TakeHome - Frequently Asked Questions
Produce Questions
- What kind of items come in the TakeHome Case?
The FruitGuys TakeHome case is a mix of produce highlighting seasonal items in each region of the country. In the cooler months you will see fruits like apples, pears, and citrus as well as vegetables like hard squashes, dark greens, and potatoes. In the warmer months, frequent fruits and vegetables will include stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines, pluots), melons and berries, tomatoes, peas, eggplant, and summer squashes. We will occasionally include pantry items such as corn meal, raw nuts, dried beans, tea, or popping corn kernels from small scale producers.
- How do I know what items I will be getting?
Every Monday morning, you can visit our “What’s in the Mix” web page at www.fruitguys.com/mix to see what produce items are in your regional mix that week. Our mix pages include a pictorial guide of the produce you will receive that week, the name and location of the farm where each piece of produce was grown, and recipes to match that week’s mix.
- I received an item that is not listed on the mix, why?
We post our mixes online every week on Monday, however sometimes things outside of our control will occur that requires a change. For example, a rainstorm on a field of ripe strawberries on a Monday means that they cannot be picked on Tuesday to go into our boxes for Thursday delivery. If the rain hasn’t damaged the berries to the point that they cannot be sold, they still can’t be harvested as any moisture on the berries when they are picked will lead to mold and breakdown within 24 hours. In the event of any changes, we will update the website to reflect the current mix; however, please contact Customer Service if you have any questions.
- What if I have allergies, can I customize my mix?
If there is anything in the mix that you don’t like or are allergic to, we can omit those items and include extra of other produce in the mix for that week. Just email info@fruitguys.com or call Customer Service at 877-387-4863 to make changes. The mixes are preset by our FruitGuys buying team; therefore, we cannot add any items that are not included in the mix for that week.
- Where does the produce come from?
The FruitGuys produce is sourced from small family farms near our production hubs when seasonally possible. Due to seasonality and weather constraints, we are not able to source exclusively from these farms year round. To see exactly where your produce is coming from, visit The FruitGuys "What's in the Mix" page at www.fruitguys.com/mix.
- How much is a serving?
In general, we consider one piece of fruit equal to 1 serving. If we are including small citrus, like pixie tangerines, or small stone fruit, like apricots, we will include two pieces per serving. We consider 1 clam shell of berries as 2-3 servings and 1 bag of grapes as 3-4 servings depending on the variety and farmer. It is a little more difficult to generalize for vegetables as sizing can vary greatly. If you have a specific question about how much produce or how many serving sizes will be included in your mix, feel free to email info@fruitguys.com or call Customer Service at 877-387-4863 and we can provide you with more specific information.
- How much does it weigh?
The approximate weight of the 16-serving case is 10lbs and the 25-serving case is 13lbs. However, the actual weight will vary depending on the contents of your weekly mix. For example, the case will be heavier on a week when we have potatoes and broccoli than a week when have lettuce and tomatoes.
- How long does it last?
That depends on how many home cooked meals you generally make, how many people are in your household, and what produce is included. For example, if you receive berries, eat them within two to three days of receiving them. Items like potatoes or apples will last several weeks if properly stored. Preparation and storage tips for fruits and vegetables can be found in The FruitGuys Almanac. At The FruitGuys all of our employees receive a 25-serving case every week and that is sufficient for about eight to ten meals and snacks for one person and four to five meals and snacks for a two person household.
- What if I receive something damaged?
The FruitGuys have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our products. If there is ever anything wrong with the produce or the deliveries, please do not hesitate to give us a call 877-387-4863 or shoot us an email info@fruitguys.com and we will send out replacement fruit or issue you a monetary credit.
- What is the Regional TakeHome Case?
Available June through November in regions that are served by our Philadelphia and Chicago offices, the Regional TakeHome case is comprised of produce that is grown within 200 miles of Philadelphia or 200 miles of Chicago. We included this unique mix to our TakeHome products because organic produce is not as readily available as it is on the West Coast and we want to make sure customers who would rather eat local than all organic produce are able to choose an all regional mix. We will try and source as much organic regional produce as possible; however, some conventional items will be included occasionally. You can always visit the our "What's in the Mix"page at www.fruitguys.com/mix to see exactly where the produce is coming from and how it is grown.
- What is the Capay Valley FarmShare Box?
Available only in California’s San Francisco Bay area, The Capay Valley FarmShare Box is hand-packed by a collective of farmers in the Capay Valley region of Northern California and is truly farm direct. The majority of the farms employ organic farming practices; however, this box is not 100% certified organic and predominantly includes vegetables with some fruits included when available.
Delivery Questions
- Where do you deliver?
