Nov

28

Five Tips to Increase Profits Next Year

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You’re busy preparing holiday orders, so it’s possible that smaller, yet just-as-important issues get pushed to the side. When you come up for air, it’s time to consider updating areas within your business that you may have overlooked in 2007.

1. Consider a new logo. Is it time to update your image? This change may be key to increasing your sales. Today, logo creation is very affordable, especially if employing a college intern or contracting services through sites such as Elance.com.

2. Update your business cards. Do your current cards reflect who you are and the services you provide? Business cards are economically priced so you can buy 3-4 different cards to distribute in various situations. For example, if you sell to real estate firms and pharmaceutical giants, each industry may receive a specific type of business card from you.

Learn more about boosting profits with business cards.

3. Review your telephone service. Are you contracted to the right plan for the amount of time spent on the phone? You could save over $100 per year in telephone charges by changing your service to match the average time spent making contacts and deals. Or perhaps enlisting your cellular phone as your main line is the best option. Call your carrier to review your current plan.

4. Give away old merchandise. What good is old inventory if it takes up space? Determine what isn’t selling, place it in a paper bag or cello bag, and give it to an appropriate organization. Or add a few items within the old baskets and give it as a gift to a postal carrier, hairdresser or bank manager. Attach your business card. Watch and listen as heads turn and questions are asked. These hidden treasures often bring sales from unlikely sources.

Here’s another creative idea about leftovers.

5. Take a well-deserved break. Depending on where you live, find a beach, retreat, lodge, spa, or bed and breakfast and check in for a weekend. Re-energizing yourself away from the workspace. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you return.

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Nov

25

How to Satisfy Your Customers

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CASH IN WITH CUSTOMER INCENTIVES
Most retailers are giving customers extra reasons to buy. They’re offering trinkets and baubles along with purchases. How can you join in and still profit? Wednesday’s newsletter tells how gift basket designers are increasing their revenue this season.

A GOOD TIME TO DONATE
Do you have empty baskets that simple won’t sell? It may be wise to donate these vessels to a worthy cause. Read how I found a charity that uses my older baskets and tips on how you can find one in your area.

IS YOUR BUSINESS NAME INSULTING?
It took weeks to choose a great business name, but before you print it on business cards, make sure the name doesn’t mean something negative in another language. Here’s what happened to a coffee company whose name insulted an ethnic group.

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Nov

21

Three Offers Customers Can’t Refuse

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In the past I’ve suggested different types of incentive programs to offer customers during the holidays. Some of those suggestions included:

  • Buy 12 baskets, get the 13th free
  • Order before Labor Day and receive a free gift.
  • When your order totals $300, you get a 5 percent discount.

Many online shops are offering free shipping this season (read more about it in How to Market to Holiday Shoppers) because they believe the incentive will be a big hit. But is free shipping and the offers mentioned above all you have in your marketing arsenal?

Here’s what some gift basket designers are offering this year as buying incentives.

  • Receive a $50 gift certificate when you buy a $100 gift basket.

Note: Add an expiration date on the certificate and a notice stating that shipping is not included in the price. Adjust the price if $50 is more than your budget allows, but keep it at or above $25.

  • Free pet treats with every gift basket order.

Many buyers own pets, so this incentive benefits them.

  • Delivery is free until December 31 throughout (city, area, or region), a $10 value (or whatever the normal charge for delivery).

These offers may substantially increase your sales. Choose the one that makes your phone ring from now until New Year’s Day.

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Nov

18

Pet Baskets

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PETS GET THE ROYAL TREATMENT
Pet-related products are getting lots of press. This gift basket blog post contains a link to a newspaper article, including a pet basket photograph, and ideas to get your gift baskets featured in the news.

A MARKETING COURSE FOR SUCCESS
Have you subscribed to my online marketing course? It’s just six steps delivered by Email. I’ve received great reviews and comments about it from gift basket designers worldwide. Visit this page and try it for yourself.

Nov

14

Should You Decline the Sale?

Filed Under Customers, Publicity/Media Attention | Leave a Comment

Gift baskets are an industry where experience truly is the best teacher. I can count on both hands how many times I’ve tried to make a sale where there was no sale, where I spent too much time working with a person who wasn’t going to buy in the first place.
 
The same is true for many designers I’ve met and who’ve consulted with me on building their businesses.
 
Here are three warning signs that say, “You’re not getting the sale.”
 
1. The client cannot make a decision. After appearing on a television show, one of the workers asked me to create a gift basket for her relative. We spoke five times by phone, and she still didn’t know what she wanted. I ended my pursuit by recommending that she buy from a local retailer.
 
How to Get Holiday Media Coverage provides insight on getting selling without spending money.
 
2. The client wants too much product for too little money. This is self explanatory, and if you haven’t experienced this situation, you will this holiday season. I guarantee you that by breaking even or losing money on this type of sale, you will not make it up the next time you work with this client.
 
3. You’re not ready to handle a large order. What a rush of excitement you feel when hearing that the client wants 100 or more gift baskets, but do you have room and staff to turn the order around quickly? Is accepting the order and then failing to deliver worth ruining your reputation?
 
Evaluate the sales process as it develops. If you find yourself going in circles, question the client to uncover the solution. Your gut will tell you when to stop and move on to working with people who are ready and willing to buy.
 
Learn more about making your cash register ring in part 2 of the Pre-Holiday Q&A report.

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