Several parts are bent.  The base was bent and would not fit together until I hammered the bent part straighter.  Now I am trying to fit the umbrella into the pole attached to the base and it will not fit even when I remove the plastic sleeve.  I am 61 years old and I live alone.  I do not have the strength to pound the pole until it can fit. I have also disposed of the box since I had to wait several days for the weighted base to set this thing up.  So now I am stuck with an umbrella that does not work.