Must All Gift Baskets be Wrapped?
Posted on November 20, 2009
Filed Under Design Tips | 3 Comments
Tanya asks:
My customers want to see what’s inside of the gift basket before they buy it, and this costs me money because I have to take the cellophane wrapping off the gift, which wastes money since I have to re-wrap it.
Now I’m wondering if my gift baskets have to be wrapped in the first place. Is there a rule that says it has to be wrapped?
You’ve not explained the environment where you are selling gift baskets.
If you are in a retail shop, it’s best not to cellophane or shrink wrap gift baskets placed on store shelves.
An unwrapped example allows customers to see exactly what they’re receiving and the styling that complements it. This is the way most retailers display everyday and custom designs.
You’ll see a quick-and-easy cellophane wrapping technique in this video:
Additional help is found on the CellophaneWrapTips.com site.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule that states gift baskets must be wrapped. However, each design is enclosed in cellophane, a basket bag or shrink wrap before delivery whether by courier or worldwide shipper. That rule stands in terms of security and overall presentation when delivered to the recipient.
How to Answer the Phone When You’re Not There
Posted on November 5, 2009
Filed Under Business Basics | Leave a Comment
Sheila asks:
“I have a gift basket business and work elsewhere until I make enough money to work on gift baskets full time. Since I can’t answer the phone during the day, what are my options to get orders from people who call me when I’m not there?”
This is a long-standing dilemma, not just for designers but for anyone who’s building a business while employed full time. Thankfully, there is one solution that working designers consider as ideal.
That solution is to transfer the line during the time you are not available to a trusted person who will answer the phone in a professional manner.
The word “trusted” means that you have interviewed this assistant, provided him or her with scripts based on various scenarios, and have completed “telephone role play” to test their skills.
This person may be a neighbor, relative, stay-at-home mom, senior citizen, or someone who’s currently unemployed.
Sending calls to your voice mail is still an option, but it’s one that bothers many designers due to frequent hang-ups. In my experience, if a person did not leave a message, it was either a telemarketer, a competitor, or someone who didn’t qualify to be my client.
The article, Hiring a Virtual Assistant, provides great tips for finding a qualified helper.
You will find an assistant to monitor your telephone, and when you do, it will slowly and steadily increase your sales so that you can operate your gift basket business full time.
How Do I Increase My Gift Basket Business Success?
Posted on October 28, 2009
Filed Under Business Basics | Leave a Comment
Teri asks:
“I’m just starting my gift basket business and am concerned about succeeding. The economy is making me nervous. What must I do to ensure my long-term success?”
There have been many changes in this industry due to worldwide economic changes. Wholesalers and retailers have closed their doors, but this situation isn’t different than in other industries, and many more gift basket business participants are still in business than have left.
Your best defense to ensure your longevity is to:
1. Create a vision for your business right now, at the beginning, realizing that it’s a business and not a hobby. You’ll put long hours into your success, so be prepared.
2. Understand your target market. Know who they are, what problems they face, and how you’ll position your business to be part of the solution.
3. Invest in your education, both about the gift basket industry and your customers‘ industries. Know these areas inside and out, as this will help you see opportunities that competitors don’t realize until it’s too late.
You have the ability to thrive in any economy, including this one, and many designers are doing just that. Follow what I’ve explained above, and you’ll join them in increasing your success every day.
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