Buying a new bike boxed - how much set up required?

[Keith Cornwall]

looks fine to me. I bought a boxed bike from Halfords, had to fit wheels, handlebars, saddle, but no drama. Mine probably looks "abit of a mess" too, but it goes, so happy days

 

[festival]

My blunt appraisal was promoted by the saddle pointing down and pushed forwards, while the need for so many spacers under the h/bar stem looks ugly at best and suggests a poor fitting for the rider.
Even if the rider is tall, as the length of head tube suggests it not going to be a fit ensuring the best combination of responsive yet compliant ride.