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1) About Us , About our 45th Anniversary
2) The Website / Privacy / No Account
3) Delivery and Shipping
4) Payment / Tax
5) Returns / Guarantee
6) Coupons and Discounts
7) Corporate Sales & Quantity, Custom Orders, Events and Fundraising
8) USA Delivery
9) FAQ
10) Contact Us
11) Fun Stuff
1) ABOUT US
Short story- Alexander Gifts started in Montreal, Quebec in 1965. From a grocery store that made baskets on the side, we now operate across Canada and the USA offering a one-stop home of gifts that look good and taste great. Using Canadian products as much as possible, we deliver throughout Greater Montreal and much of Quebec and ship to the rest of Canada. Our experience...Full story.
2) THE WEBSITE / PRIVACY / LOG INWe created this website from a customer's point-of-view: simple to navigate, a reasonable choice that won't overwhelm (as opposed to thousands of items), no unnecessary bells and whistles, and free Quebec delivery or a shipping discount on every order upon Checkout. You can also shop by occasion or by price or use our Gift Guide to send the right item to the right person.
We also offer the gift baskets in a different manner than others- rather than list dozens of designs and prices, we display just two or three per category (say, a Classic Variety Basket) and then allow you to set the size/price and other options.
Log In / Create Account: We do not obligate you to create an account because we don't like that on other sites. It is an option and shoppers will benefit from creating an account: no need to re-type names and addresses of frequent recipients, view past orders to keep track of who got what, and receive surprise coupons and specials (infrequently; we won't bombard you with emails). And as extra security, we do not store your credit card information.
Privacy: We do not- sell or share your information with any company or organization, use your contact information unless to reach you about an issue, contact the recipient of your gift except (in Quebec) when it was left at a neighbour or (anywhere) have an issue delivering the item and feel it is best to speak to him or her, bombard account holders with email, nor save your credit card information on our web server (even though it is secure).
Cookies: Cookies are tiny files which store certain information about your activity on our website and are placed on your computer's hard drive. Our cookies do not contain any personally identifying information. We use cookies to carry information from one page to another. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but also allow you to prevent their use. However, you will not be able to use certain features of this website if you disable them.
Security: All information entered and processed during Checkout is managed using 128 or 256-bit secure socket layer (SSL) software, which is the industry standard and among the best software available for secure commerce transactions. The site itself is guarded by GeoTrust (see logo in left column) and cards are processed by Chase Paymentech, one of Canada's top processing and e-commerce companies.
3) DELIVERY AND SHIPPING
Baskets (excluding fruit):
Get free delivery in Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, Toronto, Ontario and the rest of Canada when you order online!
All destinations
1) Orders placed by 9:30 AM Monday to Friday are delivered/shipped the same day.
2) We may omit chocolates in the summer.
3) We may substitute an item for an equally impressive one.
4) $5 re-delivery charge if re-routed or returned for wrong address (this rarely occurs).
Montreal & Quebec delivery
1) Monday to Friday 10AM-6PM; residences usually in the late afternoon.
2) In Quebec and outside Greater Montreal takes an extra day.
3) If no one is at the residence, driver will try neighbour and leave a phone message.
4) Sunday delivery is available for major holidays. Other Sundays may be possible if in the heart of Montreal. Inquire the Thursday or Friday before. If yes, it would be + $10.
5) We cannot pinpoint deliveries; i.e. at 3:30PM.
Shipping outside Quebec
1) No shipping to a PO Box or to a patient in a hospital.
2) Ships by UPS or CanPar.
3) 2 business days for Ontario, 2-5 elsewhere.
Locally made outside Quebec
As an alternative to shipping a basket of ours outside Quebec, we can arrange for some to be made in the recipient's town. More info.
Baskets with fruit:
We deliver fruit baskets only in Greater Montreal and follow the same policies as above. Click here if you wish to send such a gift elsewhere in Quebec, Canada or the United States.
Roses and balloon bouquets:
Get free delivery in Montreal when you order through the website!
Montreal delivery
Same as Baskets above.
Other flowers
See here for deliveries outside of Greater Montreal or floral items we do not offer in Montreal.
Handmade chocolates and caramel apples:
Get free delivery in Quebec or free shipping elsewhere in Canada when you order through the website!
Due to their made-to-order nature, custom requests and apples may be sent up to two days after ordering.
Montreal delivery
1) Usually by courrier, Monday to Friday from 12PM till 6PM.
2) Some Mtl. locations may receive this by Canada Post (see next paragraph).
3) If no one is at a residence, driver will try neighbour and leave a message.
4) Extra $5 charge if returned for wrong address or three attempts (this rarely occurs).
5) Sunday delivery is available for major holidays. Other Sundays are sometimes possible and would be another $10. Inquire a few days in advance.
Shipping to the rest of Quebec and Canada
1) Ships by Canada Post (the Post Office).
2) It takes 1-2 business days for Quebec and Ontario, 2-5 elsewhere.
3) They do not ship to patients in hospitals.
4) Canada Post will try again and leave note if no one is home.
5) Extra charge if returned for wrong address.
Popcorn tins:
Get free shipping in Montreal or elsewhere in Canada when you order online!
1) Orders ship within two days, Monday to Friday.
2) Ships by Canpar.
The rest is the same as Chocolates above.
Print on synthetic roses and candles:
Save $5 on shipping across Canada when you order online!
1) Ships in 1-2 business days after ordering.
2) We use Canada Post (the Post Office), even for Montreal.
3) It takes 1-2 business days for Quebec and Ontario, 2-5 elsewhere.
4) They do not ship to patients in hospitals.
5) Canada Post will try again and leave note if no one is home.
6) Extra charge if returned for wrong address.
