How to Link Your Gift Baskets with Libraries
An Oklahoma library sponsored a contest through their adult reading program, and they recently awarded one of their patrons with the winning prize: “a gift basket full of books by authors with an Oklahoma connection.”
Here’s a photograph of the winner and her gift basket prize published in News-Star.com. The shrink wrap that closes the books and gifts within the basket is nice and tight.
The bow may not be the big, puffy enhancement we make, but the rectangular-shaped gift tag is very noticeable.
It’s not easy to assemble numerous books in a creative way within a basket, so the method in which books are placed inside is adequate, especially if a professional designer did not make this basket.
Libraries often sponsor events to increase readership. Does that give you any ideas on working with them to increase your promotion through their events? There may be potential depending on your region.
School is almost back in session, and that means there will be more people of all ages visiting libraries. If you think there’s a chance to gain exposure through this facility, speak with the main librarian or other person in charge to learn about events on their calendar.
Your gift basket design talent may bring you exposure through linking with a worthy institution.
Back-to-School Baskets, the short version.
Back-to-School Baskets, the long version.
Related Post: Mixing Charities with Gift Baskets
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Why Photographs Benefit Your Gift Basket Business
My camera is with me wherever I travel.
It’s easy to pull the camera from my bag and snap a photograph that’s inspiring, thought provoking, or simply sweet.
I’ll take pictures while walking in New York City, waiting in a car at a stop light, and also from hotel windows at heights that would otherwise prohibit the photo.
I even ask friends or family to take pictures of me posing with clients or baskets or both. Thanks to Flora Brown of Gift Basket Business World for snapping the above photo while I was on stage at the California Gift Show.
Most of all, I snap photos of gift baskets I display at trade shows and find in places where picture taking is permitted.
Are you this passionate about taking pictures of each design you create, of snapping photos outside of your competitor’s storefront (from a distance, please), and of creative opportunities that easily transfer to your basket design style?
The best part about today’s digital photography technology is that you can delete whatever isn’t helpful or needed, which saves money once spent to develop photos. The cheapest camera is an investment in your business longevity.
Here are two more reasons why photographs are beneficial:
A designer recently asked me about the backgrounds chosen for my gift basket pictures. Read my response at Ask The Gift Basket Expert.
Then visit the photography page for more information on choosing a camera and putting it to use.
Is your camera a faithful friend and partner, by your side wherever you travel?
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Choosing Charities to Get Your Gift Baskets
Designers frequently receive requests to donate gift baskets for raffles, auctions, and other charity-based functions.
How do you decide who will get or if you will give?
The two questions I’m often asked are:
Here are my suggestions.
1. Donate to the events that are closest to your heart, the events that align themselves with the causes in which you believe. This allows you to contact like-minded people with the highest potential to order after the event.
2. Set a limit on how much you will donate each month. When you reach that limit, tell the requesting charity, “We’ve reached our monthly donation limit.” It’s that simple.
The items that go into charity baskets depend on the event, and you can also base your selection on items you consider to be slow sellers. The article, How to Sell More by Giving Away Leftovers, will provide insight on this.
What’s your policy for handling donations?
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Gift Basket Books
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Welcome, from Shirley George Frazier
