Well, I usually find that the first batch of collector's editions you'll send in a store are in really good shape. When things are shipped from the manufacturer in bigger batches they know how to package stuff right, because if they send their stuff out damaged they're not going to make any money of it.
When something is sent individually to the customer... that's when I see corners cut on shipping. I'd rather see the item in person before paying for it; and I'm not afraid to ask for one in better shape if I don't like what I see.
To each his own though.
