Edible Arrangements
BackEdible Arrangements on Corporate Boulevard in Baton Rouge presents itself as a vibrant and appealing alternative to traditional gift-giving. The core concept is strong: beautifully crafted fruit bouquets, decadent chocolate covered strawberries, and a variety of other fresh fruit treats designed to celebrate special occasions or simply brighten someone's day. The company's official description promises freshly-crafted gifts using high-quality fruit, and they have expanded their offerings to include on-the-go items like fresh fruit smoothies, salads, and donuts, positioning themselves as a source for healthy snacks. However, the customer experience at this specific location appears to be deeply fractured, creating a significant gap between the company's promise and the reality of its service.
With a strikingly low overall rating of 2.4 stars from nearly 200 reviews, a clear pattern of significant operational issues emerges. Prospective customers should be aware that the challenges reported are not isolated incidents but recurring themes that point to systemic problems, primarily revolving around delivery, customer communication, and quality control.
The Core of the Problem: Delivery and Logistics
The most frequently and passionately cited issue is the delivery service. Numerous accounts from customers, many of whom are ordering from out-of-state to surprise loved ones in Baton Rouge, detail a frustrating and unreliable process. A common complaint involves arrangements being left on a recipient's front porch without any notification—no knock, no doorbell ring, and no follow-up phone call. In the Louisiana heat, this is a critical failure. One customer recounted how a gift sat outside in over 90-degree weather for more than three hours, its condition upon discovery being a major concern. Another detailed a similar experience where, despite specific requests for a delivery time and a follow-up call, the expensive arrangement was abandoned on the porch to endure the heat.
Further complicating matters are instances of complete delivery failure. One reviewer shared the disappointment of a birthday gift never arriving at all. When they followed up, they were informed that the store uses a third-party delivery service, which seemed to be the source of the breakdown. This reliance on an external service appears to create a accountability vacuum, where the store has limited direct control or knowledge of the delivery's status once it leaves their premises, leaving customers without their product or clear answers.
A Breakdown in Communication and Customer Service
Compounding the delivery woes is a severe communication deficit. Customers repeatedly describe being given assurances by staff that are not fulfilled. Promises to deliver by a certain time or to have the driver contact the recipient are made but then disregarded. This lack of follow-through is a major source of frustration and erodes trust. For someone sending a gift for a specific event like a birthday or Boss's Day, a failed or mishandled delivery can ruin the entire sentiment.
When problems arise, reaching a resolution is another hurdle. One customer has been waiting for a promised refund for a non-delivered item, and despite multiple calls and assurances, the issue remained unresolved. Another reviewer, trying to rectify a late delivery, was met with a series of excuses, including the youth of the staff and a shortage of drivers, rather than a proactive solution. This suggests a potential lack of training and empowerment among employees to effectively handle customer complaints.
Questionable Quality Control
Even when a delivery is eventually made, the product itself can be a source of disappointment. One particularly telling review described an order that arrived a day late with warm, melting chocolate covered strawberries. To make matters worse, the arrangement included balloons for the wrong occasion—Mother's Day balloons for a birthday gift. This indicates a profound lack of attention to detail and a failure in the quality control process. The fact that at least two people, the preparer and the driver, would have seen this error and let it proceed suggests a disconnect from the company's goal of creating a special experience for the recipient.
A Glimmer of Excellence: The Exception to the Rule
Despite the overwhelming number of negative experiences, it is important to note that exceptional service is not impossible at this location. One glowing five-star review stands in stark contrast to the others, highlighting a specific employee, Mr. Ryant Piper, who went above and beyond. In this case, a delivery was delayed, but instead of making excuses, this employee took personal responsibility. He upgraded the order at no charge, personally called the recipient to coordinate a convenient delivery time, and ensured the gift arrived, turning a potential negative experience into a memorable example of outstanding customer care. This specific instance demonstrates that the potential for high-quality service exists within the store, but it appears to be dependent on the initiative of an individual employee rather than a consistently implemented standard of operation.
for Potential Customers
For those considering ordering from the Edible Arrangements at 5720 Corporate Blvd, caution is strongly advised. The appeal of their healthy gift baskets and visually stunning fresh fruit arrangements is undeniable. However, the risk of a poor experience, particularly with delivered items, is substantial. The extensive and consistent negative feedback regarding failed deliveries, poor communication, and product quality issues cannot be overlooked. The low 2.4-star rating is a data point that accurately reflects the common customer sentiment.
If you are set on purchasing from this store, opting for in-person curbside pickup may be a much safer alternative to delivery. This eliminates the risk associated with the unreliable third-party delivery service and allows you to inspect the quality and accuracy of your order before leaving. While the story of one employee's excellent service provides a glimmer of hope, the weight of evidence suggests that relying on this location for a timely and correctly executed delivery is a significant gamble.