I'm purchasing an ethernet cord that is 250 ft long. How do you think it will be shipped to me?

It's "trunk" cable - you are supposed to fit sockets, then use normal short ethernet cables to link those to whatever you need.

Trunk cable has one single strand per wire core, it's not intended to be continuously moved around.

Normal ethernet leads should be made from "patch" cable, which has stranded cores for flexibility - but some places use or sell single strand as patch, because its rather cheaper...

(And note the two types need different plugs, if you are considering not using sockets).

See part way down this page for detailed instructions on how to fit sockets / jacks to ethernet cable:

https://www.handymanhowto.com/how-to-install-an-et...

I d get stranded to make patch cables, you can use stranded for both but solid is for wiring within the wall. It is usually terminated with punch down, either into a punch down block or a key stone, not a socket.

It'll probably be in some sort of reel. I very much doubt if connecters will be included. It's intended for you to snip off an appropriate length and install connectors as required.

Probably in a very large box where it is spun around some sort of wheel

Why don't you contact the vendor and ask them? Most of the vendors have an email or online inquiry contact.

usually the pictures are quite accurate.