Maybe it doesn't need to be assembled, but it sure does need to be put back together. The packaging was in good shape, so the only conclusion is that it was actually shipped in  disrepair. A leg was off, one front panel was totally disattached, and the others were loose with staples sticking out. When I ordered this, I called to make sure it would be delivered to my apartment. I am elderly and live alone. I was willing to pay a shipping for that to happen. Instead, it was dropped off at the building's mail room, and I had to arrange for someone to bring it to my apartment. If I had known what terrible shape it was in, I would  have just returned it.