TLP
Google
For more than a decade since Kate Weiser first opened in Trinity Groves I've been a huge fan and supporter, and have introduced countless people to it and gifted probably $10,000 to $15,000 worth of KW chocolate over the years. Recently however, it's been sad to see both the prices going up and the quality and attention to detail that made KW chocolate such a special experience going down.
I have only the best wishes for KW and hope they have many successful years ahead. My feedback is being given in the spirit of helping, not criticizing:
1) Cost: The prices have hit $4 per bon bon, which even in a luxury market is pushing it. It makes an $8 slice of pie or $6 frappe seem cheap by comparison. It makes KW chocolate a gift/treat for only very special occasions rather than a more attainable and more frequent treat/gift. It also makes people more judgy by increasing expectation, which can quickly result in lower reviews and ratings and lost customers (both current and future).
Ultimately, it means all the costs of running the business have to be amortized over fewer and fewer sales, which means a continual cycle of higher prices and more cost cutting measures.
2) Presentation Quality: The bon bons no longer have Kate Weiser printed on the bottom, which may be a small detail--but it was so classy! I've also noticed an increasing variety in the precise shapes and heights of the chocolates. Some appear 10% larger or taller than others, or are round instead of oblong.
The order sheet has gone from glossy cardstock (beautiful) to ordinary printed paper, which doesn't look as great and tends to bend at the corner.
During the holiday season, the boxes for the 10 piece ran out and generic (non KW) boxes that could fit 12 bon bons were being used in their place. These looked too small and had no artistic KW sleeve which makes the packaging beautiful, and nowhere to put the order sheet identifying the individual bon bons inside.
3) Service: for the first time ever, I've experienced receiving an empty box (they forgot to fill it with any bon bons and I didn't realize it until I was about to give it as a gift), having incorrect bon bons placed in my "build your own box", and being unable to tell which bon bon is which while comparing the order sheet to the actual bon bons in the box due to slight differences in shapes and colors.
4) Innovation: now that KW has been around for more than 10 years and it's not as novel as it once was, it would be great to have innovations beyond seasonal flavors, which often aren't as impressive in taste as the mainstays.
In previous years people were so excited to receive KW as a gift. That excitement has waned.
Innovation could be in terms of product or service: chocolate subscriptions, mini bon bons that could be added to espresso or coffee to create indulgent coffee drinks, etc.
5) Loyalty: it might be worth considering some type of loyalty program, like how credit cards offer small perks to boost spending.