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Harry & David Review

Thursday, November 7th

2024 Fruit Basket Company Reviews

Harry & David Review 1 Star Rating

Harry & David

1 Star Rating
  • $29.99 to $1,499.99
  • Over a century of experience in the gourmet gift industry
  • Offers 148 fruit basket options
  • Easy to sort and filter basket options on their website
  • Wide variety of items available in baskets (cheese, fruits, snacks, wine)
  • Detailed product information, including individual item weights
  • 15% discount offered for first-time orders
  • Known for their signature "Royal Riviera" pears

Harry & David, a gourmet gift company with roots tracing back to 1910, has been delighting customers with their premium fruits and gourmet treats for over a century. Founded by two brothers who inherited their father's pear orchards, the company has grown from a simple orchard to a nationwide purveyor of luxury food gifts. Here's a fun fact: Harry & David's signature "Royal Riviera" pears are so named because they're even more delicious and hardier than their French counterparts, originally from the south of France.

148 choices

Harry & David has 148 fruit basket options, so, thankfully, it's easy to sort and filter based on what you're looking for. Click on the filtering options in the sidebar to narrow down your results to baskets containing specific items such as cheese, specific fruits, savory snacks, Moose Munch popcorn, baked goods, wine, chocolate, and more. You can also filter by occasion and price range.

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Baskets range from $30 to $1,500

When you land on H&D's website, you'll be offered 15% off your first order in exchange for your email address. Prices start at $29.99 for the All Smiles Sweets & Treats Gift Basket containing butterscotch candy, cookies, butter toffee popcorn, and chocolate truffles. The highest priced basket at $1,499.99 contains absolutely anything a holiday hostess could need to entertain guests in style, including gourmet foods, wines, and a festive wreath. In any basket, you won't have any trouble finding out what's inside. The individual weights of contents are listed, as well as the net weight of the basket. It seems you used to be able to add on extra items to any basket with the "Make It Extra Special” button, but this feature is apparently no more.

No more "Send with SmartGift”

Another feature Harry & David appears to have done away with is SmartGift, which used to allow you to send fruit baskets without knowing the recipient's address. You could notify the recipient via email, Facebook, or text message, at which point they could input their preferred delivery details. The best thing about it was that they could exchange the gift if it wasn't to their liking. We're sad to see it go.

H&D has ruined their reputation

At this point in our research, we began to get a little nervous about what else had changed with Harry & David since the last time we reviewed them, so we took a look at some third-party review platforms. We discovered that Harry & David's reputation has been in free-fall over the past several years. In our previous review, we noted that an uncomfortable-but-doable 20% of their reviews with a third-party review platform were 1- or 2-star reviews. Back then, the complaints were mainly about orders that arrived with rotten produce or poor presentation, but that ultimately, their customer service responded appropriately with refunds and replacements. Now, however, customer service is nowhere to be found.

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Real customer stories

One customer ordered 27 fruit baskets 4 months in advance and at the last minute, H&D backed out and canceled their delivery. Not only was no refund granted, the customer was charged twice for the full order. Another customer ordered a basket with lobsters and steaks, which arrived defrosted and warm. They never received the replacement order they were promised. As of this review, 88% of Harry & David's reviews were 1-star reviews. They are now listed with the BBB as "Not Rated”, where they previously maintained an "A-”. (Yikes, H&D. Yikes.)

A bad apple

We're disappointed to report Harry & David's fall from gifting grace. With a staggering 88% of recent reviews being such a low score and numerous reports of unfulfilled orders, spoiled products, and unresponsive customer service, it's clear that the company has lost its way. Given the current state of affairs, we can no longer recommend Harry & David for your fruit basket gifting needs, although they were highly rated with us in the past. Instead, consider exploring alternatives towards the top of our list.

Where Can You Buy the Best Fruit Baskets?

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.

