We've Moved

Thanks for visiting our blog. We've moved to http://www.giftbasketbusinessworld.com/theblog.

Hope to see you there.

Flora

Do it Quick or Do it Right?--Is that a Serious Question?

At some time in your gift basket career you will be asked to offer a service that’s outside the guidelines of your business license. As matter of fact, you’ll face it a number of times. Your success rides on the way you respond.

Find out how a Fort Wayne, IN handled this in the full article.

Gift Basket Training Cuts Years Off Your Learning Curve

Every week I receive calls and emails from new gift basket designers or gift retailers wanting to add gift baskets to their offerings. When I suggest classes, consultation or educational materials, many of them are deterred by the time and cost involved. That’s too bad. There is tremendous value in investing in your training and skill development.

Let’s face it. You could learn all the gift basket techniques, trends and sources on your own without spending your money. But there’s no way you can gather all this without spending a lot of time. It has taken me 16 years to get to this level.

And talk about the learning curve. I’ll give you an example of what happened to me.

Read the full article here.

Successful Gift Basket Businesses Depend on Client Trust

Many gift basket businesses work hard to achieve success. Because clients are exchanging their money for your services, your success depends on gaining their trust. There are several ways to do this.

Read the full article.

Come See Strawberry Shortcake

This invitation was part of a local furniture store’s newspaper ad today. A 5-inch picture of Strawberry Shortcake stood beside it and underneath the picture: Photos-Fun-Prizes.

What does Strawberry Shortcake have to do with furniture, you’re wondering? More importantly, what does all this have to do with gift baskets?

This furniture store offers great bargains, a huge inventory and same day delivery and yet they know that consumers have many other shopping choices. So, in addition to great benefits, they also offer drama, excitement and an open invitation for parents to bring their children.

Read the rest of the article here.

What Gift Baskets are Right for Mother's Day?

During the week before Mother's Day it is common for loved ones to frantically search for the perfect gift for Mom. Although clothing, flowers and jewelry are still the most popular gifts, pamper gifts and spa gift certificates are growing in popularity. What Mom wants after all is time out and relaxation. Read more about it.

Stop Discouraging Your Prospective Gift Basket Clients

When you finally get a client interested in your service, are you helping or discouraging them?

An example that comes to mind is my experience at a local trade show a few years ago. One booth featured beautiful baskets that I thought would make a great addition to my inventory.

I stepped into the booth and asked the representative "What is your minimum order?"

He scratched his head and uttered, "Hmmm. Hmmm."

Thinking I hadn't spoken clearly enough I rephrased and repeated the question: "Do you have a minimum order?"

He was still stumped by my question, so he pushed a bunch of fliers and a CD into my hand telling me to go to their website to get more information.

As I walked away from the booth I was very sure I wouldn't do business with this company. They had set up their wares at a major gift show, but seemed completely unprepared to answer one of the most common questions asked by buyers. They didn't deserve my business.

Are you ready for the most common questions your customers may ask? Some of those may be:

Where are you located?

Do you do same-day deliveries?

What types of gift baskets do you carry?

What do you put in your baskets?

What do your baskets cost?

Can you ship a basket to Romania?

Could I pay by check?

While you can't anticipate every question, you do need to decide in advance the scope and policies of your business. If need be, keep a written copy by your telephone and computer. That way you'll sound knowledgeable and ready to accept the willing customer.