Ask The Gift Basket Expert

How to Start a Gift Basket Business on a Tight Budget

Shirley George Frazier — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:11:04 +0000

Amanda asks:

“How do I start a gift basket business when I’m on a budget and don’t have a lot of money to buy what’s needed?“

It’s true that the business of gift baskets requires that you invest in a considerable amount of inventory.

However, many industry participants began their businesses with a tight and lean product assortment, allowing them to make a specific number of every day gift baskets to market their businesses. This allowed them to promote, sell their designs, and gradually buy more products and offer more variety.

This is how you start on a budget. Here are the main tips.

1. Determine who will buy your gift baskets so you know where to market.
2. Decide which types of gift baskets you’ll make so you purchase the right inventory.
3. Research where to buy products so you select high-quality items at the lowest prices.
4. Set up your workspace in a room that’s already paid for with rent or mortgage monies.
5. Invest in business cards and postcards for marketing purposes as well as a blog or social media page.

Focus on these five steps, and you will accomplish what many of us experience now — gift basket businesses that provide us with satisfaction as it satisfies the personal and professional needs of our customers.

© 2008-2010 Shirley George Frazier. All rights reserved. Shirley George Frazier is recognized as the leading authority on the gift basket industry. She is author of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, The Gift Basket Design Book, and Marketing Strategies for the Home-Based Business. Visit GiftBasketBusiness.com for videos, CDs, reports, tips, online newsletter, and much more to learn, grow, and profit with gift baskets.

How to Get a Corporate Account that’s New to the Area

Shirley George Frazier — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:53:54 +0000

Carissa asks:

“What is the best way to contact executives at a company that’s new in town? I want to make them my customer before they start buying from another gift basket company.”

One way that’s proved both popular and successful with other designers is to send the top executive a letter welcoming him and his staff to the area.

Consider sending a low-priced, yet high-quality gift basket as a follow-up one week later.

There are other ways to get their attention and account whether you send the gift basket or decide not to.

Monitor the chamber of commerce to learn if executives join so you can meet them there.
Review the local newspaper for several weeks for any announcements about the firm.
Ask colleagues and clients if they know anyone who works at the company.

Remember that you not only want to contact the executives but also want to be armed with information that lets you provide them with reasons why your gift baskets are important to their success.

I have a good feeling that your being proactive will encourage this company to become your customer.

Are Catalogs Still Necessary?

Shirley George Frazier — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:38:37 +0000

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.

How to Not Let Criticism Stop You from Making Gift Baskets

Shirley George Frazier — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:04:35 +0000

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.

How Do I Pick My Name?

Shirley George Frazier — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:17:04 +0000

Amanda asks: “I can’t think of a name for my gift basket business, and it’s driving me crazy! How to you figure out what to call yourself?”

Choosing a name for your gift basket business or any business is critically important to your overall success, so your dilemma is a good one because you’re not taking this step lightly.

Selecting a name is very personal. At the same time you want it to sound right, feel right, and easily roll off the customer’s tongue when they say it.

Here are three things to consider as you decide what to name your business.

1. Will the name include your name?

Amanda’s Amazing Baskets and Amazing Baskets by Amanda are examples of adding your name so that customers know instantly who is creating their designs. If you prefer to not have your name in the title…

2. Will the name highlight what you create?

Glamorous Gifts and Glamorous Gift Baskets are examples of highlighting what your business is all about. Some designers prefer to include the word “gifts” or “baskets” to let customers know, in an instant, what they make. Perhaps you want to be more neutral…

3. Will the name be both interesting and obscure?

Creative Occasions and Distinct Impressions are example names that are keeping in line with a gift-giving theme without actually saying that you make gift baskets. Sometimes such a name is valid because you plan to go beyond gift basket making and provide customers with all types of all-occasion gifts.

These questions probably don’t make your name selection easier, but they do point you in the right direction to decide which type of name is best.

The article, How to Name Your Gift Basket Business, will provide more insight. Best of all, once you choose your perfect name, you’ll celebrate by telling everyone and marketing your business worldwide.

Ask The Gift Basket Expert

How to Start a Gift Basket Business on a Tight Budget

Related posts:

How to Get a Corporate Account that’s New to the Area

Related posts:

Are Catalogs Still Necessary?

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How to Not Let Criticism Stop You from Making Gift Baskets

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How Do I Pick My Name?

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