I've sold construction equipment including Honda generators for over 20 years. I actually sold an EU2000 today. Honda generators don't get shipped with oil in them. They are started at the factory, then the oil is drained. They do come with a small bottle of oil. The oil is usually put in and the generator is started just before the generator is given to the customer. I agree that it most likely got tipped at some point. I would definitely take it back to the store where you purchased it. Honda doesn't normally authorize over the counter exchanges, but the store might do it anyway. Otherwise they should at least be able to get it cleaned up and running properly for you. Good luck.