There are 10 ways gift baskets make you money. Do you know all the sources? This article reveals where to find gift basket cash.
The search for paying customers
Whether I’m speaking at one of the many gift industry trade shows or with a private client, I’m asked the same question in different ways:
Who will buy my gift baskets?
I share a story in the book, How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, about my start and how I thought everyone was a gift basket buyer. I soon learned the truth:
You must search for and find the specific people who are ready to buy your gift baskets.
In other words, everyone will not be your customer.
There are certain individuals, as well as people who represent businesses and organizations, who buy. It’s up to you to find those people. No one can do it for you, and when you locate your perfect customers, that’s when you discover how gift baskets make you money.
Top 10 ways gift baskets make you money
Having money to start a gift basket business is the first step, and that’s the subject of this article. Once you have the start-up cash as well as all supplies and equipment, you’re ready to confidently approach potential buyers.
Here’s a list of 10 solid groups who consistently buy gift baskets.
- Individuals
- Corporations
- Non-profit organizations
- Private practice professionals
- Meeting planners
- Politicians
- Retail stores
- Sports teams
- Fundraising groups
- Trade show exhibitors
There are others, too, who buy depending on your geographic region and connections you make who reveal sources within their circles. However, start your search with this top 10 list which will prove to be your strongest candidates.
Money making pros
One group that’s not on the list is advertising executives, although they are linked with corporations. These executives were one of my first customers.
Getting them to buy was easy because of one reason – I advertised on the radio station they represented. It was a no-brainer to approach them to buy gift baskets from me. We had an ongoing relationship that put us face to face each month, and I pursued their business as they pursued mine.
The same situation can happen in your business even if you are not advertising to television or radio station broadcasters. You have relationships with other businesses, and those firms can become your gift basket customers if you pursue them the right way. The flip side of the coin exists as well.
Cons occur, too
You can also cast a negative shadow on your business if you don’t prepare to pursue their orders. I talk with designers like you about this process during our private calls so you know how to approach each potential customer and don’t make fatal mistakes.
The initial presentation is critically important, and the right method allows you to get their account as well as accounts from sister broadcast stations. However, without insider knowledge, your hope to make money is slim to none.
Which of the 10 groups listed above will you pursue to make money with gift baskets? Which of the 10 is the one you really want to be your customer and need help to pursue?
