A Place to Find Organic Goods for Gift Baskets
Are customers interested in gift baskets that include organic and eco-friendly products?
I wasn’t sure about this category, as I hadn’t spoken to many designers receiving requests from clients for these items. But then two things let me know that interest is beginning to increase.
1. This past summer, the California Gift Show asked me to talk about green gift baskets, and lots of retailers were interested in the products I displayed.
2. Gifts & Decorative Accessories asked me to write a gift basket article which featured some designers who successfully sell environmentally-friendly baskets.
The new site, Organic Wholesale Supplies, lists hundreds of wholesalers selling products to put into your gift baskets now, during the holidays, and in designs you create in 2009 (starting with Happy New Year baskets).
I was pleased to see, throughout the listings, that many items aren’t as expensive as first believed.
Lots of wholesalers sell waters, snacks, and clothing that are affordable in everyday baskets as well as more-expensive items for clients who want quality over price.
Which organic goods will you begin adding to your gift baskets?
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Make Time for Gift Basket Research
Did you see this article in Friday’s edition of SeaCoastOnline.com?
This New Hampshire online newspaper reports that a Dollar Tree store, opening in the town of Seabrook, will include a gift basket section.
“Its aisles offer a vast selection of seasonal items; party goods including gift wrap and bags for all occasions;…and specialty sections such as the Create-a-Gift Basket section and Teachers’ Corner.”
We already know that customers who visit Dollar Tree are not the same customers who buy from us. But Dollar Tree and other discount retailers may be helpful in ways you may not have considered.
If you live near a Dollar Tree store, visit it to:
It’s always interesting to see how another store displays their merchandise. How do you think we discovered rain gutters to hold ribbon or set up the elaborate shelving shown in the Gift Basket Design Studio Extreme Makeover?
Why re-invent the wheel when examples are in stores waiting for us to capitalize on the idea?
I visited a tea house last weekend. The owner invited me into her office to see its organization. With one look I was able to see how to re-structure some wasted space in my own office.
Dollar Tree is just one place on your research list, especially now that you know they’ve set up a gift basket station. What other stores in your area provide ideas and inspiration?
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Gift Basket Business Owners Still Optimistic
Are seasonal orders starting to arrive, or are customers slow to place orders?
Two New York designers notice the economic change, but that’s not stopping them from pursuing sales. Their story is highlighted in Staten Island’s SILive.com.
Here’s a line from the article that I continue to hear echoed by designers worldwide.
“Like many other new entrepreneurs today, they understand the economy is slow, but they stay motivated.”
I also thought that money sources for starting and sustaining a business would slow, but I still see contests and grants offered by large corporations and organizations who believe in new enterprises.
As you start or grow your business, also consider which business structure is better (solo proprietorship, LLC, etc.). Ask The Gift Basket Expert answers the question of choosing a business structure for your gift basket business.
There’s nothing wrong with operating as a sole proprietorship. However, another structure may be more beneficial. Review the options, and stay as you are or change if needed.
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Some States Help You Market Gift Baskets
The Pride of NY program in New York State recently began soliciting farm owners who happen to make gift baskets so that a complete list of makers can be featured on a Web site promoting holiday baskets.
You can read the brief article here.
The program states that it’s looking for farmers, but they may also add your name to the list if you’re in New York.
For example, you make Welcome to New York, I Love New York, or Big Apple baskets made with products produced in the state. It makes sense for you to call or Email the contact person to learn if you qualify for a listing because these baskets feature New York products.
My point, for all of you no matter where you’re located, is to look beyond the limitations created by a few words (…looking to identify farmers, processors,…) and get yourself listed in as many places online and offline as possible.
You’ll reach prospects who are seemingly out of reach, turning them into loyal customers who refer their friends and family members.
I remember when Elaine Essary, owner of The Basket Bar, contacted me to see if she qualified for mention in The Gift Basket Design Book. I had certain stipulations for inclusion, and even though Elaine thought she may not qualify, she still contacted me.
Her story was so compelling that I decided to feature her. That’s what can happen when you’re passionate about succeeding no matter what barriers seem to be ahead.
Every U.S. state has a department of agriculture (even New Jersey, a state that tried to eliminate theirs). Visit your state’s department online to see if they will link to your site this holiday, especially if you create a gift basket with state-made products.
Is this an opportunity to sell more this season? Check for yourself.
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Gift Basket Tips to Sell More During the Holidays
Are you familiar with the term Blog Carnival?
It’s an online event where experts write about a particular topic focused around a central theme, and links to each article are featured on a participating blog.
Today is the launch of your gift basket blog carnival. This month’s theme - Tips to Prepare for Holiday Sales.
1.
There are seven ways to prepare for and gain orders. Do you practice them? Flora Brown of Gift Basket Business World pinpoints each step in Are You Up for a Profitable Holiday Season?
2.
Getting holiday sales can be an uphill battle if your Web site doesn’t stand out. Adriana Copaceanu of The Gift Basket Exchange Blog reviews an online tool in her Stomping the Search Engines 2 Review that may come in handy so you can get back to designing.
3.
How do you arrange products on silver trays? In an upright position or flat? Ask The Gift Basket Expert tackles this tough problem.
You’ll find a “Leave a Reply” or “Comments” link on each site that lets you join the conversation by adding your opinion or asking questions.
What do you think about this month’s theme, and what other issues are important to you?
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