Have had fairly every style of patio umbrella at my home - pulley, crank, push-up, etc. I generally buy them online and they come assembled with the exception of a singled section of the pole to insert. This one has the customer inserting extensions onto each part of the upper structure and attaching the canopy. It was simple. And, common sense was more instructive than the instructions. Just unexpected and unusual.
Typical crank-style umbrella with polyester fabric umbrella. It functions as designed and represented in the listing. Pole fits in a standard base.
Personally, I like darker color fabric so that it doesn't show dirt or stains. Just remove the fabric part before storing over-winter, wash it and put it back in place in the Spring. Light colors don't generally fade as much, but, they tend to show stains from being out in the elements during the heat of the summer. The one I chose was brown, which tends to be the color I choose for outdoor furniture, etc. It was a true brown color.
The umbrellas came well-packaged, parts and all. No hardware or tools needed for assembly. Assembly took just a few minutes.
Shipment and delivery were quick.