I recently purchased a Kitchenaid Accolade Mixer for my well deserving mother-in-law for Christmas. After spending the large amount of money I waited patiently to receive the mixer in the mail. I was surprised to come home and find the mixer, in it's manufactured box, sitting on my front steps. I was very surprised to see that the mixer was not placed inside another box as if to "hide" it's contents to others.On Christmas my mother-in-law opened the gift to find several large gouges (cuts) on the body of the mixer, and several scratches and dents on the stainless steel bowl of the mixer. Needless to say, for the amount of money I spent on the mixer and shipping costs, I would like to think that the product is going to be in "mint" condition. Now I have to return the mixer and wait a longer period of time to get a new one. Next time I will be sure to shop in a store so that I have the opportunity to inspect any possible damages.