This was the best looking small shelf/drawer unit I could find. It is heavier than expected, so quite sturdy. The drawers are a little small, but if they were bigger the unit would be bigger, negating its nice size. The directions were all drawings, but easily understood. Mine had no scratches. It had one itty-bitty gouge, the size of a flea, which was easily covered with a black marker (a great idea by a previous poster.) All parts were there except for one screw, which I found a replacement. (So close!) It did have one small place in the back where the laminate/veneer was coming up so I just glued it. It took three hours to assemble, but I purposely took my time. I laid out the hardware in its very handy numerical order (#10 was missing its sticker. #1 and #10 look exactly the same. Don’t mix them up, they are not interchangeable!) and looked over the directions for about ten minutes, which helped immensely. I made notes in the directions indicating which side was the top, bottom, etc. There were a few times I thought holes were not drilled but then realized I had a piece upside down or just not aligned. This is why I went slowly! :) When assembling, do not tighten the screws until all the shelves and drawer box are attached. Then finish tightening before you lift the shelves up. Do not over tighten. The only thing that I would change is I wish these shelves were offered in an oak color.