When you attend this season’s trade shows, you’ll see lots of ribbon and be very tempted to buy.

What about the spools of ribbon currently in your workspace? Do you really need more?

Now’s the time to take inventory of the sizes, colors, and styles you have so you don’t duplicate what’s already in stock.

Here’s what to consider.

• Which styles sell faster? Replenish it.
• What colors are missing? Even though you have none, think before you buy.
• Which ribbon in your inventory needs a partner? A second color to make a two-tone bow will make good use of what you already have.

Ribbon is very intoxicating, and it’s also a huge expense if you’re not careful.

Know what you own. Buy what sells.

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. How to Stop Buying What No One Except You Wants
2. Why Bows Enhance Each Gift Basket’s Beauty
3. She’s Going Out of Business. Can I Buy Her Inventory?

Ribbon was plentiful at the New York International Gift Fair, the show I attended yesterday, displayed in booths with familiar names and by suppliers I didn’t recognize.

Everything from organza in beautiful shades to intricate wired brocades tempted buyers to stop and feel the fabrics, and that included me.

Colors were as gorgeous for men’s gift baskets as it was for women’s. All of it reminded me of what Sarah Botchick of Pioneer Wholesale Co. said last month about focusing on ribbon and not so much on the basket. Looking at what’s available for spring and summer, Sarah’s suggestion is right on target.

Before you turn yourself loose on ribbon at an upcoming trade show, be sure to:

The only reason I resisted buying a dozen spools is because I checked what I have in stock before arriving at the show.

I’m in favor of lean inventory that sells quickly because I understand what my clients prefer. That’s my plan for everything, including ribbon. Perhaps this same focus will benefit you, too.

You’ll find two New York International Gift Fair show report links on this page and more information about ribbon and bows here.

What plans have you made to buy new ribbon, or do you currently have enough available for spring and summer?

Shirley George Frazier

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Today’s Wholesaler Wisdom guest writer is Sarah Botchick of Pioneer Wholesale Co., Berea, OH.

In the gift basket industry, there is a common thought that to offer higher priced gift baskets the designer needs to purchase more expensive baskets.

But there is a little known trick to making your baskets LOOK more expensive without spending more on the components.

Use nicer ribbon and cheaper baskets!

The ribbon is the “face” of your basket – it is the first thing your customers see, and we all know the importance of first impressions.

If you spend more money on the ribbon, it increases the perceived value of the basket. You can then use a less expensive basket to make up for the increased cost of the ribbon.

Pioneer Wholesale Co. is an experienced wholesaler and importer. They sell beautiful ribbon to adorn your baskets. Visit www.pioneerwholesaleco.com or call 888-234-5400.

DESIGNERS: What do you think about Sarah’s suggestion? I encourage you to share feedback for her in the comments section.

Shirley George Frazier

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What happens to ribbon when it arrives in your studio? Here are four options.

Ribbon wastes your money if it’s not coordinated and ready for placement either on a gift box or fashioned into a bow for a basket, as you see displayed in the ribbon section of this site. That’s what happened to ribbon in the picture on the Gift Basket Design Studio Extreme Makeover page.

When ribbon arrives in your workspace, whether in a delivered box or carried by you from a warehouse, add it to your design area right away.

Treat your ribbon right, and it will reward you with sales and smiles from happy customers.

Learn more about ribbons and bows at Retail Wraps.

Shirley George Frazier

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