The Best Fruit Basket Companies Compare Fruit Basket Companies Compare Fruit Basket Company Reviews What are the best Fruit Basket Companies Best Fruit Basket Company Reviews

Fruit Basket Company FAQ

Fruit, of course! (Just kidding.) A fruit basket usually consists of a reusable container, sometimes a basket but possibly a wicker bowl or a hamper. The type of fruit included depends on the provider you select and maybe the current growing season - for example, fresh citrus in the winter months, uncommon varieties of apples in the fall, and so on.
Absolutely. The sky's the limit! Chocolate, nuts, baked goods, jams and jellies, and cheese are just a few of the most popular add-ons to a fruit basket.
Yes, but you may have to look a little harder to find a company that offers it. Only a small handful of fruit basket retailers go the extra length to source their fruit specifically from organic growers. And, as you'd expect, you will probably pay a little more compared with non-organic fruit baskets.
They can be as budget-friendly or luxury-priced as you choose to make them. You'll find prices generally range from $22 to $375.
Yes, most of the time your delivery fees aren't included in the price of the fruit basket. It takes a little extra TLC to make sure your fruit and any additional items arrive in fresh, flavorful condition. But, some fruit basket retailers have promotions that might get you free or discounted shipping on your order, so keep your eyes "peeled” (pun intended).
That depends on which fruit basket company you use. If you select one that has a network with local florists and gift shops, it's possible to get your basket delivered same- or next-day. Otherwise, expect it to take at least a few days, up to a week, for most fruit baskets to arrive.
The retailer of your fruit basket wants you to be delighted, so it shouldn't be difficult to get a replacement or a refund if the fruit doesn't arrive in good condition or there's another issue with the delivery. If you're sending the fruit basket to someone else, they may need to take a photo of the problem and submit it to the customer service department.
Especially during the holidays, we tend to get overloaded on cookies and other decadent desserts, alcoholic beverages and high-calorie savory foods. Sending a fruit basket gives your lucky recipient a healthy alternative - or maybe some fruits they can pair with their wine or cheese!
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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.

Compare Fruit Basket Companies

Select any 2 Fruit Basket Companies to compare them head to head

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  • Pittman & Davis
  • Manhattan Fruitier
  • A Gift Inside
  • Wine Country Gift Baskets
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Fruit Bouquets
  • Gourmet Gift Baskets
  • The Fruit Company
  • Gift Tree
  • Harry & David
Pittman & Davis vs Manhattan Fruitier Pittman & Davis vs A Gift Inside Pittman & Davis vs Wine Country Gift Baskets Pittman & Davis vs Edible Arrangements Pittman & Davis vs Fruit Bouquets Pittman & Davis vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Pittman & Davis vs The Fruit Company Pittman & Davis vs Gift Tree Pittman & Davis vs Harry & David Manhattan Fruitier vs A Gift Inside Manhattan Fruitier vs Wine Country Gift Baskets Manhattan Fruitier vs Edible Arrangements Manhattan Fruitier vs Fruit Bouquets Manhattan Fruitier vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Manhattan Fruitier vs The Fruit Company Manhattan Fruitier vs Gift Tree Manhattan Fruitier vs Harry & David A Gift Inside vs Wine Country Gift Baskets A Gift Inside vs Edible Arrangements A Gift Inside vs Fruit Bouquets A Gift Inside vs Gourmet Gift Baskets A Gift Inside vs The Fruit Company A Gift Inside vs Gift Tree A Gift Inside vs Harry & David Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Edible Arrangements Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Fruit Bouquets Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Wine Country Gift Baskets vs The Fruit Company Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Gift Tree Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Harry & David Edible Arrangements vs Fruit Bouquets Edible Arrangements vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Edible Arrangements vs The Fruit Company Edible Arrangements vs Gift Tree Edible Arrangements vs Harry & David Fruit Bouquets vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Fruit Bouquets vs The Fruit Company Fruit Bouquets vs Gift Tree Fruit Bouquets vs Harry & David Gourmet Gift Baskets vs The Fruit Company Gourmet Gift Baskets vs Gift Tree Gourmet Gift Baskets vs Harry & David The Fruit Company vs Gift Tree The Fruit Company vs Harry & David Gift Tree vs Harry & David
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