On my first order of several stems, I did not use the shipping protection, and the items arrived fine--but it was only several stems. When I did subsequent larger orders, I have used the shipping protection to be careful. Items arrive in long boxes so they are not bent and are carefully packed with shipping paper formed into cones to protect the flower heads. The presentation is also lovely with beautiful tape on the outside of the box and a note along with my receipt. I was concerned when 2 orders were shipped together in a larger box--but no problems--all arrived in perfect shape needing little fluffing to go straight into arrangements. Love this shop!!!