The box was battered and mashed but the arch wasn't broken.  After I inserted it into the wholes, I noticed it wasn't very sturdy.  I didn't think the ends went far enough into the openings to keep the arch in place.  I proved myself right when my cat walked through the arch, and it came apart.  There should be a clamp or a way to keep it from pulling apart each time the cat rubs on it.  It's a good idea but I haven't found a way to keep it together.