Every house I visited this past Thanksgiving was home to a family that also included a pet.

Whether dog, cat, bird, or fish, something outside of the traditional two-legged people we greet when arriving also clamored for attention (yes, fish do notice that new people are in the house).

Whether an order comes by phone or shopping cart, you have time to ask the customer about the inclusion of pet treats before the gift basket is created.

A frequent question that is asked by my designer clients is, “Where’s the best place to buy pet treats?” I often remind designers that the best place is a place that’s local to them where pet products are found, which means the product is often rotated because of customer loyalty.

One place I do not recommend for pet treats is a discount store with merchandise at super-low prices. These stores have fantastic buys in many categories, but it may not be the ideal place to buy products that will be ingested by a family pet.

My husband once purchased a rawhide bone from one such place for our dog, and the dog had a terrible reaction to the product, one that put the whole family into turmoil. The dog became ill, and we cried while doing everything possible to bring him through the pain.

The situation finally concluded with the dog feeling better, me punching my husband in the arm, and the family passing out on the couch due to the stress.

What do you remember a customer saying to you about the pet treats added to a gift basket delivered to the customer’s door?

Shirley George Frazier

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Two situations helped me realize how much customers adore gifts for pets.

1. Receiving a dog biscuit along with my bank receipt.

Pepper, my Chow Chow and long-time buddy who passed away in 2008, sat in my car’s passenger seat as we completed errands one weekend morning. The bank teller saw him and sent a treat.

For me, that was incredibly thoughtful and one of the reasons why I still bank with that institution.

2. Seeing a picture of a recipient and her dog.

While visiting a customer to document several orders, the client showed me a photograph of her best friend along with each of their dogs. That immediately told me to include pet treats in the basket.

I asked the client if the dog was on a special diet and learned that organic food was the recipient’s favorite, so I included a bag of organic treats along with items for human consumption. These types of items are listed on the OrganicWholesaleSupplies.com site.

The recipient was so overjoyed that her four-legged buddy was acknowledged that dozens of orders for pet gift baskets began to arrive in my office from her acquaintances and relatives, which led to more orders from their associates.

The first story is part of my personal experience, but I still consider the emotion I felt to be an important example to build the pet gift basket side of your business. The second story confirms this.

Dogs aren’t the only ones lavished with goodies. Cats and birds are also family favorites, so keep them in mind.

Most of all, add questions about family pets to your order sheet, similar to one offered with Gift Basket Forms, so that you don’t overlook adding gifts and treats for them, which may help your business blossom in this category as mine did.

What type of pet gift baskets can you see yourself creating?

Shirley George Frazier

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Treats for Fido and Kitty are to seriously be considered as you purchase gift basket inventory.

This is especially true if you sell to individuals as well as the corporate market.

Consumers spend millions of dollars on their pets each year. They’ve become four-legged children in most homes.

My former kids, Pepper (Chow Chow) and Daisy (Rottweiler) earned their keep every day, and I splurged on them in any way possible because of the love, affection, and security they provided as part of the family.

I thought about this lucrative market one morning when I read a pet column in the Long Island Press. The article featured a company that sold dog treats and also mentioned that the company creates pet gift baskets.

Many trade and consumer shows include exhibitors with pet products, but if the ones you visit don’t feature such exhibitors, a pet products directory is available with more than 35 wholesaler names, phone numbers, and Web site addresses to make finding products easier.

Pet treats are perfect in hostess gifts (as long as the hostess has a pet) and holiday gifts created for local and out-of-state families. There’s no need to buy lots of products. Just have a few bags of treats available, and add “Does the recipient have pets?” to your roster of customization questions.

Shirley George Frazier

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Do you place paw protectors on your dog to walk it during bad weather? It’s a common practice in some regions, and it’s also a question to ask customers who happen to own pets.

Look at this article from HamptonRoads.com about a pet costume contest, where the three top winners received gift baskets filled with pet products.

Learning more about your clients’ four-legged companions may get you more business. My longtime friends, Daisy (Rottweiler) and Pepper (Chow Chow) both passed away earlier this year as I stood by them, but in the healthy days, if anyone provided them with a treat, that person was in my good graces for life. Some of your clients may also see you in the same light.

1. Quickly scan the desks of corporate prospects during meetings. Are pets included in their framed pictures? If so, mention it and watch a smile light up the prospect’s face. Follow up your meeting by sending a small treat for the pet.

2. Do you hear barking, meowing, or cackling (bird) during telephone conversations? That’s a sure sign that someone else rules the roost. Ask questions about the pet (how old, birthday, favorite treat), and follow up with a pet birthday card, snack or other appropriate item.

These customer appreciation suggestions have the potential to increase your gift basket sales quicker than if you ignored clients’ pets, and it can do so without extra expense. Refer to your existing pet product inventory. Select the slow-moving items for wrapping and delivery.

If you’re just getting started in this category, the Pet Products Directory will help you quickly find popular products perfect for your gift baskets.

Shirley George Frazier

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