1. What is the Best Friends Club & why join?
What is the Best Friends Club (BFC)?
The Best Friends Club is our official membership for lovers of Charlie Bears, offering exclusive benefits, early access, and the opportunity to purchase special members-only bears throughout the year.
Why does the Best Friends Club exist?
The Best Friends Club was created to enhance and elevate your Charlie Bears experience with free shipping, early access, exclusive characters, and meaningful year-round benefits that celebrate your love of Charlie Bears.
Who is the Best Friends Club for?
It’s for anyone who enjoys Charlie Bears-whether you’re brand new or have been collecting for years. If you love discovering new characters, collecting exclusives, and staying close to our latest news and releases, you’ll feel right at home.
2. Membership benefits
What benefits are included in the Best Friends Club membership?
As a member, you’ll enjoy a range of exclusive perks, including:
Shopping perks
- Unlimited free UK standard delivery* on every order (*T&Cs apply)
- Subsidised international shipping
- £20 off your next order when you spend £20+
- Early access to our annual sale
Exclusive bears & experiences
- The chance to adopt 6 exclusive collectable characters
- Early access to releases via our ballot system
- Automatic entry into members-only prize draws
Gifts & surprises
- A surprise welcome gift (Cuddle Cub Scorch)
- A 2026 members pin badge
- Milestone gifts for long-standing members
- A birthday card and Christmas message from Charlie & Will
Community & content
- A subscription to The Chronicle (members-only newsletter)
- Early preview of upcoming collections + 2027 catalogue
- First news of upcoming CBTV appearances
- Access to the Secret Cupboard Facebook group
- Complimentary entry to the Bearhouse Gallery in Launceston
Do benefits stay the same every year?
We’re always looking for ways to improve the club, so benefits may vary slightly from year to year.
Do members receive anything for birthdays or special occasions?
Yes! Members receive a signed birthday card from Charlie, plus a Christmas message each year.
3. How membership works
When does the membership year begin and end?
Membership runs on a fixed annual cycle from 1st May to 30th April each year, regardless of when you join.
How are BFC exclusive bears released?
Exclusive bears are offered to members throughout the year using a fair ballot system.
How does the ballot system work?
- Register your interest via the form provided
- Entries are randomly selected
- Successful members receive an email with a purchase link
Does registering early improve my chances?
No-all valid entries within the registration window are treated equally.
If I submit multiple registrations, do I have a better chance?
No-multiple entries won’t increase your chances.
How will I know if I’ve been selected?
You’ll receive an email with details on how to complete your purchase.
What happens if I’m not selected?
If you’re not selected in the first round, your interest will remain active. Additional rounds may take place if bears are still available.
Do I need to be a member to buy exclusive bears?
Yes, exclusive bears are only available to active members during the initial release period. If any remain after this exclusive period (around 3 months), they may be released more widely.
4. Joining, renewal & pricing
How much is membership?
£20 for UK members or £25 for international members.
Do international members receive free shipping?
UK members receive free standard delivery on all orders. International members receive a subsidised shipping discount, which can be applied at checkout. Shipping costs and any import duties may vary depending on location.
How do I join or renew?
You can join or renew online at any time during the membership year.
Do I need to renew every year?
Yes-membership does not renew automatically, so you’ll need to renew each year to continue enjoying the benefits.
What happens if I renew later in the year?
You’re welcome to join at any time, but some benefits or opportunities may have already passed.
5. Offers, gifts & experience
How does the £20 member discount work?
Members receive a one-time £20 discount code, valid on orders over £20 (product subtotal). The code must be used before its expiry date and does not apply to shipping costs.
Will I receive emails and updates?
You’ll receive important membership and service updates. You can also opt in separately to receive marketing emails for additional news, offers, and releases.
What is The Chronicle?
The Chronicle is our members-only newsletter, keeping you up to date with:
- Latest news
- Upcoming releases
- Behind-the-scenes updates
How do I join the Secret Cupboard Facebook Group?
Simply scan the QR code in your membership pack, request to join, and answer the group questions. Once approved, you’ll be welcomed into the community.
Can I buy membership as a gift?
Yes! When purchasing, please include the recipient’s details so they can receive all membership benefits.
6. Support & logistics
How do I access my free or discounted shipping?
Make sure you’re logged into your account when placing an order. UK free shipping will apply automatically, while international members can enter their shipping code at checkout.
I haven’t received my membership confirmation-what should I do?
Please check your junk/spam folder first. If you still haven’t received anything, contact our customer service team at headbear@charliebears.com.
How long will my membership pack take to arrive?
We aim to dispatch within 2 days. During busy periods, please allow up to 10 working days. Delivery times begin from dispatch.
Can I cancel or refund my membership?
Memberships are non-refundable due to personalised and time-sensitive benefits. This does not affect your statutory rights.
Can I share my membership with someone else?
Membership benefits are linked to the registered members and are non-transferable.
Who do I contact if I need help?
If your question isn’t covered here, please contact headbear@charliebears.com and our team will be happy to help.
7. Additional information
Where can I find the full terms?
You can view the full Best Friends Club Terms & Conditions on our website via the footer link.
Quick things to know before joining
- Membership runs on a fixed annual cycle
- Some benefits are time-sensitive
- Exclusive bears are offered via a ballot system and are not guaranteed
- Benefits may vary slightly each year
