Jan
4
New Year Sales, Baby Gift Baskets, Selling Wholesale
Filed Under Baby, Sales-Increasing Strategies, Wholesale Selling | Leave a Comment
HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY START THE NEW YEAR
You’re certainly not alone if your 2008 sales were lower than what you sold in 2007. Though it was challenging, there are ways to gain market share in the first half of 2009, which will help to increase income in the second half of the year.
Wednesday’s newsletter reveals how five designers view what is achievable and how they will proceed. Consider their words inspiration to kick start your new year.
BABIES BRING BUNDLES OF SALES
Newspapers concentrate on many of the same stories when the year changes, including who gave birth to the first baby within each city. This is good news for you, because the stories also concentrate on the popularity of gift baskets for babies.
This article at the Gift Basket Business blog includes a link to a baby story and also shares ideas for creating baby baskets through a series of videos you can watch online.
IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER COLLABORATIONS?
One way to sell more gift baskets, as mentioned in Wednesday’s newsletter, is to split the profits with a retail store owner who will provide space to display your designs.
This option may be good for you, especially if you’re home based. That’s why selling gift baskets outright at a wholesale cost may be a better deal for you today than selling on consignment.
Here’s an article with information that helps you make a decision about this lucrative opportunity.
Dec
31
It’s been a tough 2008 for many, even designers with normally high incomes.
Because of that, I asked 10 retailers who only sell gift baskets what they plan to do in the first half of 2009 to boost business.
I believe their words of wisdom are more instrumental than lessons that come from my narrow perspective.
“Businesses have closed in my area, but several conferences are planned, so I’ll make connections with the travel and tourism department to see if meeting planners are interested in welcome to the area gifts.”
This page includes tips for working with meeting planners.
“I learned that I can’t depend on my Web site to do all the selling. I’ll do more networking with local groups to see if sales opportunities are there.”
“A few customers said they forgot I sold gift baskets, and I know why. I stopped sending mailers and postcards. I’ll commit to that again on a regular basis.”
Read all about building your business with postcards.
“Sales were low, but it’s also time for me to trim expenses. I’m going to take Sarah’s advice and start creating gifts with elaborate bows and lower-cost baskets and containers.”
Read what Sarah Botchick of Pioneer Wholesale Co. says about perceived value.
“I’m home based and that seemed to limit my reach, so I’m going to see if I can sell through local florists, card stores, and specialty shops. Perhaps they will be open to a collaboration where they earn a portion of my sales.”
Let these first five lessons and plans assist you with your 2009 strategy.
The Gift Basket Tutorials Web site is now known as GiftBasketVideo.com. I hope to have a new video, heat gun vs. hair dryer, up and running before day’s end. Stop by and share your comments by leaving feedback on one of the video pages.
The final five quotes will appear in next week’s newsletter.
Dec
28
How to Make Clients Happy, Wine Baskets, Drop Shipping
Filed Under Customers, DROP SHIPPING, Wine/Alcohol | Leave a Comment
DO YOU SHED TEARS OVER SALES?
A designer who started her business in mid 2007 told me she’d never seen so many men shed tears until she delivered gift baskets to them for Father’s Day. Referrals from those deliveries expanded her business, and that’s when she cried tears of joy.
Wednesday’s newsletter explains why emotions play a big part in sales and provides ideas on how to capitalize on emotional selling in 2009. Sometimes it’s okay to be a cry baby.
DO CUSTOMERS WHINE ABOUT WINE?
Veteran designers already know the problems associated with illegally placing wine in gift baskets, even if it’s a one-shot deal.
If you’re new to the business, read this article about the threat of jail time when selling without a liquor license.
The article is based outside of the U.S., but the same laws may be relevant worldwide.
IS DROP SHIPPING IN YOUR FUTURE?
With the recession gripping everyone’s lifestyle, some gift basket retailers may be considering having some of their orders filled by drop shippers. Is this an option for you?
One new entrepreneur is thinking of going this route. Read my advice at Ask The Gift Basket Expert, and weigh in on this question if you currently work with a drop shipper.
