Last week’s article featuring a Q&A with GiftBasketDropShipping.com introduced you to this silent partner to many of you who need help to increase customer satisfaction during non-holidays and special events.

These final five questions answer more about how this dynamic firm expands your business without you buying additional inventory or hiring staff.

Q: What is the minimum length of time for a designer/retailer to commit to your drop ship program (one month, one year, etc.)?

GBDS: We do not require any specific length of time that a company must work with our drop ship program; however, we do find that if you give our program and selections at least a year this does allow better business results vs. just one month.

Q: What tools, if any (images, text, etc.) do gift basket designers and retailers receive from you for sales and marketing purposes when they join your program?

GBDS: Upon sign up, our images, suggested retail pricing, contents and descriptions become available for new members. We also sell catalogs and post cards for marketing purposes.

Q: What three benefits do designers and retailers name as the reasons why your drop shipping services complement their businesses?

GBDS: 1. Added inventory without expending any money of their own.
2. Additional selections to expand all categories.
3. Great photographs and designs.

(Note: You’ll learn more about the drop ship program by clicking this link to access the information and membership pages.)

Q: Which materials, if any, can your designer and retail clients send to you for inclusion in the box with each drop shipped gift basket?

GBDS: We are happy to include any materials that our clients would like us to include. We have received everything from business cards, to coupons, to refrigerator magnets. Materials are placed inside the packing slip packet of the gift shipment and shipped along with each gift order.

Q: What one fact about Gift Basket Drop Shipping do you want us to know about your service that we might not know and is valuable in terms of the relationship between you, designers, and retailers?

GBDS: We are not some big corporate conglomerate. We are a family owned and operated business that really truly cares and needs every one of our clients’ orders and business. We will bend over backwards to accommodate our customers.

What questions or comments do you have for GiftBasketDropShipping.com? I encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section below.

I’m pleased that GiftBasketDropShipping.com supports our industry and is a partner of this blog. Click here to follow their membership and gift basket design updates on Facebook.

Shirley George Frazier

Shirley George Frazier is recognized as the world’s authority on the gift basket industry. She is head basketologist at Sweet Survival LLC (known on the web as GiftBasketBusiness.com), which assists creative people to turn their passion into rewarding businesses. Shirley is also author of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, The Gift Basket Design Book, and Marketing Strategies for the Home-Based Business. If you're looking for a speaker who's easy to work with, one that attendees will thank you for bringing to the event, contact Shirley at 973-279-2799 or Shirley@ShirleySpeaks.com.

Related articles:

1. Wholesaler Wisdom, 5 Questions for GiftBasketDropShipping.com

When an aspiring designer contacts me after deciding to start a gift basket business, there’s one question I can count on hearing:

“What happens if I get lots of orders at the same time and can’t handle it all?

It’s a terrifying thought when you’re not sure and don’t know where to turn.

Thankfully, the solution comes from one firm: GiftBasketDropShipping.com.

The company, which opened its doors in 1992 under the name Dreamaker Gift Baskets, is the silent partner to many businesses worldwide, from solo entrepreneurs to established retailers.

Their mission is simple: to expand your business and profits by creating well-tailored, all occasion gift baskets delivered to your clients according to your instructions.

We asked GiftBasketDropShipping.com 11 questions on how they accommodate your business. Here’s the first six responses of this insightful interview.

Q: What motivated you to enter this business and support the gift basket industry with this valuable service?

GBDS: 20 years ago when Sandra Dansby, our CEO and Founder, started in the gift basket industry there was no one out there to help in this manner and we all needed that help when holidays came around.

Q: All of your gift baskets are popular, but which three themes seem to get more attention (comments and feedback) from designers, retailers, and customers?

GBDS: I would say that our Baby Gifts, Thank You Gifts, and Gifts for Women get the most attention outside of our extensive line of gifts for each holiday.

Q: Are all of the gift baskets within your line “what you see is what customers receive,” or can any of the designs be customized with ribbon or other enhancements?

GBDS: With the exception of the occasional substitution, yes, our gifts are what you see is what the gift recipient/client will receive. We have done some customization, on a case by case basis, for our clients’ large corporate orders. If a gift needs to be fully customized then we do have a purchase minimum and contract for those fully customized gifts. We try to work with all of our clients and fulfill all of their needs.

