Are Wines and Alcohol in Your Gift Basket?
There were lots of discussions about problems that cause legal headaches during yesterday’s Q&A portion of my Philadelphia Gift Show gift basket seminar.
One retailer told us about her dismay when adding a bottle of alcohol to a gift basket that was brought to her by the customer. While she didn’t buy it, she was still part of a lawsuit due to its consumption.
This is a subject discussed in the past at Ask The Gift Basket Expert and one that will always be part of the industry because of our desire to satisfy customers while attempting to keep our businesses out of the court system.
I’ve often been asked by new designers about the parameters of adding wines and alcohol to gift baskets. While it’s widely known that buying and adding it if you don’t have a liquor license is prohibited, I hear other questions such as, “Can the customer bring the wine to me?”
This ongoing dilemma and similar concerns are the reason why I spoke with small business attorney, Robin Gronsky, on the CD Legal Tips to Keep Your Company out of Court.
It’s wise to know your city’s and state’s laws about liquor, and only you can research this by calling the proper officials.
What wine and alcohol questions do you have about adding either to your gift baskets?
How Do You Celebrate Receiving Orders?
Do you remember selling your first gift basket? I’ve framed my first event in my mind.
The order arrived by telephone, and this single sale was delivered to the client the next day.
When I ended the client conversation, I danced with high energy around my office with arms and shoulders pumping towards the ceiling.
After making the delivery, I cranked up the car’s stereo, blasting music and singing along during the 20-minute ride.
Celebrations are necessary each time you write an order. I believe it alerts the universe to bring you more orders so you can celebrate more often.
Today, I still pump my arms and shoulders in the air when a large or small order is received.
How do you celebrate?
Do You Discount Sale Items?
When visiting your first trade show in the next few weeks, you may find some of your favorite products on sale.
Your first reaction may be to buy more because of the savings, and that can be a good choice, especially if the items sell quickly.
At the same time, you may want to pass the savings on to your customers, through discounting, incentives, and gifts.
How do you share savings with your customers, or is pocketing the windfall a better choice for your business?
Why Fainting was My First Reaction
To prepare to write a gift basket article, I asked a new designer why she decided to start a gift basket business. Her response was:
“Because I think working for myself will be easier.”
Is this what you believed before starting your business? My desire was to control my time, my freedom, and my life, but I had no mentor that gave me an in-depth look at what I was about to enter.
When I realized how many products I’d have to buy and how much storage room was needed to stock all of the baskets and supplies required for this labor-rich business, I nearly fainted.
You practically need a warehouse the size of a football field to organize everything if you truly want to be successful, but there are ways to streamline your buying to make sure you also create a rewarding lifestyle.
What was your first reaction when realizing the deph of this business?
Your Feedback as We Move into Fall
Because I’m an author and frequent speaker at trade shows throughout the U.S. (designers in other countries – I’ll be in your area sooner than you think), it’s easy for me to write articles for this blog that I believe are beneficial for you.
However, this time I’d like to step aside and let you have your say.
We’re moving into the fall and holiday sales seasons. Tell me what ideas and information you’d like to read, learn about, and know more in depth to increase your gift basket sales in this last half of 2009.
Every question and topic is open, including advice in writing and in video formats. I have a list of what I’m planning, but my list means nothing if it’s not beneficial for you.
Give me your feedback by adding your comments, ideas, and feedback here. In return, I’ll choose 5 people at random who respond to receive several CDs and DVDs in my inventory. These items are listed on the newly-updated GiftBasketBusiness.com Resources page.
I look forward to reading your ideas and assisting you to create a bountiful business in the upcoming seasons.
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