Ask Questions Before You Begin Designing
Asking your client questions about each recipient is crucial during the presentation.
As soon as the client says “yes” to your suggestions, it’s time to begin learning all about the person who will receive the gift basket.
One customer who ordered from me last year is the director of a day care program. She purchased 25 gifts housed in red drums, one each for members of her staff.
I asked her about each person’s age, marital status, favorite colors, and allergies. She knows their preferences and was able to provide me with answers in order to customize each gift perfectly.
The containers were similar, but each design was unique. Everyone shouted with joy when they saw their special gift.
When you get the order, ask as many questions as possible about the recipient so that you not only fulfill the first order but continue to be the client’s gift provider.
Ten Steps to Become a Successful Gift Basket Designer shares more helpful hints to satisfy every customer.
How to Make Wise Decisions Before You Buy
How do designers spend all of their cash before making one sale? By buying merchandise on impulse.
I had the same problem when I opened for business. When I saw certain products, I bought all available stock. I had to have it.
Years later, some of the same products sat on my shelves. It was dusty, unattractive, and could not be sold because it was too old, a total waste of money.
That lesson taught me to ask myself a question before buying merchandise: “Which of my designs will sell this product?”
If I could not answer the question, I didn’t buy it.
Consider this before spending your precious cash.
1. Review your cellophane and ribbon inventory. I know some designers with enough of each to open their own store. Do you really need another roll?
2. Resist the urge to buy clearance items. There’s a reason that another business cannot sell these products. Will it sell for you?
3. Repurpose your own merchandise. If plush toys or tea cups don’t sell in one theme, either give it away as a promotional item or sell it as a standalone gift. Repurposing won’t always work, so think long and hard before buying.
The bear in the above photograph was unsellable in my get well baskets, but they were a hit in the Valentine’s Day and my “I can’t bear to be without you” designs. This is an example of repurposing that worked.
Think, think, buy.
How to Choose Beautiful Baskets
Baskets reign as the most-recognizable vessel in our industry.
Containers, boxes, wire-framed items and more also keep contents intact, but the basket is what’s made this business great.
That’s why designers are so choosy about sizes, colors, shapes, and pricing. It’s all to make sure that our customers and recipients are pleased with what they give and receive.
We’re also very careful to find the best basket sources in the closest locations. If you’re located 3,000 miles away from the supplier, shipping charges will be a sizable cost. But if you happen to live close to a facility, the cost per basket will stay low. That’s a big part of the profit potential.
When you travel to trade shows in the coming weeks, my hope is that the basket styles you see in the aisles match what will please your customers.
I’ll be searching for attractive, sturdy baskets at the California Gift Show and Philadelphia Gift Show next weekend when I speak at each event. You’ll find more classes on this page. Which shows do you plan to attend?
Want to know more about your basket choices? Start with this page, and also visit the baskets Web site created for you that shows empty baskets and completed designs.
Beautiful Ribbon and Bows Enhance Your Gift Baskets
Beautiful bows atop your gorgeous designs encourage prospects to become buyers. Everyone wants to know how you made the bow, but you won’t tell.
That’s a trade secret, especially if you traveled many miles like I did in the mid 1990s to learn bowmaking from the experts.
Where do you buy your ribbon? Some designers purchase from wholesale suppliers, such as the ones listed on this page and on the Gift Basket Wholesale Supplies site.
You may find ribbon manufacturers or distributors at trade shows or at local supply firms. There are many more sources, but don’t become overwhelmed. Decide which widths and patterns get the most attention, and focus on buying those styles.
Organize your ribbon so you know where to find each roll at a moment’s notice, especially if 100 rolls or more are in your inventory. Ribbon buying is a common addiction among designers. Make sure your purchases pay off in the long run.
You’ll find more information about ribbon and bows on this page.
Pets and Baskets Team Up for Charity
Do you place paw protectors on your dog to walk it during bad weather? It’s a common practice in some regions, and it’s also a question to ask customers who happen to own pets.
Look at this article from HamptonRoads.com about a pet costume contest, where the three top winners received gift baskets filled with pet products.
Learning more about your clients’ four-legged companions may get you more business. My longtime friends, Daisy (Rottweiler) and Pepper (Chow Chow) both passed away earlier this year as I stood by them, but in the healthy days, if anyone provided them with a treat, that person was in my good graces for life. Some of your clients may also see you in the same light.
1. Quickly scan the desks of corporate prospects during meetings. Are pets included in their framed pictures? If so, mention it and watch a smile light up the prospect’s face. Follow up your meeting by sending a small treat for the pet.
2. Do you hear barking, meowing, or cackling (bird) during telephone conversations? That’s a sure sign that someone else rules the roost. Ask questions about the pet (how old, birthday, favorite treat), and follow up with a pet birthday card, snack or other appropriate item.
These customer appreciation suggestions have the potential to increase your gift basket sales quicker than if you ignored clients’ pets, and it can do so without extra expense. Refer to your existing pet product inventory. Select the slow-moving items for wrapping and delivery.
If you’re just getting started in this category, the Pet Products Directory will help you quickly find popular products perfect for your gift baskets.
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