4) PAYMENT AND TAX
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and PayPal (PP). Cards are securely processed by Chase Paymentech, partners of JP Morgan-Chase and The Bank of Nova Scotia. We do not save your credit card information, though like all card processors, Chase does.
Cheques and Money Orders: Once arranged, corporate clients and certain others will see the Invoice option in Checkout. This feature allows one to shop online and pay within 30 days. The site will indicate where one can print the invoice as we don't automatically send it.
Tax: Billing is from our office in Montreal, Quebec and tax applies on the destination of the gift, not the sender's billing address. So 5% GST and 7.5% QST apply to orders delivered in Quebec, only 5% GST applies to orders destined for outside Quebec, and no tax applies for recipients in the USA.
5) RETURNS / GUARANTEE
Since we have so much experience and are so good at what we do, no issue will ever arise. ...Okay, we are humans and if the one-in-a-million problem arises, count to one hundred and then Contact Us so we can make it better. Be it a replacement gift or a refund, we'll do what it takes to...as just said, make it better.
Coupons: We occasionally offer e-coupons to people we like or to those who create accounts. A coupon can be redeemed on the Checkout page. The status of a coupon can be verified here.
Web Discount: Upon Checkout an order through the website will automatically receive free delivery for a Quebec destination or a $5 discount for shipping elsewhere. Why do we do this? Less time on the phone means more time to read a magazine; that makes us happy so the discount is a thank you!
7) CORPORATE SALES & QUANTITY, CUSTOM ORDERS, EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING
Custom Orders: Even though we're surprised that you can't find something wonderful and amazing and earth-shattering from us, we're committed to your satisfaction and will work with you on customizing baskets or some other items we offer. We can always get special items for baskets and in many cases we can include your own product. See Events below for other possibilities.
Bulk Orders: We gladly (well, if we must) offer a discount on the purchase of 5 or more items. You can also save time by using this spreadsheet (or create your own or email us) instead of entering all the info through the website.
Events, Parties & Corporate Sales: Click here for a separate page.
8) USA RECIPIENTS
By the end of August we'll have a bunch of new gifts that we can send to the United States!
9) FAQ
A) It's been two days and I haven't heard from the recipient of my gift...did you forget to send it? Did you send something ugly? Answer...
B) I saw the gift basket sent to my friend and it looked a little different than the picture on your website...plus, I didn't see the package of X in there. What's going on? Answer...
C) Where's your store? I'd like to pick up something. Answer...
D) Do you deliver on Sundays? Answer...
E) How do I enter more than one address / recipient? Answer...
F) About the (fill in the blank) basket, is the one for $49 or $59 nice? Answer...
G) About the (fill in the blank) basket, what do I get for $79/$99/$124...? Answer...
H) How can I request one change to an otherwise great basket? Answer...
A) No and no. Some people take a little longer than others to call and say thank you. Other people are absent-minded and truly forget. And then the others are ill-mannered or self-absorbed, to put it mildly. For the latter group, we recommend giving them more and nicer gifts throughout the year to break that negative trait.
B) We pride ourselves on being creative and flexible, unlike robots. We have different wicker baskets and containers that the items are arranged in and that can alter the layout and final look. We sometimes have to substitute an item or two for equally impressive ones. A basket for a hospital staff will usually have different packages/sizes than the same type of basket for a family. And mostly, our designers use their talent and judgement to do what's best for that particular basket. Rest assured, you did get the value, quality and beauty you paid for.
C) Even when we ran a store for 40 years on Decarie Blvd., 95% of sales were by phone. Now with the Internet, we've backed away from a retail location and our lower-rent setup allows us to pass savings on to you and offer more items. It's not a convenient location (and we do not have a cash or credit card machine there) so we longer do pick ups. The address on our receipts is a mailing address, not the location. For those thinking of a bulk order, we can bring samples to you. What service!
D) We do for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas at no extra charge. Other Sundays might be possible so inquire as soon as you can about the specific one. If yes, there is an extra charge to be determined.
E) Use this round-about method as our system cannot currently handle multiple items going to multiple places (cart contents can only have one delivery address): order one, pay, then repeat while still logged in which will save you from re-typing much info. Or email us the info (not the credit card) and we'll call you to complete it and still offer the website discount.
F) Of course! We start at that price because it's the lowest amount to make a nice impression. Every increment adds another item or two or three or a larger version of an item. The baskets for $49 often have some small-size packages of the fine items described. Sizes over $99 usually get a nicer wicker basket.
G) You'll get more variety and/or more of the types of items mentioned and/or larger sizes of the items. The impression is greater. We don't specify the items people get for each price because we feel that is more honest and gives us flexibility to do what's best for each basket. The items can vary based on availability, last-minute factors and even who the recipient is. For example, we usually add an item or two from Italy when the basket goes to an Italian family (and this is much appreciated by the recipient). Orders over $99 usually get a nicer wicker basket. We give great value at every price, include the general types of items described (definitely a good chocolate in a Variety Basket, but not always, say, Saxon chocolates) and deliver a finished product that is beautiful and appreciated.
H) For a basket of $79 or higher, simply write the request in the card-message box after the message. Example- "No coffee" or "Blue decoration." More than that and it's best to email or call for a custom order. Keep in mind that a food request (no coffee) is often not needed as the recipient of a basket doesn't necessarily eat everything him or herself. He shares, saves things for a later date and, don't be shocked, re-gifts some elements.
It is our mission to provide the best quality items and the best possible service. We look forward to satisfying your questions and concerns. Click here for our contact options.
11) FUN STUFF
Pearls Before Swine two-part comic strip with reference to a fruit basket.
Another two-parter from Pearls. Hm, maybe his parents also had a gift business.
Links
alexandervalentines.ca
alexandergiftbaskets.ca
alexanderfruitbaskets.ca
alexanderbaskets.ca
