To remain in integrity demands considerable ongoing observation and reflection as well as the courage to make changes when new information indicates the need.

Last year, we made a significant change to our bars. We reformatted their shape, size, and recipe. We increased the botanicals and reduced the price per ounce: our 1.8oz bars ($8.99) are now 1.1oz bars ($4.99). This was possible thanks to an efficiency I discovered in the bar pouring process.

We have been so glad for the positive response - it seems you are very happy with the changes we've made.

And now, for another.

Always reflecting on our practices and philosophies, and what we believe is best for our ChocoLovers and those of the marketplace at large, we zeroed in on one of the most important elements of business: pricing.

Mamma Wonka and I have decided to take a stand against the very manipulative pricing tactic, called "charm pricing."

Also known as “psychological pricing,” charm pricing refers to a retail price ending in .99, .97, or .95. This is a psychological trick used by the majority of retailers to give the perception that a product is cheaper than it actually is, thus tricking the consumer into thinking s/he is spending less than they truly are, encouraging a purchase.

Charm pricing is symptomatic of why the social contract is continually - and increasingly - broken, and is something I condemn in the strongest terms.

We have therefore re-priced virtually every Gnosis offering, often reducing where possible.

For example,

Our elixirs, once $12.99, are now $12.50
Our bars are now $5 or $5.50
Our new Cup of Love Mugs are $20, not $19.99
Last year, our 14 Days of Love Valentine's Day Advents were $56.99. This year, they are $55.
We have priced our new Purses of Love at $30 instead of $29.99
And our best-selling Golden Brick, once $6.99, is now $6.50

Our prices are straightforward and communicate the true cost of the item. They do not insult your intelligence or make your brain jump through hoops.

Charm pricing preys on the brain's tendency to read from left to right. We do not prey on or trick our customers.

Because we make all our chocolates 100% by hand in micro batches, and do not cut a single corner with regards to ingredient and packaging supply - purchasing from companies who share our values, many of them family owned businesses, we are not playing the same game as many other companies. We do not use machines to speed up the process and charge a higher markup just so we can put them “on sale.” There is much more to say about sustainable pricing in the food industry… for another time.

Gnosis is for those who value quality over all else, presented in the most creative and inspiring forms, with nutrition and flavor as equal partners, and all of it wrapped with care for mother Nature and commitment to the highest values, lovingly made by hand.

Eliminating “charm pricing” is another statement of our philosophy and our commitment to all that is good, honest, true, and delicious.

Pricing with Integrity