The FruitGuys delivers fruit nationwide Monday through Friday. Any products containing vegetables are only available for delivery on Thursdays. We offer free shipping to many areas and are able to deliver to offices, schools and homes.
- Can I get delivery to my home?
Yes, we can deliver directly to homes; however, our preference is always to deliver to a location where we know that someone is available to receive the boxes. Delivering to the office ensures that the produce will be in a monitored and temperature controlled location. If someone at home is available to receive the delivery and bring it inside, the produce will fare much better than if it is left outside until after work. Our drivers do not require a signature and will leave the boxes outside if no one is home. Some of the challenges we have faced with home deliveries in the past are as follows:- The driver can’t access the building (because of an external gate)
- The produce is wilted by the time someone gets home (from excessive heat or humidity in the summer time)
- The produce is damaged or frozen (from excessive cold or rain)
- There is nowhere to leave the box (apartments with a locked front door and no vestibule)
- Insects have gotten inside the box (if it’s left outside on the ground for an extended period of time)
- Someone has taken the box (if it’s left outside a front door in a high traffic area)
- Do I have to be home to receive the delivery?
No, none of our couriers require a signature for delivery and will leave boxes outside of a suite door, in front of an office door, or near the front door of a home if no one is available.
- Where are the TakeHome cases delivered?
If you are getting your delivery at work, your box should be delivered similar to any other package or flower delivery you may receive. If you are in an office where many people receive TakeHome deliveries, our drivers will bring all of the boxes for delivery to your office and leave them in a central location. Some companies have the driver come in through the loading dock and they handle distribution to employees internally. Other companies have the boxes delivered to a reception desk, mail room, or a centralized space and employees must pick them up on their own. If you are not sure about where deliveries are made at your company, contact Customer Service at 877-387-4863 or info@fruitguys.com and we will do our best to assist you.
- What time should I expect the boxes?
All of our deliveries are guaranteed by 5:00 pm; however, the majority of our deliveries are completed by 3:00 pm. If your company or mail room closes before 5:00 pm on Thursdays, please let us know and we will try to accommodate an earlier delivery time.
- How do I know when the TakeHome cases have arrived at work?
Once the boxes are delivered, we consider it the employees’ responsibility to pick them up from the designated location. Most employees pick up their box at the end of the work day on Thursdays. In most offices, boxes that are not picked up by Friday afternoon (from Thursday delivery) will be discarded or donated. Since we ship fresh, organic produce including leafy greens, it should be brought home and properly stored as soon as possible to prevent spoilage.
- How do I return the boxes?
The FruitGuys boxes are available for pick-up and reuse in most areas. Simply leave your box out the day of your delivery and the driver will return it to our warehouse when he brings you your new box. If you are having any trouble getting your boxes picked up, or if you are not sure if box pick-ups are available in your area, just email info@fruitguys.com or call Customer Service at 877-378-4863 and we will assist you.
- What days are the TakeHome cases delivered?
Vegetables are currently available for Thursday delivery only, which is when the majority of the TakeHome cases are delivered. However, the all fruit cases are available for delivery Monday through Friday depending on your location.
- Is my name listed on the box?
Yes, recipient’s names are indicated on the label on the outside and inside of the box.
Billing Questions
- How do I pay?
The FruitGuys TakeHome case requires a credit card for payment and we accept Visa, American Express, and Master Card. Unfortunately we do not accept checks for this product and our delivery drivers will not accept cash upon delivery. Once we have your credit card information, we will automatically charge your card for each delivery.
- When will I be charged?
The FruitGuys charge credit cards one business day before delivery and your bank should reflect the posting either the same day or the next business day depending on the bank.
Scheduling Questions
- How do I adjust my order?
Unfortunately, we are not able to take any cancellations or changes on our website. Instead, please email info@fruitguys.com or call Customer Service at 877-378-4863 at least 2 days before your next delivery and we will adjust your order.
- I am going on vacation, how do I cancel a delivery?
If you need to cancel a delivery, put an account on hold, or cancel a subscription, please email info@fruitguys.com or call Customer Service at 877-378-4863 at least 2 days before your next delivery and we can make any changes you need. Please note that changes and cancellations cannot be made on the website. You can also choose to redirect your case to a non-profit organization through The FruitGuys Donate-a-Crate program.
- Can I make changes online?
Unfortunately, you are not able to make any changes or cancellations on our website. Simply email info@fruitguys.com or call Customer Service at 877-378-4863 and we will be happy to assist you.
- What if I don’t receive my box?
If you cannot locate your delivery or if you have not received your delivery, please call or email customer service and we will do our best to locate your box and if necessary issue any replacements or refunds.
Enjoy and be fruitful!
1-877-Fruit-Me, info@fruitguys.com
