Gift Basket Classes – Where Are They?
Looking for instruction? A Massachusetts-based teacher plans to conduct a gift basket class on October 25. You’ll see information about it in SouthCoastToday.com.
I’m not familiar with this instructor, so I have no idea if she will show the intricate design techniques to make a professional basket or simply have students line products into a basket without stabilization. I have a feeling that students will be part of the latter.
I’ve been asked numerous times why classes aren’t taught in more locations. There are at least two reasons for this.
1. Designers are too busy in business and not willing to share their secrets. If this is you, I understand. It takes a lot of time and determination to master design techniques and build a roster of clients. It’s something you cannot just give away.
2. Not everyone is a teacher. What’s done in a studio isn’t always translated well in a classroom setting.
Here’s my roster of upcoming classes, listed by demonstration, participatory events, and trade shows. You’ll see that most classes are in my area, but I often travel to other locations to show techniques and distribute supplies.
I hope to add your local area to this roster in the future.
Here’s an article to help you uncover a gift basket class if it’s in your area.
How do you believe you’d benefit from attending a local class?
Lots of Online Information About Gift Baskets
Did you set breakfast onto the table, bring a fork of waffles to your mouth, and quickly drop the fork because you suddenly decided to start making gift baskets?
Maybe that wasn’t quite how it happened (the above scenario comes from the book How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business), but gift baskets are now part of your life, and I welcome you to here.
This blog is part of the Gift Basket Business Web site that I created in the late 1990s.
There was a time when you could not find books, videos, magazines, or anything else to learn how to make and sell gift baskets, but times have changed for the better. Let me take you on a quick tour of the family of gift basket sites.
This 10 tips article introduces you to the basics to become a successful designer. There are more tips and articles with information on buying, marketing, and more.
Frequently-asked questions are answered here, and if you have other questions, you can find solutions at Ask The Gift Basket Expert.
Check out the money pages for funds to start your business and the Gift Basket Design Studio Extreme Makeover to organize a productive workspace.
What about baskets and supplies? These basket pages at Gift Basket Business blossomed into its own site at Baskets Gift Baskets.
If you’re looking for specific products, the Gift Basket Wholesale Supplies and Organic Wholesale Supplies sites provide a complete roster of foods, gifts, and more.
And, of course, there are video DVDs, books, and other resource materials including the twice-weekly gift basket newsletter. Subscribe today.
Don’t understand some of the gift basket terms you’ve read here and on other sites? This Gift Basket Dictionary will make the lingo comfortable.
You’ll find the full roster of gift basket sites on this page.
Take your time and explore the possibilities. Most of all, I encourage you to think big and move forward with a plan to succeed one basket at a time.
Welcome! Now, finish your breakfast and get started.
A Place to Find Organic Goods for Gift Baskets
Are customers interested in gift baskets that include organic and eco-friendly products?
I wasn’t sure about this category, as I hadn’t spoken to many designers receiving requests from clients for these items. But then two things let me know that interest is beginning to increase.
1. This past summer, the California Gift Show asked me to talk about green gift baskets, and lots of retailers were interested in the products I displayed.
2. Gifts & Decorative Accessories asked me to write a gift basket article which featured some designers who successfully sell environmentally-friendly baskets.
The new site, Organic Wholesale Supplies, lists hundreds of wholesalers selling products to put into your gift baskets now, during the holidays, and in designs you create in 2009 (starting with Happy New Year baskets).
I was pleased to see, throughout the listings, that many items aren’t as expensive as first believed.
Lots of wholesalers sell waters, snacks, and clothing that are affordable in everyday baskets as well as more-expensive items for clients who want quality over price.
Which organic goods will you begin adding to your gift baskets?
Make Time for Gift Basket Research
Did you see this article in Friday’s edition of SeaCoastOnline.com?
This New Hampshire online newspaper reports that a Dollar Tree store, opening in the town of Seabrook, will include a gift basket section.
“Its aisles offer a vast selection of seasonal items; party goods including gift wrap and bags for all occasions;…and specialty sections such as the Create-a-Gift Basket section and Teachers’ Corner.”
We already know that customers who visit Dollar Tree are not the same customers who buy from us. But Dollar Tree and other discount retailers may be helpful in ways you may not have considered.
If you live near a Dollar Tree store, visit it to:
It’s always interesting to see how another store displays their merchandise. How do you think we discovered rain gutters to hold ribbon or set up the elaborate shelving shown in the Gift Basket Design Studio Extreme Makeover?
Why re-invent the wheel when examples are in stores waiting for us to capitalize on the idea?
I visited a tea house last weekend. The owner invited me into her office to see its organization. With one look I was able to see how to re-structure some wasted space in my own office.
Dollar Tree is just one place on your research list, especially now that you know they’ve set up a gift basket station. What other stores in your area provide ideas and inspiration?
Gift Basket Business Owners Still Optimistic
Are seasonal orders starting to arrive, or are customers slow to place orders?
Two New York designers notice the economic change, but that’s not stopping them from pursuing sales. Their story is highlighted in Staten Island’s SILive.com.
Here’s a line from the article that I continue to hear echoed by designers worldwide.
“Like many other new entrepreneurs today, they understand the economy is slow, but they stay motivated.”
I also thought that money sources for starting and sustaining a business would slow, but I still see contests and grants offered by large corporations and organizations who believe in new enterprises.
As you start or grow your business, also consider which business structure is better (solo proprietorship, LLC, etc.). Ask The Gift Basket Expert answers the question of choosing a business structure for your gift basket business.
There’s nothing wrong with operating as a sole proprietorship. However, another structure may be more beneficial. Review the options, and stay as you are or change if needed.
Gift Basket Books
-
-
Visit Our Sponsors
