Hotels, Agreements, and Contracts
Angel asks:
I’m in the process of confirming a deal with a local hotel in providing baskets for their VIP guests.
Do you advise a contract because the number of baskets may change from time to time?
I would like to consider them my corporate client. Please share your suggestions and comments. Thank you very much.
It’s critical that all agreements, specifically for multiple baskets or components, are sealed with a contract whether your order is with a hotel, retail store, or private firm.
Because you’re working with a hotel, this status automatically puts them into the corporate client category.
I once worked with a woman who was in charge of the entire head start program in my city. The quantity of her orders, all made for friends and family members, also placed her into corporate status because of volume and not because of her profession.
Another designer asked about contracts. You’ll find my response here.
It’s wise to consult an attorney to make sure your contract favors you in all conditions. You’ll also find contract samples in books and online, but investing in an attorney’s counsel will let you sleep at night.
How to Market Gift Baskets to Men
Karen asks:
“I have found that my customers are at approximately a 3 to 1 ratio, men over women. This just from customers walking in.
What’s the best way, and (how do I find them) to market to men?”
Have you asked your male clients:
This will provide solid clues to connect you with more of this segment so you can increase sales.
I often ask men exiting Costco with gift baskets why they chose to buy from this source. Their response, overwhelmingly, is “convenience.”
That tells me that area designers aren’t capitalizing on marketing their easy deliveries and other incentives to this segment, as price isn’t a major concern.
Costco is also mentioned in this blog article about competition.
When you survey your male clients, you will uncover the best ways to market to them.
You’ll find more sales information in articles on the Success Tips’ and Success Articles’ pages.
How to Pack a Gift Basket for Shipping
Elena asks:
“Hello. The gift basket is going to be delivered by UPS.
Should I do any special technique in assembling and preparing basket for delivery? Thanks.”
Most designers wrap completed gift baskets in bubble wrap and seal the bubble wrap ends with shipping tape before placing it into a box.
The empty spaces between the box and wrapped basket are filled with newspaper or some type of filler paper (old wrapping paper, etc.).
Some firms add Styrofoam peanuts between the box and wrapped basket, but I caution you before choosing peanuts.
Think about when you receive deliveries and peanuts are part of the package. What happens when you take the gift out of the box?
The peanuts go everywhere, and what’s worse, they break apart and magnetize onto clothing, furniture, etc. It may not leave a great impression because of the nuisance.
Also, in this environmentally-astute world, peanuts aren’t considered Earth friendly.
Good luck with this easy procedure. I know that the delivery will be well received by the recipient.
Gift Basket Biz Plan
Featured Book
Gift Basket Books
-
