You do the pdi. The shipper is just supposed to put oil in the carton for you to use and instructions to check the manual for proper amount. So...it is up to you to do it all.
There is a benefit from buying from the local dealer. They should go over the manual and the motor, so that you know all about the motor and are comfortable with it before you leave. Most will have you start the engine and review how to maintain it yourself, if you so desire.
If you buy on line, the instructions from Honda are to call the selling dealer if you have questions or warranty problems. I like that (from a local dealer point of view)
Can you tell by my comments that we do not ship outboards. We actually put the first two hours of breakin all Hondas before the customer even touches it. If there is an issue (very rare), we take care of it right away. We probably average at least an hour of time with the customer when they pick it up. We even throw in a bottle of fuel treatment to get them started.
I can not tell you, how many new Tohatsu's come up screwed up, because the customer did not not know to put it in water before starting, put in oil, not to put in too much oil, put short shaft on long shaft boat....you have the picture. Tohatsu says to go to the local dealer. Then we get caught in the middle of the he said/she said between Tohatsu and the customer. Oh...and guess what....their workorder goes to the end of the line and may not be addressed for two to three weeks. If there is a problem with one that we sell, it goes to the head of the line.
There! I got that out of my system.
I know in reality, that we all try to get the best deal that we can for anything we buy. Just make your purchase wisely. If you have a good local dealer, whether it is a Yamaha or Honda or whatever, give them a chance to at least bid on your business. Develop a relationship with them. Only you can determine if the dealer will provide you with a value that is worth the price difference.
OK....I'm finished.
Mike
PS I strongly agree with jgmo....the Honda 20 is a super strong engine.