Q: What three benefits do your customers name as reasons why your drop shipping services complement their businesses?

GBDS: 1. Our large selection compliments their existing designs and fills any gaps their own selection may have.
2. We fill in all the gaps when their work load gets too heavy for them.
3. We offer beautiful photographs which they may not have the time and or money to create themselves.

Q: Which new gift basket themes do you plan to offer this year, or which ones will you update that aren’t available now?

GBDS: More college care packages, military gifts and children’s selections.

Q: Usually, a designer/retailer cannot join a drop ship program during the winter months because of the influx of holiday orders and your ability to support current members. Which months, if any, do you suspend memberships?

GBDS: We do not suspend memberships. We allow members to join our program at anytime, even during the busiest times of the year (click this link for membership information and how to join).

What questions or comments do you have for GiftBasketDropShipping.com? I encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section below.

Stay tuned next week for five more questions about adding your materials within every drop shipped box and more.

I’m pleased that GiftBasketDropShipping.com supports our industry and is a partner of this blog. Click here to follow their membership updates on Facebook.

Shirley George Frazier

Shirley George Frazier is recognized as the world’s authority on the gift basket industry. She is head basketologist at Sweet Survival LLC (known on the web as GiftBasketBusiness.com), which assists creative people to turn their passion into rewarding businesses. Shirley is also author of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, The Gift Basket Design Book, and Marketing Strategies for the Home-Based Business. If you're looking for a speaker who's easy to work with, one that attendees will thank you for bringing to the event, contact Shirley at 973-279-2799 or Shirley@ShirleySpeaks.com.

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Last week’s Q&A with Cary’s of Oregon introduced you to their firm and its award-winning chocolate English toffee.

Let’s learn more about this company that caters to our need to fill gift baskets with outstanding snacks customers request and appreciate.

Q: What are three top reasons you’ve heard from gift basket designers on why they buy from you?

A: Designers consistently rave about the product’s box colors and sizes, its excellent value, and overall delicious product.

Q: What makes your company one that designers choose for snack products?

A: The three reasons mentioned in the question above answer this, plus we’re easy to work with!

Q: What’s the minimum order requirement, and can retailers purchase samples to try products before committing to buying more?

A: We like a minimum of $125, but with the economy as it is, we’ll waive this minimum. Email us at purchases@carysoforegon.com or call us at 888-822-9300 for details. Also, you are welcome to purchase samples.

Q: List 3-5 of the top products ordered by gift basket designers. What’s the reason they count on you for these products?

A: The top products ordered are:

• Dark Chocolate Espresso
• Milk Chocolate Chai
• Dark Chocolate Mango Tea Toffees

They’re great for coffee or tea-themed baskets and other designs, too.

Q: When a special occasion (Valentine’s Day, Christmas, for example) is approaching, what’s the optimum time to place an order to make sure stock items are available (two weeks before, one month)?

A: Depending on the quantity you want to order, 4-6 weeks prior to ship date is the optimum time to place your order.

What questions or comments do you have? I encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section below.

My thanks to Cary’s of Oregon for their participation in this Q&A, being a partner of this blog, and sponsor of the fifth edition of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business.

Stay tuned next week for the next Wholesaler Wednesday segment featuring Bomba Insurance Agency.

Shirley George Frazier

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There’s one way to make customers’ mouths water every time they see your gift baskets, and that’s by including Cary’s of Oregon in them.

Well known for their award-winning, milk and dark chocolate English toffees, Cary’s of Oregon creates flavorful treats that inspires customers to request it frequently.

Just the sight of their beautifully-packaged boxes creates excitement for your clients and more sales for you.

Let’s get to know this dynamic firm and why their products are a must have in your gift baskets.

Q: What’s the most-common question that designers ask when ordering for the first time, and what is your response?

CARYS: Designers want to know what’s the most popular toffee flavor, which is Milk Chocolate Toasted Almond. They also ask about the toffee’s shelf life, and that’s six months, but don’t expect it to stay in your inventory that long!

Q: How do you ensure that retailers receive products that are still within the freshness dating on each package?

CARY’S: Because we’re a small company, we’re able to make the product to order so that every package is always fresh.

Q: Share with us information about the products that have won awards and each category.

