Why Didn’t People Buy My Gift Baskets?
Posted on February 4, 2011
Filed Under Sales and Marketing | Comments Off
Rachel asks:
“Last week I set up my first gift basket display at a craft show. I was so excited until everyone around me was selling, but I wasn’t. What did I do wrong, and what can I do in the future to get people to buy?”
There are some details omitted from your question that keep me from fully answering without all the facts. I do, however, understand this dilemma. My gift basket business launch was also at a craft show, and when the day ended, I went home with all of my baskets in tow. Nothing sold, and here’s why.
1. Gift baskets and craft shows usually don’t mix. People are looking for handmade dolls, candles, and other individual items for themselves and their homes. Gift baskets aren’t on buyers’ minds.
2. Craft shows are a place where I was able to sell expiring merchandise in tote bags that, like the items being sold around me, people personally wanted.
3. The people who are best suited to buy gift baskets didn’t attend the event where I exhibited. It simply was not the right place to meet my customers.
I’m glad to have spent a low amount of money (about $60) to learn early in my gift basket career where my customers are not hanging out so that I could move forward to find them elsewhere. It’s a lesson, along with solutions, I share with students in my new online course, Start Your Own Gift Basket Business. Take your experience as a lesson, and begin focusing on exactly who buys and where they’re located.
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?
