Saturday, December 14th
2024 Fruit Basket Company Reviews
Gourmet Gift Baskets
- 16 fruit baskets ranging from $49.99 to $699.99
- Family-owned business since 2002
- Offers a 10% discount on first order with code GIFTING10
- Includes gourmet items like Dom Perignon in luxury baskets
- Offers gluten-free options
- Maintains an "A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Provides replacement for damaged or missing items within 15 days
Gourmet Gift Baskets, founded in 2002, is a family-owned business that specializes in creating handmade, high-quality gift baskets for various occasions. The company, which started in the basement of a decades-old New Hampshire flower shop, has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise recognized by Inc. 500, Internet Retailer, and Enterprise Bank.
16 baskets from $50 to $700
Gourmet Gift Baskets carries 16 fruit baskets ranging in price from $49.99 to $699.99. On the lower end, you've got the Gluten Free Gourmet Gift Box, which comes with apples, oranges, Home Free cookies, trail mix, and clusters of dried fruit and nuts. For $30 more, you could upgrade to a Gluten Free basket that has beef jerky, Earl Grey tea, and sea salt crackers - but no fruit. On the deluxe end, you'll find the Dom Perignon Fruit Cheese and Caramel basket. It comes with - you guessed it - Dom Perignon, Classic Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese, oranges, apples, and salted caramel sauce to enjoy with the apples.
The most expensive cardboard box you'll ever buy
One customer left a review on the latter basket that $700 "seemed a lil high,” for what it includes - and we agreed, so we ran the numbers. Gourmet Gift Baskets doesn't disclose the vintage of the wine in the description, but the label in the product photo is dated 2013. We found that bottle commonly listed for $229, the cheese for $7, and the caramel for about $10. Two oranges and three apples shouldn't come out to much more than a few dollars. So for the pleasure of assembling the basket into a couple of cardboard boxes tied together with a ribbon, Gourmet Gift Baskets is charging you at least $450. (Um?!) Then again, you can get 10% off your first order with the code GIFTING10 - no email address required. (Can you hear the sarcasm in our tone?)
Confusing, expensive shipping
If that weren't bad enough, we'd caution you to keep a close eye on additional shipping charges. One customer did not - and was embarrassed to admit that the 12 covered Oreos she ordered for an out-of-state friend for her birthday came out to nearly $100. When you check out, you'll be shown a delivery calendar with available dates ranging from (apparently) free to $30.99. Tuesdays and weekends appear to incur the highest prices. There's a chart that explains shipping rates, but that chart says nothing about why certain days are more expensive and seems to indicate there is no free shipping, after all - Standard Shipping starts at $10.99. You'll need to plan your order carefully, as fruit baskets can only be shipped 2 days in advance for maximum freshness.
Customer reviews paint a bleak picture
Despite exorbitant costs, customer reviews for Gourmet Gift Baskets on Trustpilot are overwhelmingly negative - there seem to be major issues with product quality and value for money. One reviewer described their $85 "Gourmet Snack & Chocolate Basket" as containing items that could hardly be considered gourmet, such as small packs of Oreos and Chips Ahoy. Another customer's experience was even more disappointing, receiving multiple gift baskets (totaling $300) filled with what they described as "inedible crap," including dry cake pops, mediocre chocolate-covered strawberries, and stale crackers. The only item that seemed to meet expectations was a bottle of prosecco, which the customer noted could have been purchased directly from a grocery store for a fraction of the price. (Sound familiar?) At least according to what we saw on Trustpilot, it's all too common for customers to feel cheated and embarrassed about their gift choices. Some suggest reconsidering sending these as gifts unless you're trying to subtly insult someone.
Substitution policy can explain some unexpected items, but not all
Perhaps, if we're being optimistic, the above quality issues could be explained by Gourmet Gift Baskets' substitution policy, wherein they "reserve the right to substitute an item of equal or greater value in our product.” We doubt it, though. What are the odds that so many items in one basket would be a miss?
They have a good grade with the BBB, at least
If you have an issue similar to those described by customers on Trustpilot, we recommend you take your grievances to their Better Business Bureau listing - the company seems to be responsive there with issuing refunds, and they currently hold an "A+” to back it up.
Fruit baskets have a strict return policy
Gourmet Gift Baskets has a limited return policy for their fruit baskets. Since these are perishable items, they can't be resold if returned. If a fruit basket is marked as "undeliverable" and sent back (you never even saw it due to an incorrect address, you live in a gated community, or you weren't home), you won't receive a store credit. Instead, the company offers a 20% discount on a replacement order. (Seems like a sweet deal for them. Not so much for you.) For damaged or missing items, notify them within 15 days for a replacement. (At least there's that.) However, keep in mind that missing items might have been substituted due to their substitution policy. If you're not satisfied with chocolate-dipped products, they'll replace your order for free. (How generous of them.)
Not worth the price tag
In the end, Gourmet Gift Baskets falls short of our expectations, especially considering its steep prices. You'll likely find yourself paying a premium for subpar items and confusing shipping policies. The company's responsiveness on BBB is a silver lining, but it doesn't outweigh the numerous red flags. Unless you're looking for an expensive way to passive-aggressively express your feelings, we can't recommend Gourmet Gift Baskets. Your money and good intentions would be better spent elsewhere.
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A fruit basket is one of those gifts that can really make someone's day, no matter the occasion. Picture this: your best friend just moved into a new house, and you want to send something thoughtful but practical - something more unique than flowers, but just as special. A fruit basket could be the perfect answer.
Fruit baskets are a fresh, beautiful, and delicious way to show you care - and makes for a quick and easy snack for someone who might not know where their kitchen boxes wound up. Whether it's for a birthday, a thank-you, a sympathy gesture, or just because, sending a fruit basket is a personal way to brighten someone's day with something they can enjoy right away. Plus, it's a great option for the person who already seems to have everything.
Fruit Basket Company FAQ
Continued from above...
But not all fruit baskets are the same. Some companies offer simple, straightforward baskets filled with the basics - think apples, pears, and oranges. Others take things up a notch with gourmet touches like exotic fruits, chocolates, and even cheeses. These added details can turn a basic basket into something extra special.
A basket with perfectly ripe, organic apples and pears might be ideal for someone who's health-conscious, while a basket featuring tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas, along with some chocolate-dipped strawberries, could be perfect for a sweet-toothed friend. With so many options out there, the right choice depends on the occasion, the recipient's tastes, and how much you want to spend.
When shopping for a fruit basket online, keep a few things in mind:
- Variety of options. How many options do they have? Whether you're sending a simple thank-you basket or a large celebratory gift, you want to have choices that suit both your budget and the recipient's preferences.
- Freshness and quality. Have past customers reported spoiled produce? You want the recipient to enjoy delicious, ripe fruit, not something that's over- or underripe. Look for companies that guarantee the quality of their produce and have positive reviews mentioning the freshness of their baskets.
- Customization. Can you personalize your basket? Look for companies that let you add a custom message, choose specific fruits, or include extras like snacks or wine. A personalized basket could feel more thoughtful and tailored to the occasion.
- Shipping and delivery. Is there same-day or expedited delivery if you're in a pinch? Does the company pack the basket carefully so that the fruit stays fresh during transit? Check if there are hidden shipping costs, too.
- Price and value. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, sometimes spending a little more gets you better quality fruit and a more impressive presentation. Compare what's included for the price to make sure you're getting good value.
At Top Consumer Reviews, we've done the legwork and evaluated the best fruit basket companies out there. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect service to send a thoughtful, delicious gift that will make someone smile.
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