Shipping Chocolate is Sweet.
When you send Van Otis Chocolates, you're sending more than a gift.
You're sharing a taste of New Hampshire's sweetest tradition.
Because chocolate is sensitive to heat and humidity, our team carefully reviews every shipment based on the destination, weather conditions, and time of year. We take extra care to ensure your chocolates arrive in extraordinary condition, just as they left our candy kitchen.
Every shipment is carefully packaged. During warm months, we provide complimentary insulation and gel ice packs as needed to help protect your chocolates during transit.
Our Promise
We will never recommend a shipping method we wouldn't use for our own family. If weather conditions may impact your order, we'll reach out before it ships to discuss the best options.
Warm Weather Shipping
If shipping during warm weather seasons, or to a warm weather destination we strongly recommend expedited shipping methods to help ensure your chocolates arrive in perfect condition.
While expedited shipping may increase shipping costs, it significantly reduces the amount of time your chocolates spend in hot delivery vehicles, warehouses, and sorting facilities.
Because chocolate can begin to soften at temperatures above 70°F, we consider these warm-weather shipping conditions and recommend expedited shipping to help protect your order during transit.
Our team carefully reviews every shipment based on the destination, weather conditions, and time of year. If the temperature is above 85°F, we may contact you to find an alternate arrival date.
Warm Weather Destinations
The following states typically require expedited shipping throughout the year:
Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.
Warm Weather Seasons (May – September)
From May through September, we strongly recommend expedited shipping methods regardless of the destination to help ensure your chocolates arrive in perfect condition.
Shipping Methods
We ship throughout the continental United States via USPS and UPS.
Available shipping options and typical lead times include:
- Ground Shipping | 1–6 business days
- Expedited 2-Day Shipping | 2 business days
- Next Day Shipping | 1 business day
Shipping Rates
Shipping rates are calculated by cart total before discounts.
Tracking information will be provided once your order ships.
Processing Times
Most orders placed before 10:00 AM ET, Monday through Thursday, ship the same business day.
Please allow:
Standard Order Processing | 1 business day
Custom Orders | 1 additional business day
Warm Weather | 1 additional business day
If a shipping concern arises, a member of our team will contact you directly.
Where We Ship
We currently ship to street addresses only within the continental United States.
We do not ship to: P.O. Boxes, APO/FPO addresses, Alaska, Hawaii, International destinations
Note: Please include any apartment numbers, suite numbers, unit numbers, company names, or floor information necessary for successful delivery.
For international shipping inquiries, please contact us at 603-627-1611 or contact@vanotis.com.
Holiday Shipping
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Easter are our busiest shipping seasons.
We encourage placing holiday orders as early as possible. Carrier delivery guarantees may be suspended during peak holiday periods, and transit times may be extended.
Returns & Shipping Issues
Due to the perishable nature of our products, we cannot accept returns.
If you receive an incorrect item or an item damaged due to our error, please contact us within 15 days of delivery and we will make it right.
Questions?
We're happy to help.
603-627-1611
contact@vanotis.com
Shipping FAQ
Why is shipping chocolate unique?
Chocolate is highly sensitive to heat and humidity. Because chocolate can begin to soften at temperatures above 70°F, we recommend expedited shipping during warmer months and when shipping to warmer climates to help ensure your chocolates arrive in the best possible condition.
Can I choose ground shipping to Texas in August?
You can, however we don't recommend it.
Chocolate can melt when exposed to prolonged heat during transit. In destinations with extreme temperatures, expedited shipping significantly increases the likelihood that your chocolates will arrive exactly as intended. You may also choose to shop our warm-weather friendly options.
How do you protect chocolates during warm weather?
During warmer months, we recommend expedited shipping. Our shipping team includes complimentary insulation and gel ice packs as needed. Our team also carefully reviews destination temperatures and shipping schedules before orders leave our facility. If there are concerns, you will be contacted.
What if I choose a slower shipping method anyway?
You may choose to waive our warm weather shipping recommendations during checkout. However, Van Otis Chocolates cannot guarantee product condition if heat-sensitive items are shipped using slower methods during warm weather. You may also choose to shop our warm-weather friendly options.
Am I in a warm weather state?
You may see us reference “Warm Weather states” or “New England states”.
Warm Weather states include:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
New England states include:
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
When will my order ship?
Most orders placed before 10:00 AM ET Monday through Thursday ship the same business day.
Custom orders, warm weather shipments, and high-volume holiday periods may require additional processing time.
Do I need to be home when my package arrives?
No signature is required for deliveries. We recommend bringing your package indoors as soon as possible, to avoid exposure to the weather. Tracking information will be provided at time of shipping.
Can I include a gift message?
Absolutely. Every shipment may include a complimentary personalized gift message. Instructions for including a gift message will be provided upon checkout.
Need Help Choosing the Right Shipping Method?
Call us at 603-627-1611 and we'll be happy to help.
