Gift Basket Success Takes More Than Determination
“Starting a gift basket business is easy. I’ll just buy some baskets are start selling.”
“I’m not going to worry about the money part. I’ll figure that out later.”
“It’s just a basket. How hard can it be?”
These three phrases are similar to what many people have to themselves before entering this business.
Then they learn that making gift baskets really is a business, not just a creative outlet.
Suddenly, all of the things that weren’t addressed that truly support the business come crashing down, forcing the fledgling designer to sell their inventory to all of us because they didn’t take this business seriously.
What back burner tasks am I talking about?
Even the separation of telephones is very important, and it’s also more affordable now that a cellular telephone can act as a business line. Still, some new designers answer with “Hello?” on their personal phone because they haven’t committed to the profession.
Persistence is also a critical part of this industry. If you allow one snafu to sour the belief that you can thrive, you’ll be out of this business very quickly and any other business you consider entering.
This past weekend’s activities were a major headache for me. I moved this site from one Web host to another. Everything failed. The site was a mess, and so was this blog. I was mentally in pain and finally walked away from the computer for several hours, putting the task of fixing all of the problems into technicians’ hands.
By Sunday morning, everything looked better. Things aren’t perfect, but the anguish is gone.
My example is the type of situation that will continue to happen in your business, and because of your own persistence, determination, and love for creating something that brings joy in happy and sorrowful times, you will persevere while others who didn’t take the business seriously will promptly go out of business the minute something doesn’t work the first time.
As problems occur, try to focus on the solution. Nothing’s easy, not even starting a gift basket business. But your enterprise will thrive because you know it’s not just a creative outlet – it’s the closest way to participate in life’s greatest joys through the gift-giving connection.
What major problem have you experienced that tested your commitment to this industry?
GiftBasketBusiness.com Site Update
When visiting GiftBasketBusiness.com this weekend, you may see a pop-up box that asks for a user name and password.
Click on the “cancel” button and enter the site and visit pages that assist you to learn, grow, and profit.
Thanks to all of you for your patience. The migration from one host to another has been incredibly taxing, but it’s almost done.
How to Support Charities and Increase Business with Gift Baskets
Did you read a story on a newspaper blog about elementary school students who created numerous gift baskets for the needy?
The article’s no longer available as a link, but it was a reminder of how highly gift baskets are regarded. It also serves to create several ideas for 2009.
1. Partnering with schools to create gift baskets for events, charities, and fundraisers.
2. Working with pet shelters to raise awareness about abandoned animals through an “adopt and get pet gift basket” program.
3. Collaborating with local businesses and community groups or charities that appreciate your help in creating gift baskets for their activities.
I find that such events serve to increase my promotions, decrease inventory and supplies that cannot be sold, and support causes close to my heart.
I’ll participate more in these opportunities and hope you’ll consider the same.
What similar activities have you found to be beneficial?
NOTE: GiftBasketBusiness.com’s Web site and this blog continue its migration, and you may see sporadic problems on either space. Thank you for your patience and support.
Getting Back Online Soon
Hello everyone. It’s Friday, December 19, a cold, winter’s day in the northeast.
This blog will be online momentarily. We’re getting back on track through a monumental upload.
In the meantime, GiftBasketBusiness.com is functioning.
Thanks so much,
Shirley
Gift Basket Business Stories, Sales, Updates
Just a few tidbits of information as you prepare to cross next week’s finish line.
The Drop Ship Vendors report is newly revised with updates to current listings and includes new listings, too.
Drop shippers are a very-important part of gift baskets, especially since this category allows business men and women to sell without inventory.
It also lets designers satisfy customers when inventory is low (there are other reasons, but these two are high on the list).
Thank you goes out to dozens of you who ordered Drop Ship Vendors since September. If you ordered between September 1 and now, contact me by Monday, December 22 through the form at the bottom of this page.
I’m re-checking all information and will Email the revised report to you on Monday. Everyone who ordered the report since September will receive a copy as long as you contact me through the form. This procedure is a cross checking method for my staff.
———-
Nashville Wraps Emailed me with sales news to pass on to you. Here’s the scoop.
“We are having a huge packaging sale with cello, nested boxes, and more. A lot of it is buy one and get one free!!”
Visit http://www.nashvillewraps.com/Specials.ww to see the stock.
———-
Another designer has moved from home to store. This one’s in Canada, and the story is featured here in TheLindsayPost.ca. Read the quick article today if you can spare about five minutes.
Two points about the article:
1. The first sentence says that the designer’s business card states “We Deliver Smiles.” That’s a terrific warming technique, and I bet this designer distributes her cards daily to keep sales high. What slogan have you committed to your cards?
Similar slogans can be added to brochures. You’ll see some sample brochures on this page.
2. The designer decided to begin selling wedding favors along with gift baskets. Hopefully, she’s researched that market before making this investment. Favors may be a natural extension, but it can also be a money drain if clients have not requested it.
Always research, then proceed according to what you learn.
Gift Basket Books
-
-
Visit Our Sponsors
