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.
Dec
24
Why Gift Baskets and Emotion Work Together
Filed Under Customers, Marketing Materials | Leave a Comment
A person who comes to the door to receive your carefully-made gift basket never pouts. You’ll always see a smile on her face, even if the occasion is not joyous.
It proves, without a doubt, that gift baskets and emotion are permanently connected, and this angle is critically important when planning your themes and marketing.
If you’re planning on an avalanche of sales in 2009, finish the following tasks before the New Year’s ball drops in New York’s Times Square.
1. List the phrases you remember hearing from customers or recipients when they see the gift basket for the first time or express satisfaction by phone when re-ordering.
These phrases provide clues on how to position your marketing messages.
2. Decide which customer sentences about your wonderful presentation, service, or delivery will be added to each page of your Web site. Then add it as quickly as possible.
Comments and feedback turn fence sitters into buyers.
3. Plan a series of literature, sent by Email and traditional mail, that keeps your name and product visible every month.
When customers frequently see your name, they finally get the connection and order from you every time an occasion calls for gifts and baskets.
Here are three investments that will put you on track.
101 Ways to Market Gift Baskets, book or Ebook
99 Marketing Ideas to Make More Money CD, January-June. You’ll save $15 when ordering the July-December CD with the first one.
Low-Cost Secrets for Landing Corporate Accounts CD
Every order that arrives in my office before December 31 will include a special gift worth a minimum $30 from our inventory.
The type of emotion you feel each time you receive an order is the same feeling customers enjoy every time you ring their doorbell. Commit to marketing today so that both you and customers smile all year long.
Dec
21
Completing Orders, Wholesale Club Contracts, Easy-to-Make Gifts
Filed Under Customers, Wholesale Selling | Leave a Comment
CAN YOU SEE THE FINISH LINE?
No matter how much you prepare, someone will call your studio at the last minute trying to get an order filled. There’s a good chance that this person called others who turned him/her down.
Wednesday’s newsletter keeps you focused on what you can realistically accomplish in the short term and how to continue the sales cycle throughout the new year. Whether you commit to a cut-off date or accept orders until Santa arrives is your call (in either case, you won’t be alone).
WHOLESALE CLUB CASH
Do you dream of having a wholesale club buy from you? If you’re not prepared for the ups and downs, the dream can quickly turn into a nightmare.
A designer asks what to consider before going after a club contract. You’ll find my answer at Ask The Gift Basket Expert. What’s your take on this?
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Like you, I love making gift baskets, but the easy gifts are my absolute favorite. That’s why suggesting quick-and-easy tote bag gifts to clients at this time of the year makes everyone happy. It’s easy on their budget, and easy for all of us to make as much bank as possible.
This tote bag gift idea may be a terrific option for you going into 2009.
Dec
17
How to Prepare for Last Minute Orders
Filed Under Customers, Sales-Increasing Strategies | Leave a Comment
Like it or not, our clients are late buyers. They forget to buy holiday gifts for every deserving client, and the only thing that jolts memories are advertisements, whether in print or on the Web.
Christmas is no exception. Even if you mail postcards or connect by phone, clients wait until the week before Christmas to order. They buy on impulse or with budget challenges, but the bottom line is that they eventually buy.
Here are three ways to encourage customers to speed up the order process.
1. Local Flair. Ordering from a well-known, out-of-state source may seem attractive, but if one thing about the gift is wrong, the entire presentation is wrecked. As the local designer, you are able to immediately correct any problems.
Here’s a list of benefits that convince clients to buy from you and not outside sources.
2. Fresh Focus. Larger companies may have a lot of stock, but is it fresh? Are the jelly beans soft? Are the butter cookies moist? Play up this angle to whet their palate for your products.
Some of us believe we’re competing with warehouse clubs. Read why that’s not true.
3. Web Appeal. Internet orders are a snap for you, especially if the client is in close proximity. Your home page is best arranged by filling it with holiday selection links and quick order options.
Here’s how to encourage customers to contact you through your site.
If your inventory runs low, fill in where necessary through local wholesale merchandisers. You can also consider low inventory a measure of success when turning down last-minute orders, and start focusing on New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day gifts.
Dec
14
Getting Publicity, Gift Basket Clubs, How to Make Money with Gift Baskets
Filed Under Corporate Selling, Publicity/Media Attention | 2 Comments
BASKETS OF MEDIA ATTENTION
It’s amazing to see how many gift basket stories appear throughout December in newspapers worldwide. Some stories are all about designers, and others try to convince individuals to make their own gift baskets. It’s quite a collection.
Wednesday’s newspaper encourages you to get your 15 minutes of fame before the season is over. Seven designers I know have increased sales this year from media exposure. You’re next.
JOIN THE CLUB
What if you had a standing order every month from a minimum of 10 companies to deliver a specific gift basket? That’s what can happen when creating and promoting a gift basket club.
DESIGNERS’ RATES ARE RISING
About five years ago I was asked if it’s possible to make $30,000 a year in this business. That answer, which you’ll find in this GiftBasketArticles.com article, is still true, but what’s more better, the potential has grown even in this economy.
Eleven designers who I’ve worked with in the past three years have increased their sales to average $92,000 a year, with one third of the gross amount deducted for expenses.
As you read the article, substitute the $30,000 figure for a higher amount you can achieve on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis.
Dec
10
This is the week to contact newspaper reporters who want last-minute ideas for holiday gifts. Here are three ideas to get media attention and higher profits through people who will read about your designs.
Food Editor
Send this reporter information on new snack flavors and packaging shapes to add to gift baskets and stockings.
Health Editor
Inform the editor about healthy snack choices being added to today’s holiday baskets. Include a list of the ten most-popular healthy snacks.
Business Editor
Stories about uncommon or downright strange gift choices ordered by business staffers will get this editor’s attention. Another option is to tell the editor what local firms are ordering to impress clients and increase office productivity.
Sending news by Email is what reporters prefer most. Postal mail is second best. More about connecting with reporters is in this three-page press release distribution at SoloBusinessMarketing.com.
Getting Your Name in the News shares more tips for newspaper stories that turn into sales. That’s how I got a front-page gift basket story in my local paper.
You can also try a different route to find customers. Learn how that’s done in Using the Newspaper to Get More Sales.
The more you know about contacting the media, the more free publicity you’ll receive so you can turn thousands of potential customers into buyers.
Save Time – Gift Basket Biz Plan
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