all of the machines at the dealer's shop I go to are removed from the *shipping carton-outer box* and a 'stitch-out' is done- the machine is checked out before being sold-like elaine708 stated- then when you purchase the machine you can take it with it's 'carrying case' and leave the box behind- so you have one less thing to dispose of- or clutter up a storage area. I would imagine anyone who felt they needed to have that cardboard box could request it- I thought it was great to not have to deal with it- take it to the recycle center after I got my machine home. dealers will **should** let you know if your machine is a display model or a new machine they have done a check on- much better than a big box store where you buy the machine in the box- get it home to find it doesn't work & deal with months of hassles.