Well, to begin the outside packaging/crates were off the hook, it took over 30 minutes to get all of the screws out - there must have been 5 dozen screws. Once the outside packaging was removed, it looked like the planters had been in the individual crates for a while because the wood was splitting and the nails were rusty. But the best part is, that there are a couple of chips on one of the planters, not super noticeable, but for $800/each.......not too thrilled.