you have to use a sharp object to open the box. They also used a decent amount of tape on the ends to ensure no moisture got into the box... even though it was wrapped in plastic. These stairs are purrrrfect! The width of the stair is an ample 7-3/4" and not too steep. Kudos... way-to-go and THANK YOU for such a well-designed shipping box and pet stairs!