Jan

30

How Many Baskets Will You Buy?

Filed Under Baskets | 2 Comments

If I were starting a gift basket business today, for the very first time, here’s how many baskets I’d buy and the three reasons behind my decision.

Number of baskets: 18

Size and shape of baskets:
Small – 5 (2 square, 3 oval)
Medium – 5 (3 square, 2 oval)
Large – 4 (2 rectangular, 2 oval)
Box containers – 4 (2 small, 2 large)

More information on selection is found on the baskets pages.

Reason for buying decision:
1. It’s necessary to have a range of sizes and shapes available for design experimentation and marketing purposes.
2. I pre-surveyed business professionals to gauge their interest in purchasing from me for upcoming events. Six baskets are pre-sold, and I don’t want to buy more baskets until the end of month.
3. Living in a large metropolitan area, I expect my aggressive sales techniques to sell most of my inventory within six weeks.

Is my approach different from yours? The answer is “yes” with good reason. No two gift basket businesses are alike. One person will choose six baskets because he won’t sell as quickly, and another person will purchase six dozen baskets because her Rolodex includes influential executives who’ll buy because of their current business relationship.

This is why no one else can tell you what to buy and how many to buy. I guarantee that you’ll make mistakes, but you’ll also make better choices as you move forward. In time you’ll laugh as you enter the bank with fat checks, all because you took a chance and purchased an initial quantity of baskets that works for you and only you.

Here’s one more tip: select baskets that are tall (higher perceived value), dark (burgundy and similar colors are considered “rich” in appearance), and handsome (all-around sturdy construction).

Visit this brand-new baskets site which will expand in time. It shows a variety of baskets that have been popular for my past designs and provides you with ideas for buying your initial and future inventory.

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Jan

27

Develop Your Business, Print Advertising Methods

Filed Under Customers, Sales-Increasing Strategies | Leave a Comment

FROM TORTOISE TO HARE
Every season can be fast or slow to deliver sales by phone or mail. The speed depends on how quickly you encourage business to come to you. Wednesday’s newsletter uncovers three methods, and from those you’ll be able to develop more.

SIZE UP YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE
Today’s customer is impressed when you take care of the little things during the order process, delivery, and post-sale. Do you take care of the small details? Learn how you rate.

PRINT STAYS PUT
What’s the most effective way to build your sales? The answer is print marketing by mail. Read insights about this from a print marketing expert, and see a three-month example of how to combine your print marketing and online marketing campaigns.

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