Do You Publicize the Brands in Your Baskets?
Posted on April 24, 2008
Filed Under Controversy
Carr’s crackers, David Alan Chocolatier, Neighbors Cocoa, Figi water – they’re all brand names that are popular in gift baskets.
Do you believe it’s important to tell customers, either by phone or in print, the brand names you’ve chosen to include in your designs, or is it better to not name names and keep everything generic?
Brand names are great. Products known for quality can do a lot to sell your baskets. But what if you can’t get the brand-named item because a supplier is out of stock? How do you explain it to customers?
Is it acceptable to slap a “products may change due to unavailability” notice in your store or on your site to cover the problem? Will customers be satisfied with substitutes, or will they go to the competition because you can’t deliver a brand?
Share your feelings here about whether it’s good to name brands or keep everything generic.
[tags]gift baskets business, brand name products, gift basket wholesale supplies[/tags]
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Comments
9 Responses to “Do You Publicize the Brands in Your Baskets?”
[...] What do you think about using brand names instead of keeping everything generic? Share your opinion on this controversy at Ask The Gift Basket Expert. [...]
I’m with you on keeping my product descriptions generic. There were too many times when I had to substitute products, so I didn’t want to create unhappy customers.
I do like to give some modifier to the names such as “gourmet” to coffee or “stonewheat” to crackers, but I avoid the exact brand name.
The modification of flavor and texture make perfect sense, Flora.
The same is true for products that aren’t edible. I’d often add baby wipes and ear swabs to newborn baskets without adding the manufacturer’s name (though the recipient has a good idea who made them).
I think it is very important to tell them the brands that are included.
I’m so glad you commented about this.
It seems easier for larger gift basket makers to tell customers about the included brands.
However, smaller firms are more guarded due to the consistent unavailability of products and the need to make quick, yet equal, substitutions.
Hi There Shirley!
Regarding the use of brand names for gift basket listings, I think a bit specific brand name use is a good way to go mixed in with a lot of generic descriptions.
I use brand names for speific items which are high end that I constantly keep stocked. I use generic descriptions for most of the listings.
The use of high end names adds a special status cachet to premium gift baskets.
Hi Patti,
I agree with you about mixing brand names with general descriptions and also about premium names adding status to high-end baskets.
Many times, our customers clue us in to what’s best in this balancing act.
I am inclined to agree that not stating the specific brand name in the basket is a good idea. Availability of merchandise is my main reason. As long as the quality of the generic product is almost equal to the high-end, no need to be specific.
I have had some customers tell me that they were actually pleased to try something other than what they were familiar with.
Baskets by Consuela
That’s wonderful, Consuela, to get feedback from customers who’ve tasted something new and wonderful.
I also agree that there’s no need to state every brand in your gift basket collection, as arrangements can change widely due to availability.