Disclaimer: I generally don't know what I'm doing. Honestly, I really don't. This is our first dog and I'm almost as clueless as when our first child arrived. If you are in the same situation, hopefully this helps you and sets your mind at ease. Packaging and Postage: The packaging and postage was with Prime, so nothing really more to mention - fast as always and well wrapped and protected. In terms of the actual lead, the packaging is the commercial cover, which unfolds to give a neat little synopsis of the lead, its advantages and uses. More on that later... First Impressions: Really nice. Solid, thick and comfortable. The stitching is strong, the leash is fairly soft and the D rings are secure. Put simply, this is a quality product, not some cheap natty nylon cord. Design: So as I said, the cover goes through the different uses, and shows 8 layouts/methods of using the lead - from doubled, to two dogs, to round your waist for running. We have used it on precisely *ahem* 1 setting, as a lead. Don't get me wrong, for other training - Im sure its great - but for what I want to do (walk my dog - simple as that) that's all we need. Also, since getting it, you pay more attention to what people use. It is used a lot - on a wide range of Dogs. Take that as you want, but a lead isn't something you generally buy to fit in - you buy what is best for you. Use: Its a lead - there isn't that much to say. However, in the interests of covering everything - there are two clips. Both are strong and easy to clip on and off. You can make a handle with the clip at one end (as per the picture). It *is* soft for a lead. Longevity: We have a smallish Labrador pup, that is getting bigger by the day. As of yet, she isn't pulling me over...but the lead has had a fair few...stress tests. It has also been thoroughly soaked, chewed a bit and generally used as you would expect. No stitching has come undone, in fact no marks or signs of wear at all - and that's after about 6 weeks. It won't last forever, but I go back to my initial assessment. This is a quality lead. Overall: Offers lots of options (if that's your thing), easy to use and will last. And its cheap!