I don't have first hand input, as I bought mine new from a mechanic who had a few.
Glad it wasn't on a box coz the damn thing barely fit into my car as it was.
I can't imagine there would be a high frequency of damage to mailed ones. That would just be a poor business model and not lead to continued offering of the item for sale.
Thanks everyone. I ordered.
I ordered a BallStar years ago .... loose in cardboard box. Amazed it was not damaged.