The tree arrived quickly and was easy to put together (as long as you have a ladder!). There were five sections that you "build" by setting into the center pole. You connect the lights with a plug. Fairly easy and straightforward. I'm knocking one star because the outer edges of the limbs were really nice looking, but past the first 6 inches, it was flat, plasticky-looking branches/needles. We got it on sale, so definitely worth the lower price for a 12' tree - but I would have been really disappointed at full price.