Oct
29
Time to Buy Baskets?
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It’s okay to love baskets as much as you love ribbon. Each style and shape, sitting tall and pretty on warehouse shelves, seems to call your name, convincing you to include it with other baskets in your workspace.
There’s nothing wrong with buying inventory; it’s overbuying that causes trouble.
If you’re getting ready to buy baskets or re-stock existing inventory, here’s a three-part plan to stay in the profit zone.
1. Count how many designs you created starting in January, and determine if sales are strong enough to fill the same amount through the next three quarters.
Your basket buying tutorial starts on this page.
2. Document the style, cost, and supplier of the baskets you’ll buy. Ask a representative how many are in stock now so you have a general idea about future availability if needed at a moment’s notice.
See a collection of styles on the Baskets site.
3. Consider buying nested assortments. Nested baskets may save you money while making the most of your storage space.
Don’t understand the term “nested baskets,” or need help pricing them? You’ll find the definition and a handy price guide on this page.
With careful planning, you’ll buy a broad variety of baskets and sell them fast while satisfying customers and your bottom line.
Oct
26
Multiple Sales, Selling Tips, Finding Customers
Filed Under Customers, Sales-Increasing Strategies | Leave a Comment
ONE TIMES ONE EQUALS MANY
It’s not difficult to go from having just one customer to compiling a database of 600 active buyers. How? By asking each one of them to refer someone who will love how you make gift giving easy.
FIVE WAYS TO SELL
I often tell seminar attendees about the wrong inventory choices I made when setting up business. There’s lots of laughter and great lessons in that story, and it also serves to explain the right way to select items.
You’ll find great info about inventory and four more tips to make selling gift baskets easier in this blog article. Best of all, you can profit from these ideas right away.
HOW TO FIND CUSTOMERS
What convinced you to start selling gift baskets? Was it the number of people you know who are frustrated when looking for great gifts? That’s one reason, and there are many more.
You’ll find my answer, at Ask The Gift Basket Expert, to a designer who’s having difficulty locating clients. Read the advice, and share your techniques and opinion.
Oct
22
Do you post a list of sales-boosting tips next to your phone to offer to customers each time they order? I did, and it made a huge difference in sales the first year. Perhaps my best tips will also increase your revenue.
1. Contact every business professional on your sales list These individuals will order gifts for their families, friends and staff. Your gift baskets must be foremost in their minds, and early contact is critical to getting their accounts.
2. Upsell every basket. This means that when a client orders, you will suggest a higher-priced design for purchase. If this doesn’t work, suggest higher-priced products to replace the ones currently in the design they order.
Also offer to add balloons, when appropriate, for a nominal charge. Upselling can increase your profits by 20 percent and more. You’ll be surprised by the number of times customers agree to your suggestion.
A custom Upsell Form, created exclusively for gift basket designers, is part of 12 Top Gift Basket Forms.
3. Ask for referrals. Getting names from current clients broadens your sales base. In appreciation, send customers who give referrals a complimentary gift. People love to be recognized for their assistance. Small gifts keep them referring.
Trying these sales-building exercises seems awkward at first. But I bet that within the first week of making each tip a daily habit, you’ll start seeing results.
You’ll find more ideas in the Success Tips section.
