What See's Candies Is and How to Order
See's Candies is a chocolate and candy company that sells through physical stores and online. You can walk into a See's location, browse the display cases, and buy individual pieces or pre-made assortments. You can also order online at sees.com, choose your items, and have them shipped to your address or pick them up at a store near you.
See's has been operating since 1921 and is now owned by Berkshire Hathaway. The company makes its own chocolates and candies in-house rather than sourcing from other manufacturers. Most See's locations are in California, but the company ships nationwide and has stores in other states as well.
The main product categories are boxed chocolates, individual candies by the pound, lollipops, and seasonal items. Prices are fixed — you cannot negotiate — and the company does not run frequent sales or discount codes the way some retailers do.
Key Takeaways
- See's Candies sells chocolate and candy through physical stores and online at sees.com, with most locations in California but nationwide shipping available.
- You can buy pre-made boxes or select individual pieces and pay by the pound, with prices that stay the same year-round.
- See's makes its products in-house and does not offer frequent sales or promotional discounts.
- The company accepts standard payment methods both in-store and online, and orders ship within a few business days.
Buying in a Physical See's Store
When you enter a See's location, you will see glass display cases with individual chocolates and candies arranged by type. A staff member will help you select pieces. You can point to what you want, and they will place it in a small paper cup on a scale to weigh it. You pay by the pound for loose candy, or you can buy a pre-made box off the shelf.
Pre-made boxes come in standard sizes — typically one pound, two pounds, or larger — and are wrapped and ready to take home. The boxes have printed names like "Assorted Chocolates" or "Nuts and Chews." Prices for a one-pound box usually range from around $15 to $20, though this varies by location and current pricing.
See's also sells gift items like chocolate-covered nuts, lollipops, and seasonal specialties. During holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day, the company releases limited-edition boxes and flavors that are only available for a short time. If you want a specific seasonal item, it is worth checking early in the season because popular boxes can sell out.
Ordering Online and Shipping
On the See's website, you can browse the full catalog, add items to your cart, and check out using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. You will enter your shipping address and choose a delivery method. Standard shipping typically takes five to seven business days after your order is placed. Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee if you need your order sooner.
See's also offers in-store pickup at many locations. If you order online and select pickup, you will receive an email when your order is ready, and you can go to the store to collect it. This option is useful if you want to avoid shipping costs or need your candy on a specific date.
The website shows which items are currently in stock and which are seasonal or temporarily unavailable. Prices online are the same as in-store prices. See's does not typically offer online-only deals or discount codes, so there is no advantage to ordering one way versus another from a cost perspective.
Understanding See's Pricing and Payment
See's prices are consistent and do not change based on demand or season, though the company does introduce new seasonal items at regular intervals. A one-pound box of assorted chocolates costs roughly the same whether you buy it in January or December. This predictability means you do not have to wait for a sale — the price you see today is the price you will pay in a month.
In-store, you can pay with cash, credit card, or debit card. Online, you can use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. See's does not charge a membership fee or require you to create an account to make a purchase, though creating an account on the website lets you save your address and order history for faster checkout next time.
Shipping costs depend on the weight of your order and your location. A small box may cost $5 to $10 to ship, while a larger order could cost more. See's will show you the shipping cost before you complete your purchase, so you can see the total price including delivery.
Gift Boxes and Customization Options
See's sells pre-designed gift boxes that come wrapped and ready to give. These boxes often have themed packaging — for example, a red box for Valentine's Day or a gold box for Christmas. Gift boxes are typically more expensive than buying the same amount of candy loose or in a standard box, but they save you the step of wrapping.
You can also create a custom assortment by selecting individual pieces and having them packed into a box of your choice. In-store, you tell the staff which candies you want, and they will pack them for you. Online, you can use the "Build Your Own" feature to select specific pieces, choose a box size, and add a gift message if you want.
See's does not offer personalization like custom labels or monogramming. The customization is limited to choosing which candies go into the box and adding a printed message card.
Return and Satisfaction Policies
See's allows returns of unopened products within a reasonable timeframe. If you buy a box and it arrives damaged or you change your mind, you can return it to a store or contact customer service online to arrange a return. The exact return window varies, so check the website or ask in-store for current details.
If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact See's customer service through the website or by phone. They will typically reship the order or issue a refund. Keep your shipping box and packing materials if possible, as See's may ask you to return the damaged package.
See's does not offer refunds for personal preference — for example, if you ordered a flavor you did not like. However, if the product is defective, stale, or arrived in poor condition, the company will make it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to refrigerate See's Candies?
Most See's chocolates and candies do not require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. However, some items like chocolate-covered fruit or certain fillings may benefit from cooler storage, especially in warm weather. Check the package for storage instructions specific to what you bought.
Can I order See's Candies for delivery outside the United States?
See's ships to most U.S. addresses but does not currently ship internationally. If you need to send candy to someone outside the country, you would need to have it shipped to a U.S. address first and then arrange your own international shipping.
What is the difference between See's assorted chocolates and other box options?
Assorted boxes contain a mix of different chocolate types — dark, milk, and white chocolate with various fillings like caramel, nuts, and fruit. Other boxes focus on a single type, like "Nuts and Chews" or "Soft Centers." The assorted box is a good choice if you want variety; specialty boxes are better if you have a preference for a particular style.
Does See's offer sugar-free or dietary-specific candy?
See's does make some sugar-free products, though the selection is smaller than the regular line. Check the website or ask in-store about what is currently available. Availability of sugar-free, vegan, or other dietary options varies by location and season.
How long do See's Candies stay fresh?
Most See's chocolates and candies stay fresh for several weeks to a few months when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The exact shelf life depends on the type of candy and filling. Harder candies like lollipops last longer than soft-centered chocolates. Check the package for a best-by date.