Jun
11
Buying All the Wrong Things
Filed Under Wholesale Suppliers
When I began buying gift basket inventory, I was a pro at purchasing cute items that didn’t sell.
* Toilet tissue labeled “after dinner rolls”
* Fruit-shaped bath sponges too rough for the skin
* Ladders for bird cages I thought would be great for congratulations gift baskets
They all bombed.
You don’t have money to waste, and that’s why I’m telling you where I goofed.
Here’s a review of what to consider when choosing or replenishing your inventory.
1. Basic. Crackers, cheese, sausage, nuts, cookies, and beverages work well in most baskets.
2. Crossover. Look for items that fit into multiple themes. Items mentioned above apply, and also consider choosing colors over words (burgundy or green-colored packaging rather than Happy Father’s Day, etc.).
3. Specific. Items for baby, spa, and gardening baskets will sell briskly as long as your clients are partial to those designs. Try not to make a heavy financial investment in these products until you know that customers will buy often.
Baby and spa gift basket samples are found at Gift Basket Tutorials, and you’ll also find a sample list of products to put into several basket themes.
The toilet tissue and bath sponges are long gone, but I still have those bird ladders. Anyone interested?
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2 Responses to “Buying All the Wrong Things”
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Shirley, I laughed when I read this entry. Most of us, who entered the business years ago (it was 16 years ago for me), didn’t have all the valuable resources that are now available. We made the same kinds of mistakes. It was our experiences of trial and error that have created the information products that make success so much easier for those entering the business today.
Joyce Reid
www.giftretailersnetwork.com
www.giftbasketnetwork.com
www.shopcreativegifts.com
Joyce, you’re right on point about the trial and error of yesterday.
We were quite inventive, finding products from strange and offbeat manufacturers because major sellers didn’t cater to us.
We’ve certainly blazed a trail while burning money at both ends, and we’ve persevered, too.
Next week I plan to visit a pet shelter and give them my leftover bird ladders.