CARY’S: Trail Toffee won a silver SOFI award (Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation) at the Fancy Food Show for outstanding snack product. Trail Toffee is made with a combination of toffee bits, toasted almonds, dried cranberries and raisins. It’s fantastic!

Q: Some of your products don’t melt in the summertime, which is fantastic news for gift basket designers who want to offer chocolate or something just as delicious during warm months. Tell us about them and why they’re popular in baskets.

CARY’S: We offer the Trail Toffee mentioned earlier and another product called Toffee Fingers. Toffee Fingers is a pure toffee without any chocolate coating. It’s available in 4 oz. & and 8 oz. boxes, perfect sizes for gift baskets.

(Designers: You can view Trail Toffee and Toffee Fingers by clicking here, and note that the prices shown are retail, not wholesale. Email purchases@carysoforegon.com or call them at 888-822-9300.)

Q: What’s the strangest item you’ve been asked to stock, either by a wholesaler or retailer, which you turned down because it was too “out there?”

CARY’S: We specialize in making English Toffee, so no such items have been requested!

What questions or comments do you have for Cary’s of Oregon? I encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section below.

Stay tuned next week for five more questions about placing early orders and more.

I’m pleased that Cary’s of Oregon supports our industry, is a partner of this blog, and is sponsoring the fifth edition of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business.

Shirley George Frazier

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Last week you were introduced to or re-acquainted with Nashville Wraps and why they’re a top supplier in the gift basket industry.

In this final Q&A, let’s learn more about how this icon serves your business.

Q: What are three top reasons you’ve heard from gift basket designers on why they buy from you?

NW: 1. Great selection, 2. Wholesale pricing, 3. Fast shipping

Q: What’s the minimum order requirement, and can retailers purchase samples to try some supplies before committing to buying more?

NW: There is charge $10 for samples mailed 1st class to a U.S. address. There are additional charges if it is a premium sample and for expedited and/or international requests.

Q: List 3-5 of the top products ordered by gift basket designers. What’s the reason they count on you for these items?

NW: 1. Crinkle Cut Shred

2. Basket Boxes

3. Cello Basket Bags

4. Pull Bows

5. Shrink Wrap Bags

We always have a great selection so they can get most all their gift basket supplies at wholesale pricing from us. Plus, Nashville Wraps offers more value to the customer through our experienced staff and informative blogs and videos.

Q: When a special occasion (Valentine’s Day, Christmas, for example) is approaching, what’s the optimum time to place an order to make sure stock items are available (two weeks before, one month)?

NW: We recommend one month before to ensure availability, but we work hard to have adequate inventory of these items.

Q: What’s the usual turnaround time for shipping after an order is received?

NW: Our goal is to ship within 24 hours.

What questions or comments do you have? I encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section below.

My thanks to Nashville Wraps for their participation in this Q&A, being a partner of this blog, and sponsor of the fifth edition of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business.

Next week’s Wholesaler Wednesday will feature Cary’s of Oregon. Please join us then.

Shirley George Frazier

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Nashville Wraps, a name synonymous with quality and dependable service, stands steadfast in the industry as a true partner to gift basket businesses worldwide.

Based in Hendersonville, Tennessee, this firm is the “go to” group for cellophane, shrink wrap, shred, tote bags, and hundreds of other supplies we select on a daily basis for gift basket design.

It’s a real treat to have them here today to answer questions that let you know who they are (if you’re new to the industry) and confirm their dedication (if you’re familiar with their products and service).

Q: What makes your company one that designers choose for bags, bows, shrink wrap, and other supplies?

NW: We are one of the few packaging companies that has in-house designers that help create our exclusive designer collections. This makes the job for gift basket designers easier because they can get a coordinated look to which they simply add creative gift basket touches.

Our Green Way® eco-friendly packaging offers designers one of the largest selections of recycled, sustainable and/or natural products available.

Q: What’s the most-common question that designers ask when ordering for the first time, and what is your response?

NW: Many new designers want to know what type and how much filler to put in their gift baskets, basket boxes or containers. They also want to know if we recommend basket size cello bags or cello rolls.

Since it depends on the container, we recommend calling our helpful Customer Care Department at 1-800-547-9727.

Q: What’s new this year in your inventory for gift baskets, something you’ve added that wasn’t available in 2009?

