+ Where is The Science Of Chocolate based?

Vancouver, Canada.

+ Can I pick up my order in person?

You may, but SOC does not have regular hours. You will have to book a time to come by after you receive a confirmation email that your order is ready. See address and pick up details when you checkout.

+ Where do you ship?

For online shop orders

I ship across Canada, United States, and to many other countries (see list above).

If you would like to know If I can ship to your area, please inquire.

For virtual event kits

I generally only ship to Canada & USA addresses due to the time sensitive nature of virtual events, and the delays which may occur at customs when arriving at other countries. There are some exceptions with enough lead time. Feel free to inquire.

+ Do I have to pay tariffs or custom duties?

For USA

No. No tariffs or custom duties.

For Other Countries

You may have to pay duties/taxes.

+ Problem with my order

SOC takes pride in making sure products are treated with care. If there are any mistakes or if they arrived in poor condition, please don't hesitate to reach out with a clear description of the issue and clear photos as well. SOC will gladly resolve these issues on a case by case basis.

+ I live in a hot climate, will you ship here?

I will, but conditions may apply. There are ways to reduce the risk of melted or bloomed chocolate when shipping to regions with high temperatures.

"High Temperatures" is defined here as a daily high of over 25°C or 77°F.

I currently have a very high success rate (99%) of products arriving in great condition, including shipments to warm locations in Australia, The Middle East, California, Arizona, Florida, etc.

I do my best to pack and ship the chocolate bars or kits so that they will arrive in great condition. If needed, I may wrap it in reflective bubble wrap and possibly add a gel pack at no extra cost to you.

Please feel free to make a note at checkout to remind me that your location is quite warm!

+ Is there a chance my chocolate may melt?

I would hate for any products to melt during shipping. I do many things to protect against melting including:

• Delaying the shipment to ensure it avoids any heatwaves or high temperature days
• Use gel backs and/or bubble wrap as needed and if suitable
• Contact you if weather will be an issue to find the best solution

However, there are many factors out of my control such as:

• Heat waves (check your weekly weather forecast to find the best window to order)
• Where you are located and how long it takes to arrive
• How the couriers handle your package (does it sit in a hot warehouse or van overnight)
• Delays due to couriers, incorrect shipping information, customs (for overseas orders)
• Customer receiving package but leaving it on porch all day in the heat/sun (try shipping to your office instead if this may be the case)

I will do my best to ensure your products arrive in optimal condition, and please be patient if you live in a hot region or are experiencing high temperatures unsuitable for shipping chocolate.

Should an issue arise and your products melt or are less than optimal, please take clear photos, send them over, and I can assess it on a case by case basis.

+ What can I do to prevent melting?

Great question! I always check the weather forecast for orders destined for potentially warm regions, but it also helps if you:

• Also check your local weekly forecast, and ensure temperatures do not exceed 23-25C or 73-76F
• Consider postponing your order during cooler times or seasons
• Have it shipped to your office or another address if you will not be home to take it in from the hot outdoor weather when it arrives
• Contact me if you have any concerns or extenuating circumstances

+ What if my chocolate did melt?

If this occurred, do not assume they still can't be enjoyed. Although fine chocolate is often intended to be eaten as a solid well-tempered bar, it doesn't always have to be.

There are many ways to still enjoy our chocolate, both in melted or untempered form. This includes

• Eating it melted instead of solid. You can still go through a similar tasting method as listed here, aside from "snap" of course.
• Using it to create a beautiful drinking chocolate
• Bake with it!

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

+ The free shipping isn't showing up.

Here are some reasons you may not see free shipping.

1. Your total has to be over the minimum before taxes and discounts.
2. Coupon/discount codes may impact this minimum amount.
3. Click on the service you want, as it will not automatically select the free shipping you require.

If you still run into problems, please don't hesitate to contact SOC.

+ How long does shipping take?

Online shop orders

Packing time: 2-3 business days after receiving the order.

Shipping time: Depends on your choice of shipping method. See chart above for an estimate.

Virtual Event Kit orders

Packing time: Once payment and final guest list is received, kits will be packed fresh, and shipped out. This usually requires a minimum of a two week window. Depending on the size of your order, location, and time of year, it could be as quick as one week turn around, or a few weeks to a month for orders of 50 to 200 kits for instance.

Again, this depends on many factors. I will iron out these details with you after you book, or feel free to ask before booking!

+ How does shipping work?

For products in the online shop

You select your method of shipment during checkout, allow for a couple days to pack the order, and then you will receive a tracking link once the order is scanned by the courier.

For virtual event kits

Shipping is included for kits to ship to individual addresses. If all kits are to be shipped to one or a few addresses, ask about price adjustments to save on costs.

+ Do your shipments come with a tracking number?

Yes, all orders whether through the online shop or your tasting kits will come with a tracking link. Ensure you provide me with the correct email address or you will not receive a tracking email. Also be sure to check your junk or spam mail if you do not see a tracking email.