Can you tell me about your minimum quantities?
In order to offer our clients the best value with our various creations, there are minimum quantities. These are lower than industry standards, sometimes ranging from 5 or more for mid-priced items, to lower quantities for the higher priced items. Minimums are listed for each product and are specific to those products. Small quantities of multiple items can not be mixed to meet an overall minimum amount.
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Are there up-front development fees and one-time charges?
Depending upon the item and whether it is a custom creation, there maybe a one-time charge. For example, custom chocolates (i.e., shapes, logos, and names) require unique sculpting, mold, and artwork. Imprinting requires set-up, artwork, screens, and color matching. These costs are covered by a one-time, up-front charge. There is a never a set-up charge for a repeat job. Certain items (e.g., chocolate icons) may be generic in nature for which we already have the molds there would not be any up-front charge.
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What is your production time?
This varies by type of the item, time of the year and if it's an original creation. Generally repeat jobs are done within a week. Custom ribbons and molds usually require 2-3 weeks. Custom imprinting-done internally-is scheduled weekly. During the Holiday Season, production time is longer due to the quantity of orders. It's best to inquire upon placing your order. At IncentiveGourmet we do not believe in "Rush Jobs" and will do our best to meet your schedule, but we won't compromise the quality of your product. Gifts with Ghirardelli generally take longer as we order to keep the stock fresh and the product comes directly from the Ghirardelli warehouse.
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Do your products have to be customized/imprinted?
No, although many companies desire their products to be customized/imprinted with their logo or message. In many cases we recommend the items not be imprinted (i.e., due to the high-value nature, the desire for the item to remain in a prominent location, general small cost versus customization cost). Frequently, we recommend a subtle approach to promotion (putting a logo in a small font, in a less obvious position) instead of a large "broadcast" impression.
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What art work is necessary for proper reproduction?
We accept most electronic art to our e-email address: info@nouveautesusa.com - Preferred versions are TIFF or EPS files scanned at 300 dpi. Generally, we require "camera-ready" artwork printed out on a high quality printer (minimum 600 x 600 dpi) in black on white. In addition, a high-storage disk (in PC format preferably) may be required. You may also send a high-storage disk (in PC format preferably) or artwork slick which we could scan. Do not e-mail any artwork over 750 KB since it may not go through the e-mail system. Business card, letterhead and e-mail do not reproduce sufficiently to be acceptable. We reserve the right to improve any unacceptable artwork at the client's expense, after notification of the same. Our staff will be glad to work with your graphics department, printer or whomever necessary to obtain sufficient quality artwork. Remember the adage "Garbage in = Garbage Out!" In most cases we will try to match your PMS colors as best as possible. Due to the variety of items and their background colors, no color will reproduce the same on each item. If you have any further questions please contact us.
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Do you offer other flavors of chocolate?
We offer Ghirardelli which is primarily milk chocolate with other items (caramel, white mint filling, etc.) or truffles. Nouveautes uses only the finest Belgian milk chocolate. We can use dark chocolate for very large jobs, but prefer milk chocolate as American prefer that at least 3-1. Presently we do not offer sugar-free or Kosher chocolates. We do presently offer Jelly Belly® Medium 10-Flavor Gift Boxes of sugar-free jelly beans.
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How long will the strawberries last? How should they be stored?
Strawberries should be consumed immediately or put into the refrigerator for no more than 12 hours. Generally they are perishable and should not be eaten much after the day they arrive. The chocolates included can be stored at room temperature and last at least 2 weeks.
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How long will the chocolate last? How should it be stored?
Chocolate is best maintained at 55-70 F degrees, in a cool, dry and odorless environment, away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, chocolate can last at least 6 to 9 months. Many offices maintain constantly air- conditioned computer rooms which make perfect storage locations. If your offices are constantly air-conditioned, storage there should suffice. Never put chocolate in a refrigerator as this could lead to blooming (where the surface has a white, chalk-like appearance). As we are constantly producing chocolate, we strive to manufacture and ship in the quantity needed, saving you the need to store for long periods of time. Please inquire with our customer sales representatives concerning this issue.
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How long will the popcorn/pretzels last? How should they be stored?
Popcorn will go bad if left open to air for more than 3 hours. If not consumed immediately, it should be closed tightly and stored in an odor free environment away from sun light. Pretzels are more durable but should also be kept tight away from humid air.
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How are the products shipped in warm weather?
During summer months and in certain hotter areas, we will ship with reusable ice packs and styra-foam containers. There is an added cost due to the express requirement of the shipment.
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Can your items be shipped anywhere?
Generally, most of our items can be shipped to most locations. We use UPS Ground (US and Canada), Federal Express' expedited services (US and Canada and International) and Priority Mail (US). We have made shipments to many international locations (e.g., Asia, Europe, Australia and South America), though there are certain custom exceptions to be aware of. International shipments require additional paperwork and expense. Please inquire with our customer sales representative concerning this issue. Strawberries can only be shipped to the lower 48 US states.
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Is there any discount for ordering from the web site?
No, the prices are the same, but the convenience and time for transaction is greatly reduced. New items are added directly to the web site more frequently than in collateral printed materials which are only created a few times a year. This varies by type of the item, time of the year and if it's an original creation. Generally repeat jobs are done within a week. Custom ribbons and molds usually require 2-3 weeks. Custom imprinting-done internally-is scheduled weekly. During the Holiday Season, production time is longer due to the quantity of orders. It's best to inquire upon placing your order. At IncentiveGourmet we do not believe in "Rush Jobs" and will do our best to meet your schedule, but we won't compromise the quality of your product. Gifts with Ghirardelli generally take longer as we order to keep the stock fresh and the product comes directly from the Ghirardelli warehouse.
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