Are Catalogs Still Necessary?
Penny asks:
“I know that people want to feel and touch a catalog, but making one for my gift basket business is a huge expense. Do I really need a catalog?”
It’s true that customers still want to receive a catalog by mail or walk away from your display with something concrete in hand. This marketing tool validates your business in their minds over a competitor that does not have such materials. It also confirms to them that you are in business for the long run.
When you decided to start a business, your business plan is where you mapped out the marketing strategy. What marketing literature did you choose to create for face-to-face and mail distribution? Look at your plan to refresh your mind on what methods you selected.
If catalogs were not part of the initial plan, perhaps postcards and flyers are on the list. They serve as catalogs in a condensed format, as postcards and flyers include images and text similar to a multi-page catalog.
Here’s a page that shows you options for creating a catalog whether now or in the future.
It’s okay not to have a full-blown catalog similar to what major retailers distribute as part of their marketing campaign. Pick an alternative, but be sure to pick something to print and distribute so prospects and customers remember you.
Three Ways to Get People to Leave Messages by Phone
Jennifer asks:
How can I get people to leave me a phone message if I’m unable to answer right away? I work a full-time job and can’t afford to hire an answering service. What are my options?
This problem has and will continue to plague our industry, and it’s a question I answered previously in How to Answer the Phone When You’re Not There.
In addition to what’s shared in that response, here are three more solutions.
- Don’t expect every hangup to be a lost order. Telemarketers are busily manning their phones making calls at all hours of the day and night. Many of the hangups may be from them.
- Forward your business line to an at-home person whom you can trust to answer professionally and without background distractions (television, children, pets, people). Your phone service provider charges a nominal fee for this, but a few months of this service will let you know if it’s worth keeping.
- Record an insightful message on your voice mail informing callers how long a time they can expect to receive a return call, along with other details about your business that encourages them to leave a message.
These are three methods designers count on to capture new sales when they cannot immediately answer the phone. I know that at least one idea is right for you.
Designers: Do you have another option to share? Please tell us about it in the comments section.
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How Do I Market My Gift Baskets?
Edith asks:
“How do I market my gift baskets? I can design but am not sure how to sell.”
There are three parts to my answer.
1. When you originally decided to start a gift basket business, who was your target customer? In other words, what made you decide to get into this business?
Whoever was sharing their gift-finding problem with you is a good start to recognizing your target market.
2. Where’s the best place to reach your market (the people who will buy from you)? Is it in magazines, at networking events, or through social media?
The people in your target market will share their activities with you so that your marketing messages reach them. Your customers are probably similar to those served by other gift basket designers, and you’ll find their solutions in the book 101 Ways to Market Your Gift Baskets.
3. Take advantage of appointments set up with independent professionals such as accountants and educators.
After speaking with them about the main reason for the meeting, you can turn the tables at the end by talking about your business and how your gift baskets benefit their lifestyles.
Related Questions:
Getting Corporate Clients to Order
How to Market Gift Baskets for Men
How Do I Get Customers for My Home-Based Business?
