How Do I Get Customers for My Home-Based Business?
Helen asks:
I have a home based gift basket business and it has been a struggle to get customers despite trying all the techniques suggested by experts (at least most of them).
Could you please advise? i am actually considering opening a store so as to be in the public eye maybe that might help.
Thanks
Lack of customers is not a symptom of being based at home. If that were true, home-based businesses would not exist.
In addition, opening a retail store in itself will not guarantee success.
Both spaces require marketing, and without it, you’ll sell to no one.
I don’t know everything about your situation – how you’ve marketed, who your target market is, what types of online and direct mail promotion you’ve completed – all of this is important.
Simply telling someone that you have a gift basket business will not bring sales.
Are you talking to people about the time you save them from traveling to buy gifts, other buying benefits, perks/incentives you provide, how people feel when they receive your gifts and baskets, etc.?
Marketing and follow up is the key to sales success. Take a good look at your marketing plan, get advice from other business owners while networking at meetings and events, and watch how successful retailers make money.
The ebook, 101 Ways to Market Gift Baskets, also provides sound ideas for increasing sales.
All of this will guide you to make sound decisions that start the cash register ringing.
What Should I Buy to Make Gift Baskets?
Erica asks:
“I’m trying to decide what products to buy for my business, and I can’t make up my mind.
There are so many choices. I’m starting to get dizzy.
How can I choose the best products to offer my customers?”
Before you buy anything, make sure you thoroughly understand the people who will buy your gift baskets.
What are their likes and dislikes? Popcorn, nuts and chocolates are products that regularly appear in baskets, but plush animals are a specialty item. If customers aren’t the plush-loving type, buying plush will be a waste of money.
You’ll find basket ideas at the Baskets site and product/supply ideas at GiftBasketWholesaleSupplies.com.
Many designers start by buying enough inventory to make 12 baskets. Others start with more or less; it all depends on the amount of capital on hand and the initial size of your business.
Try not to buy products that you think are cute. If it’s too unique, customers won’t want it in their baskets, and that case of product will decorate your home while depleting your money.
What’s Your Brochure Question?
I covered a lot of ground this week on the GiftBasketBusiness.com blog’s Create a Brochure series this week, but you may have other questions or comments.
Let me know here if you have specific questions about creating your brochure or catalog. I may know the answer or have an idea, or you are welcomed to share your experience or answer someone’s question.
A catalog is one of the most-expensive business investments, and it’s also one that proves your commitment to clients who are ready and able to buy from you.
What’s your question?
[tags]gift baskets business, how to create a catalog, questions about gift basket brochures catalogs[/tags]
