I was extremely skeptical of buying a rug from bbh because the prices seemed way too reasonable. All of the reviews I could find were either not very descriptive or complaining about smell, color, and returns. I definitely took a gamble and so far it has paid off (only the runner arrived today, the other rug is set to be delivered tomorrow).
Yes, there is a smell. But I read the full description and was fully prepared for it. Other reviews I saw made it seem like it was moldy smell but its definitely not. I used to work with a company that sold merino wool hats and they smell exactly the same when they arrive from the manufacturer. Other complaints I saw were about the color. Wool is a natural fiber so depending on the dye bath colors might not be exactly how they look on a screen.
All in all, was definitely worth the purchase.