NW: We’ve had several customers purchase our new 100% Cotton Hot Dots Totes as a reusable gift basket alternative. Click this link to see the Hot Dots Totes.

Q: What’s the strangest product you’ve been asked to stock, either by a wholesaler or retailer, which you turned down because it was too “out there?”

NW: We’ve been asked to carry some strange things over the years. We’re open to most ideas!

Q: What are some of the unique and helpful areas on your Web site that designers may not know exist?

NW: On our website in the right margin under Specialty Packaging Pages you can find a gift basket supplies link, and there’s more:

Gift Basket Supplies

Read “How To Tips” on our Blog

Watch our “How To” videos on YouTube

View Nashville Wraps Customer Images on Flickr

Designers: The photo link, which is last in this list, is one you must click. Fabulous ideas!

What questions or comments do you have for Nashville Wraps? I encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section below.

Stay tuned next week for five more questions about popular products, minimum ordering, and placing early orders.

I’m pleased that Nashville Wraps supports our industry, is a partner of this blog, and is sponsoring the fifth edition of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business.

Shirley George Frazier

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Last week you became acquainted with BoxCo Industries, the gift basket industry’s well-known manufacturer of finely-crafted containers.

The Missouri-based firm shared insights by answering five questions, and this week completes the Q&A with five more tips about minimums, special orders, and when you’ll find new items on their site.

Q: What are three top reasons you’ve heard from gift basket designers on why they buy from you?

BOXCO:

• Selection
• Service
• Price

Q: What’s the minimum order requirement, and can retailers purchase samples to try products before committing to buying more?

BOXCO: $50 is the minimum order amount, and yes, they can purchase samples.

Q: When a special occasion (Valentine’s Day, Christmas, for example) is approaching, what’s the optimum time to place an order to make sure stock is available (two weeks before, one month)?

BOXCO: It depends on the holiday. For example, we recommend ordering 1-1/2 months before the Christmas holiday. Our popular designs go very fast and sometimes we don’t have time to produce more stock. We know this is frustrating for our customers, so we always remind them to order early. One month is about the average with all other seasonal holidays.

(Designers: Be sure to order BoxCo’s nested boxes early in every season to create stacked designs for huge profits.)

Q: Can designers request private label or custom box styles, and if so, what’s the recommended lead time?

BOXCO: Yes, the standard lead time is 8 weeks.

Q: Can we expect to see something new for the 2010 holiday season?

BOXCO: Absolutely! We have just finalized our line for 2010 and will be introducing the new line in June.

What questions or comments do you have? I encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section below.

My thanks to BoxCo Industries for their participation in this Q&A, being a partner of this blog, and sponsor of the fifth edition of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business.

Next week’s Wholesaler Wednesday will feature Nashville Wraps. Please join us then.

Shirley George Frazier

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Gift basket designers have long associated BoxCo Industries with quality, innovation, and class.

Their uniquely-styled, themed containers guarantee second looks and wide smiles from customers who enjoy receiving gift arrangements in these alternative boxes.

Let’s learn more about this great wholesaler and why they are an industry standard.

Q: What makes your company one that designers choose for unique and alternative packaging?

BOXCO: All of our designs are created in-house and are based upon the trends in the fashion and packaging industry. We try to make sure we offer looks that are unique to the packaging industry.

Q: What’s the most-common question that designers ask when ordering for the first time, and what is your response?

BOXCO: “What is your minimum order?” Our minimum is $50. You can order less than that, but there is a $5.00 service fee.

Q: List five of the top themes ordered by gift basket designers.

BOXCO: Birthday, Baby, Get Well, Thank You, and Real Estate.

(Designers: See BoxCo’s top themes and more on this page.)

Q: What’s the reason retailers count on you for the top-selling themes?

BOXCO: Designers know that we offer them a large selection of each of these product categories.

Q: What’s the strangest theme you’ve been asked to design, which you turned down because it was too “out there?”

BOXCO: One customer asked us to create a “scratch and sniff” floral box.

What questions or comments do you have for BoxCo? I encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section below.

Stay tuned next week for five more questions about the most-popular products, what designers frequently ask, and more.

I’m pleased that BoxCo Industries supports our industry, is a partner of this blog, and is sponsoring the fifth edition of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business.

Shirley George Frazier

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