StuBob,
Vans ships parts to a shop in the Philippines to be built and then shipped back to Vans for inspection. The QB assemblies don't end up in crates unless you request a commercial freight carrier from Vans to you. If you use Partain Trucking they will come in a big truck, not crated, but well taken care of in custom racks.
They have a primer wash on them so they initially look "dingy" but it's just the primer wash. Otherwise, they look as good or better than most could build themselves.
There will be minor issues to deal with and scratches, they aren't perfect, but they do save considerable time building.