Where to Buy Products Before You’re Able to Buy from Wholesalers
Posted on January 13, 2011
Filed Under Products and Supplies | Comments Off
Rain asks:
“What are the main places that I can get supplies if I’m not yet in business but want to buy quality products?”
In this situation, when you’re preparing to start your business and don’t yet have the forms and applications processed and approved by your state government or country officials, the main places to find supplies are at the locations where consumers normally shop.
This includes:
- Supermarket
- Specialty shops
- Discount stores
- Beverage depots
- Strip and indoor malls
Buying products and supplies at these shopping facilities means that you’ll pay regular retail prices, except in places where merchandise is discounted or on sale, but this is not a negative situation.
You’ll be able to test your gift-basket making expertise, with help from gift basket videos and class tutorials, while waiting for governmental paperwork to arrive. That will give you time to practice the creative side of business while your administrative documents are being delivered.
How to Customize Baskets and Containers
Posted on December 29, 2010
Filed Under Design Tips | 2 Comments
Brandy asks:
“How can I customize some of the baskets and alternative containers I use to build gift baskets?”
There are several methods available to customize these vessels.
Baskets can be sprayed with non-toxic paint to change the wood color or style. For a Mother’s Day event, I spray painted numerous baskets before bringing them to Macy’s to create gift baskets for customers and topping them with matching bows.
Boxes can also be sprayed, but it may be better to cover the thin cardboard material with light cloth and tacking it down on the inside with glue. One designer I met in the 1990s mastered this technique with great results.
Some home decor shops will provide you with more ideas on customizing your baskets and containers, and the photographs at BasketsGiftBaskets.com may also be helpful.
If you’re a designer who specializes in customizing your vessels, what advice can you share with us?
Three Tips to Make Spa Gift Baskets
Posted on December 2, 2010
Filed Under Design Tips | Comments Off
Jamie asks:
Are there tips you can give me about making spa gift baskets?
Creating gift baskets with soaps, scrubs, and other skin soothing products is similar to making baskets filled with food. However, there are certain methods to making these specialty gifts that are different than the basic snack assortments.
1. Try not to combine too many fragrances in one basket. Two or three at the most are agreeable without too many scents clashing.
2. Baskets are a terrific vessel. Also, look for miniature claw tubs and other containers that can be found through many of our favorite local and national wholesalers.
3. Don’t shy away from the high-end products that ladies and men appreciate. There are times when lower-priced spa baskets are appropriate, but when it comes to pampering, customers and receivers want to see lavish items, such as products you’ll find on the Organic Wholesale Supplies site that cannot be found everywhere.
I remember seeing the first spa gift baskets ever photographed, which appeared in a New York-based magazine back in the early 1930s and cost less than $25 for a grand basket given to a family of four. Since then we’ve come a long way in product selection and price. I know your spa gift baskets will be everything your customers want, and they’ll also return to buy more.
