How Do You Dress for Deliveries?
To make local gift basket deliveries, some designers have been fortunate to find couriers and other transportation services that will take gifts and baskets directly to the recipient’s home or office. But some of us must make the deliveries on our own.
In either case, the person who greets the receiver must look clean and professional. It will give the customer or recipient the right impression about your products and services.
Deliveries are very important, but so is attire. If you use a courier, review the company’s dress policy as well as their service record.
Also, consider your own appearance when delivering.
You create beautifully-designed gift baskets that everyone wants to receive. Be sure to not ruin your reputation with an untidy appearance during the delivery.
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Internet Tools For Productivity and Fun
How many free tools on the Internet have you added to your Web site? There are many to choose from, and that can cause havoc.
You’re busy designing new and familiar gift baskets plus, in most cases, taking care of a family and yourself. Who has time to find online tools?
I’ve uncovered three that may be helpful.
One is Google Analytics, a program that lets you maximize your online reach by learning how visitors find your site. That information allows you to duplicate positive outcomes or fix what’s not working.
The program uncovers, among other information:
When you arrive at the Google Analytics home page, you choose a user name (usually an Email address) and password to create an account. The easy instructions lead you to the area where you add your Web site to your new account. Then you receive a code to paste within the HTML area of each site page you want to track.
It’s not difficult, and for the cost of zero, you’ll learn a lot about who arrives on your site so that you can begin converting visitors into buyers.
Another beneficial tool is Email Me Form. I needed a contact form that was easy to add to my Web site, one that didn’t require a lot of wizardry plus a math degree. That’s what I found with this form.
I find that it’s extremely helpful to let buyers ask me questions on various Web site contact pages. There are other reasons for this form that may help you capture sales.
As with Google Analytics, you create an account at EmailMeForm.com and begin designing the form.
One caveat to bring to your attention is Read more
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Prepare for Deliveries Before You Go
Leave it on the porch.
Take it to a neighbor.
Cross your fingers and hope they get it.
Do these delivery scenarios sound familiar?
They do if you’re not planning the drop-off as eagerly as you determine the gift basket’s cost.
The holidays have everyone on a long, tight schedule. You know it’s true because your life is hectic now, too, so in order for the entire gift basket sale to go smoothly, it’s wise to determine every delivery ahead of time.
How do you start? Your order form can include an area where you ask the customer about the place where the gift basket will be delivered.
The more you know about the area and person who’s receiving the gift, the better you’re prepared for a smooth delivery.
I often ask the customer for the recipient’s telephone number and call before traveling. I tell the recipient who I am and that I’m delivering a package and want to ensure that they’ll be at the office or home.
I’m usually asked who the package is from, and I certainly understand the question in this security-conscious era. I tell who it’s from but ask them, in my most-humbling voice, not to let the gift giver know that they know it’s arriving. They’re happy to keep the secret.
This procedure is also necessary if a courier is handling deliveries. In fact, it’s mandatory when you decide to outsource this procedure.
What’s your delivery nightmare story? I know you have one.
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Do You Customize Your Gift Baskets?
Adding products and embellishments that are exclusive to your gift baskets is a favorite of designers everywhere.
In case you’re not sure what’s meant by customization (the definition will soon be added to the dictionary), it’s when the outside product packaging includes your logo or a specific message for the gift basket’s occasion.
Customization might also be a design based on your region or state. Private label products are also part of this category.
Many of us enter the customizing phase by ordering personalized ribbon for a corporate customer. We get permission from the client to copy their logo onto ribbon, and the ribbon is added to all gifts made for them.
Personalizing may then move into customized labels placed on food packages and cellophane. But be careful. Too much custom stamping may be overkill for the receiver.
Part of your skill as a designer is to suggest, to your client, a blend of custom labeling and distinct products to create a thoughtful line of gifts and baskets.
You’ll find more information about private label products here as well as a special directory with manufacturers that help you with customization.
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Gift Basket Books
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Welcome, from Shirley George Frazier
