Why are Baskets Hard to Find?
Top hats, red wagons, and tabletop rocking chairs were the types of containers I chose back in the 1990s when starting my gift basket business.
I didn’t buy baskets because many competitors sold their gifts with that vessel. There was nothing wrong with baskets, I simply wanted my customers to see the clear difference between me and them.
After a while, I decided to check the prices of baskets to decide if I wanted to add some to my inventory for gift basket making.
Where were the baskets?
I found a lot of high-priced ones at retail stores. That couldn’t be the source. Then I saw some featured in a trade magazine and ordered catalogs.
Finally, I attended one of the gift basket trade shows along with the New York International Gift Fair and found some terrific baskets. Without those two shows, I might have given up on baskets, staying with the containers most customers adored.
There are more than 70 wholesale basket sources throughout the U.S., which are listed in a report, but it seems that a big industry problem is finding affordable baskets.
Many of the suppliers within the report sell quality baskets that are also affordable. The flip side of the problem is finding resources that are close to your location.
Which is your basket problem - finding baskets in your region or finding affordable baskets?
Why are Some Baskets Hard to Wrap?
A few years ago, I selected a popular sleigh as the container for gift baskets ordered by a school principal for his staff members.
They absolutely loved the contents and presentation. I was glad to have decided how to wrap the awkward vessels.
The sleigh is shown at Ask The Gift Basket Expert where I explained how to wrap this type of container.
Traditional baskets can also be challenging to wrap, and what about choosing between cellophane, shrink wrap, and basket bags? There’s lots to consider, and best of all, you have numerous options to complete the design.
Here are other oddly-shaped baskets.
This tutorial on choosing between the three wrapping choices provides more insight on which one may be more manageable depending on the basket’s shape.
Cellophane was my first choice, as it probably was for you because it’s the most accessible and affordable material. Shrink wrap and basket bags also have their place. I’m certainly glad these selections exist. Aren’t you?
I’m still a fan of shrink wrapping a basket and adding an overlay of cellophane before it’s shipped. You might opt only for shrink wrap. I know many designers who do.
You’ll find more tips on applying cellophane at CellophaneWrapTips.com.
I appreciate all of you taking time from your schedules for this week-long look at baskets. What questions are still on your mind?
Links to this Week’s Series:
This Week - All About Baskets
Tall Baskets Add Height and Sales Value
Are Fabrics and Sprays on Your Baskets?
Where Do You Buy Baskets?
Where Do You Buy Baskets?
The number of places where you can buy baskets is enormous, and in some cases, it causes conflict.
Here are some comments I’ve heard throughout my 19 years in the industry.
“Look for baskets from wholesalers for the best prices.”
“Buying flea market baskets means you’re giving clients second-hand goods.”
“Dollar store baskets are cheap and look cheap.”
The basket shown on this Baskets site is similar to the first type I purchased, and it was bought at a floral wholesale supplier just five minutes away from my store.
It was one I knew was designable as is or spray paintable or could be lined with fabric. Outside of that, I was pleased to find a supplier close to my location.
How many of you have wholesalers that close to your workspace? It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes you can get very lucky in other areas. A basket supplier can be found:
Baskets are the mainstay of your business, and that’s why you put so much consideration into finding the perfect vessels to attract clients, increase sales, and maintain profitability.
It’s important to consider much more before choosing baskets, including the specifications mentioned on this page.
One point I must ask you to avoid, if possible, is to become so overwhelmed with the options that you buy nothing. Start by making a list of the baskets you believe will be easy to work with and sell.
A few square shapes and oval shapes is good to start, or perhaps rectangler- and circular-shaped ones are better. Decide and buy.
Where did you buy your first baskets, and is that place still a favorite today?
Are Fabrics and Sprays on Your Baskets?
Many baskets in your inventory are totally convertible. How many options for changing a basket’s appearance can you count?
This is good news because if a basket suddenly seems unstylish, you can perform one of the above three tactics to change its look, a better option than storing it in back of your inventory room, taking up space and wasting money.
Here’s an example of a fabric-lined basket. The pink-and-white material is perfect for anything girly, but what about the men? That’s when you get real innovative and search for fabric that’s male inspired.
I know what you’re thinking. “I’m a designer, not a seamstress.” That’s okay, because another option is to remove the fabric and use the basket without a fabric liner. Think also about spray painting that basket if you do want color.
When I made gift baskets for Macy’s customers, I spray painted each basket before bringing them to the store.
The spring colors of yellow and green put big smiles on everyone’s face as I added pre-purchased products into each basket. If the event was in the fall, I would have spray painted the baskets green and gold.
Converting baskets to a style that matches your need to dazzle clients is within your reach. How many times do you find yourself changing configurations, or do you “use as is?”
-
Gift Basket Biz Plan
-
Gift Basket Books
-
-
Welcome, from Shirley George Frazier
-
Visit Our Sponsors
