Gift Basket Sales are Slow for the Big Boys
Did you see the earnings breakdown recently released for 1-800-Flowers?
Here’s the story, and be sure to read the last paragraph:
“Sales in Gourmet Food and Gift Baskets fell 11.9%, to $22.9 million…”
You may be saying to yourself, “I’ll take a hit like that anytime if my sales are $22.9 million,” but remember that this firm works with thousands of small outlets that receive orders through the 1-800-Flowers wire service.
If you’re part of that service, the numbers indicate that gift basket orders arriving at your location, in all probability, decreased.
If you work independently, sales may have also slowed, but the tide might be turning this month with student care package orders created by you and arriving at schools worldwide, a big boost for your revenue.
See this article for incentive to go after that market.
The big boys can afford a temporary dip in sales. I can promise you that they will experience a big increase during the holidays. Are you planning the same for your business?
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How to Create an Online Signature that Promotes Your Business
Can you afford to own or rent a billboard to promote your gift baskets? It’s possible when there’s no cost.
Leaving a customized signature each time you post an online question, response, or business introduction is critical to help spread the word about your gifts and baskets.
It’s the equivalent of leaving business cards all over the Web.
Speaking of online questions, a new solution is available at Ask The Gift Basket Expert.
Your signature, which is created through your Email account or saved in word processing or Notepad for copying and pasting, contains words that inspire readers to visit your site. Any of the following is appropriate as part of your signature:
1) Your Name
2) Business Name
3) Business Slogan or Tag Line
4) Web Site Address
5) Telephone Number
6) Optional Special Occasion Tag Line, such as “Visit Today for Holiday Baskets
that Build Your Business”
Here’s one of my current signatures:
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Do you have what it takes to make money with gift baskets?
http://www.giftbasketbusiness.com/SuccessTips/tensteps.htm
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Here’s one to get you started:
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Baskets n’ Bows
Making gift giving simple and easy is what we do for you.
Call today for a free brochure.
http://www.basketsnbowscompany.com/
(932) 555-5252
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Notice that the “Making gift giving…” tagline focuses on a benefit that’s very important to prospects who are time stressed or have difficulty choosing what to buy. Consider this type of value-added statement as you decide how to promote.
Keep your signature as concise as possible. Signatures that are too wordy won’t be read, and others, which are laced with dashes and dots to resemble faces and gestures, are best reserved for art students.
Consult your Email host’s instructions for creating your electronic billboard. Also, look at other people’s signatures for more ideas on how to create a memorable message that gets results.
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Focus on Increasing Your Gift Basket Sales
How are your summer sales progressing? If you created plans earlier this year to promote your gift baskets now, sales may be better than last year’s. It’s not an easy task, especially in this economy, but:
1. Individuals continue to buy gifts for occasions from birthday to bereavement. Your smaller mug and container gifts may sell briskly.
2. Corporations are still going after accounts big and small. Gift baskets help them to put their best foot forward. This is a key factor in your promotions to them.
3. Charity events are in full swing, and donated baskets provide you with a way to show off your designs to a new audience.
This week’s newsletter shared other tips to increase your profits now.
This is all good news for you. Move in the direction that makes summer sales spectacular.
Now here’s news from the online gift basket world.
Flora Brown of Gift Basket Business World provides inspiration to start a Web site or give the one you have more impact. Read her blog post, and sign up for her free e-course, which you’ll find just below the article.
I’d be mad at Flora for taking this side picture of me at my California Gift Show seminar had I not shed some pounds the previous month, but we’re still friends, and I’m still a work in progress.
Lorie Obernauer of Apex Gift Foods gives you a heads-up on a new line of holiday table decor. Don’t think you have ample time to order before the holidays; stock goes quickly when the word gets out.
Lorie’s information is right on time for Laura, a gift basket designer who asked me where she can find these and other products. Read her question and answers posted by other designers at Ask The Gift Basket Expert.
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Ask Questions Before You Begin Designing
Asking your client questions about each recipient is crucial during the presentation.
As soon as the client says “yes” to your suggestions, it’s time to begin learning all about the person who will receive the gift basket.
One customer who ordered from me last year is the director of a day care program. She purchased 25 gifts housed in red drums, one each for members of her staff.
I asked her about each person’s age, marital status, favorite colors, and allergies. She knows their preferences and was able to provide me with answers in order to customize each gift perfectly.
The containers were similar, but each design was unique. Everyone shouted with joy when they saw their special gift.
When you get the order, ask as many questions as possible about the recipient so that you not only fulfill the first order but continue to be the client’s gift provider.
Ten Steps to Become a Successful Gift Basket Designer shares more helpful hints to satisfy every customer.
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This Week’s Gift Basket Rap
Ever wonder how you can work for someone else and successfully operate your gift basket business? This week’s MercuryNews.com tells the story of one woman who does both.
The article is a bit lengthy, which is good for you, and here’s my favorite quote, something you want each client to say about your gift baskets.
“What I want is for you to get a gift basket that you look at and go, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s my favorite coffee,’ or ‘I love those crackers.’ “
How easy is it for you go get into a trade show for the first time? That’s the question I answer at Ask The Gift Basket Expert for a woman who wants to attend AmericasMart Atlanta but isn’t sure how to apply.
There are two ways to get in, which is true for most shows. See the advice to be sure you attend your local trade show.
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