Many people think that Godiva chocolates, which cost upwards of $40 per lb., are too expensive to give as gifts or enjoy for themselves. What they don't realize is that with a bit of planning and patience, they can fit the gourmet candy into their budgets. By following these simple guidelines, you can give your mother-in-law an impressive gift, woo your sweetheart on Valentine's Day or treat yourself and your family to one of the best chocolates on the market.
Instructions
Ways To Save On Godiva Chocolate When Treating Yourself
1. Unlike other store-bought candies, the average person finds one piece of Godiva more than enough to eat for dessert or a snack. Instead of buying a prepackaged box that can start at $4 and contain four candies, pick your selection directly from the store's display case.
2. Avoid buying truffles or other heavy pieces. The candy is sold by weight, and truffles average about $2 apiece. Stick with lighter items, like the raspberry-filled white starfish or the milk-chocolate hearts.
3. If you're curious about how something tastes, take advantage of a free sample: Godiva salespeople are permitted to give you one upon request. Also, the company frequently puts out samples of promotional or new products, so always ask what they are sampling that day.
4. Visit your local Godiva the day after such major holidays as Valentine's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Any item wrapped in seasonal packaging is reduced by 50 percent to clear out stock for the next holiday. Get to the location as soon as possible, because these items sell out quickly. These are the best times to buy several boxes for yourself.
5. Sign up for the company's mailing list in one of its boutiques or at its website. (Follow the link in Resources.) You will occasionally receive money-saving coupons and invitations to members-only sampling events.
6. If you can't live without Godiva, apply for a part-time (or maybe even full-time) position at a store. Among the benefits of working for the business is a generous discount on the merchandise.
Ways To Save On Godiva Chocolate When Purchasing Gifts Or Favors
7. Buy a gift card for the recipient. This is the best way to stay within your budget, and to ensure that the person gets her favorite chocolates.
8. Gift-wrap the item yourself. For example, the difference between a Godiva box of dark chocolates that weighs 1 lb. and one that has a Christmas decoration on it is at least $4. If you want to do a gift basket, purchase the materials for the basket wrapping elsewhere and assemble it yourself.
9. Ask for a discount when purchasing business gifts. According to the Godiva site, orders that cost $600 to $1,500 receive a 5 percent discount. Orders that are $1,501 to $3,000 get 10 percent off. A shipment that costs $3,001 to $6,000 will be discounted 15 percent. And purchases that run between $6,001 and $15,000 get 20 percent off.
10. If you have an aunt who lives in Philadelphia and you live in Manhattan, don't ship her Mother's Day gift from the Godiva location in Times Square. Visit the Godiva site and click the Store Locator Events tag at the bottom of the page to find the store closest to her. Send the gift from that location to save on shipping.
11. When you buy Godiva boxed favors for a wedding or a party, you not only pay for the materials, but for the labor to wrap them. Save hundreds of dollars by buying the chocolates you need in bulk from the display case and wrapping the favors yourself with lower-cost materials from a party-supply store. Avoid including heavier pieces like the cashew raspberry caramel cluster unless your budget allows it.
Tips Warnings
Godiva is a certified kosher retailer. Know what your budget is and what you are shopping for before you enter the store. Godiva thrives on impulse purchases. Include a small reward for yourself in your budget so you don't overspend. When shipping candy, consider the weather conditions, as the chocolates can melt during the warm and hot months.
Check the store's return policy in case someone can't eat an item that was purchased as a gift. Godiva candies contain such common allergens as nuts and coconut.
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