How to Not Let Criticism Stop You from Making Gift Baskets
Posted on October 7, 2011
Filed Under Startup Help | 2 Comments
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?
Posted on September 2, 2011
Filed Under Business Basics | 4 Comments
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.
Can I Put “Not for Individual Sale” Products in My Gift Baskets?
Posted on August 5, 2011
Filed Under Products and Supplies, Wholesalers | Comments Off
Yvonne asks:
“I purchased four bags of candy that were combined in one package, and when I opened it, a label on each bag said that the product was not be to resold individually. Am I wrong to put each bag into four different gift baskets?“
Manufacturers often add such labeling to their products to persuade variety store retailers from buying certain products in bulk and then separating the product for individual sale.
If you visit flea markets or swap meets, you’ll also see “not for individual sale” labels on some products.
This is understandable. However, if you are not buying products packaged this way on a regular basis, then it’s okay to separate the products for individual inclusion in your gift baskets.
If these are edible products, make sure the expiration date is still valid, and also peel the “not for individual sale” labels from the items before including them in your gift baskets.
To buy products that are packaged and ready for resale (no extra package wrap to throw away), visit GiftBasketWholesaleSupplies.com and OrganicWholesaleSupplies.com for manufacturer and wholesale sources designers count on regularly.
