Sunday, September 15th
2024 Chocolate Club Reviews
Fine Chocolate Club
- Priced from $24 to $62 per delivery on month-to-month plan
- Chocolate Selection: 2-6 dark chocolate bars per month
- Duration: month-to-month or gift subscriptions of 3, 6, or 12 months
- Frequency: monthly
- Shipping: $8.25 to $14.25 per delivery
- Satisfaction guarantee
In late 2018, the Fine Chocolate Club emerged during the North West Chocolate Festival in Seattle. One distinctive aspect of this company since then is its certified B-Corporation status, meeting high standards for social and environmental impact. Their positive influence on the farmers they source chocolate from earned them this recognition.
More club options than before
Fine Chocolate Club has expanded its offerings a little since our last evaluation. You'll still only get dark chocolate bars here, but now you can choose how many you'd like in each delivery: 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Prices now range from $24 (2 bars) to $62 (6 bars) per shipment. You can choose a month-to-month ongoing membership, or give a subscription lasting 3, 6, or 12 months. (You'll need to set it up as a self-gift if you don't want your own membership to automatically renew.) Unfortunately, shipping costs have almost doubled here; now you'll pay $8.25 for a 2-bar shipment up to $14.25 for the 6-bar option. The only way to eliminate the shipping cost is to sign up for a gift subscription, but then the shipping fees are just rolled into the total club price.
Not enough details to decide if it's worth it
Is it worth the cost? We're not so sure. Fine Chocolate Club doesn't get into much detail about the specifics of each box, beyond the number of dark chocolate bars included. Will they have fun add-ins like nuts or cranberries? How big are these chocolate bars? It's hard to say, and this company really isn't coming out and telling anyone.
Disappointment grew
After examining their product images, our excitement waned even further. The bars they feature resemble those found in local international specialty stores - not all that special. Even in the Fine Chocolate Club a la carte store, there's just not a lot to choose from. Some selections by Dick Taylor, Ritual Chocolate, and a few others, but not the broad spectrum of chocolatiers we were expecting.
Zero features for gift-giving
Despite offering gift memberships, this chocolate club is noticeably lacking when it comes to gift-giving features. Unlike rival clubs that let you include a personalized message, choose your starting date, or even send an announcement via email, you'll get none of that here. There isn't even anywhere during the checkout process to include a note, so you're going to have to give your recipient the heads-up yourself (especially if you're sending chocolate during the warmer months).
Where's the customer comments?
Fine Chocolate Club was almost brand new on the market when we reviewed them previously. Now, after several years in the industry, they ought to have a lot of customer feedback. Sadly, there's still almost no buzz from subscribers or even one-off purchasers here. Their social media channels are quiet after 2019, the Better Business Bureau still doesn't have a listing for this company, and an email address remains the only way to reach out and contact Fine Chocolate Club. That feels pretty iffy, especially if you need to request a replacement or refund under their satisfaction guarantee. We're not so confident that you're going to get help if your chocolate bars aren't in top condition when they're delivered (or if they never come at all).
Not recommended
We were hopeful that the downsides we spotted previously would fade away once Fine Chocolate Club got its legs under itself, so to speak. Unfortunately, even after several years in operation, this subscription lacks the features we look for in a highly-rated club - like clear details about what chocolates will be delivered, ample ways to get help from customer service, and lots of happy reviews from subscribers. Fine Chocolate Club is still missing everything we'd need to see to give them our recommendation, and accordingly it remains low in our rankings.
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Which Chocolate Club is the Best?
Chocolate clubs are more popular now than ever before - and it's easy to see why. These clubs offer a delightful experience that goes way beyond just eating chocolate.
First and foremost, the universal love for chocolate is a central driver of chocolate club popularity. Chocolate has been a beloved treat for centuries, transcending age, gender, and cultural boundaries. Its rich, indulgent flavor provides a comforting escape from the ordinary, making it a universal pleasure. Chocolate subscription clubs tap into this passion, transforming it into a regular, eagerly anticipated event, offering a dependable source of joy in the subscribers' lives.
Chocolate Club FAQ
Continued from above...
Variety is another important part of a chocolate club. Many chocolate subscription clubs carefully curate diverse selections of high-quality chocolates. These selections often include chocolates with varying cocoa percentages, origins, flavor profiles, and forms, such as bars, truffles, and pralines. The promise of new and diverse chocolate flavors and textures with each delivery keeps subscribers engaged and excited. This continuous variety fosters a sense of anticipation and curiosity.
Another reason why chocolate clubs are so popular is their convenience. In our fast-paced modern world, convenience is a highly prized commodity. Chocolate subscription clubs offer a hassle-free solution for accessing gourmet chocolates. Subscribers receive their personally selected chocolates at regular intervals, eliminating the need to shop for high-quality chocolates or search for unique, artisanal brands. This ease of access aligns with the preferences of busy individuals who want to savor life's finer pleasures.
Before diving in, it's important to figure out what kind of chocolate you're into. Do you find yourself craving a beautiful mix of milk and dark chocolates all wrapped up? Or are you more of a connoisseur, excited about single-source bars that melt in your mouth and bring out unique flavors? Chocolate is so universally-loved that even the Aztecs thought cacao seeds were a gift from a wise god.
Considering how much chocolate we all eat - about 11 pounds per person per year in America alone - is it any surprise that chocolate clubs have become a huge hit? These memberships deliver amazing truffles, bars, and tasty bites right to your door. The best part? Experts in chocolate hunt down the most delicious and interesting flavors for you to enjoy, and all you have to do is sit back and wait not-so-patiently for your box to arrive.
And if you're thinking about giving a chocolate club membership as a gift, you're on the right track. You can choose how often the chocolates are delivered, whether it's every month or every few months, usually for up to a year. Imagine getting chocolate regularly - that sounds like a pretty sweet deal.
Of course, not all chocolate clubs are the same. Some focus on bars, others put together mixed boxes similar to what you'd find for special occasions like Valentine's Day, and some are a surprise each time. As you think about your options, here are a few things to consider:
- Variety. What kinds of chocolates are in the club? Will you get a mix of different ones? And if you have allergies or specific preferences, does the club have options for you?
- Flexibility. Can you choose how often you receive chocolates? Some clubs offer different delivery choices, like every month or every other month, and most will let you choose when you'd like the deliveries to start (right away or for a special future date on the calendar). Do you need to pay in full or can you pay as you go?
- Value. Is the chocolate club worth the money? Maybe you could find something similar at a local shop or from another online subscription. It's okay to spend more for amazing chocolates, but not all clubs are worth the cost.
- Reputation. What do people who've tried the chocolate club say? Does the company guarantee that you'll be happy with what you get?
At Top Consumer Reviews, we've looked at and ranked the best chocolate clubs out there. We hope this info helps you choose the perfect club: whether it's for you or someone else, a chocolate club can bring months of delightful chocolatey moments.
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