What’s the First Step Before Making a Gift Basket?
Dawn asks:
“I’m ready to start making gift baskets. Is there one thing to do before I start that’s more important than anything else?”
The one thing to do before you buy a basket or bag of shred is to know if making gift baskets will be your hobby or a profession.
That one decision will determine how much you buy, if you’ll set up a workspace, and whether or not marketing will be part of your overall plan.
Going the hobby or profession route will also let you decide how much money you’ll invest.
If this is a hobby, you’ll make gift baskets for special occasions and buy products from retailers to create each design.
If this is a profession, setting up a dedicated workspace is the encouraged along with buying products from wholesale sources.
Click this link for tips on making gift baskets as a business.
Making gift baskets as a hobby or profession is a talent. Both options helps you to decide how far with that talent you’re willing to go.
How to Find Space to Store Gift Basket Products
Millie asks:
How can I store gift basket-making items if I live in a small apartment with limited space?
You need to look at the space you have and ask yourself, “Where can I make sacrifices in order to successfully start my business?”
That means stacking and/or purging home items together to make space in closets and on shelves where home products are stored now.
Since I cannot see your space, as I can with clients who speak with me through Skype, you’ll have to decide which areas in your home can be converted to hold products and supplies. Also, look up and down for storage space above cabinets and beneath furniture.
Your passion for this creative business will lead you to find space where you didn’t know it exists.
How to Not Let Criticism Stop You from Making Gift Baskets
Arlene asks:
“Every time I make a gift basket someone insults it saying it doesn’t look good. What can I do to build my confidence?”
Every new designer goes through this rite of passage, including me when I started. Our minds tell us we’re not good artists. Combine that with friends and family members adding a dose of “you’re not talented,” and it’s enough to make you stop trying.
Here are some suggestions to prepare you for this long and rewarding profession.
1. Don’t listen to anyone’s critique unless they are a person who participates in the industry.
2. Make sure you understand and practice the art of gift basket making by watching and following instructions available through online videos and DVDs offered by mail.
3. Look at gift baskets for sale at local retailers and review their techniques, not to copy but to see similarities in their and your designs.
Take your time developing your gift basket making style, and very soon your confidence will be unshakable.
