Well packed.  Large heavy box.  I unpacked it in the front yard and carried parts one at a time to the backyard.  I got this to cover a part of our above ground pool since we took out a large tree in the backyard.  This umbrella is very large and covers a good portion of the 15 ft Intex pool which is what I was looking for.  You do have to put the umbrella together.  The pulley part was the most difficult according to my husband so have some patience with that part.  The umbrella material is much thicker than most I've had so I think it will hold up well.  It doesn't come with the weights and you will need something to hold down the stand since it is an offset umbrella with lots of weight on one side when it's up.  We used concrete pavers and it is holding it well.