We bought two of these units for our kitchen. The item is very much like it is described on the product page. I emailed Wayfair with an inquiry regarding the shelf weight capacity and received an answer of 25 lbs. per shelf.  All of the parts were contained inside the well packaged cardboard box and protected with ample Styrofoam padding. I started to assemble the first unit but decided to have one of my more agile adult sons do the job. I think it took him about a half hour for each unit and he said it was not difficult at all to complete the task. My wife and I are pleased with the product and were surprised how fast it arrived.