Dec

31

Designers Share Tips for 2009 Success

Filed Under Sales-Increasing Strategies 

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.

Read these related articles:

  1. 5 More Designers Share Tips for 2009
  2. Gift Basket Sales Tips, Where to Find Baskets, Corporate Sales
  3. If You Do Not Share, You May Not Succeed
  4. Hospital Gift Baskets, Presentation Tips
  5. Web Sales, Basket Wrapping, Financial Tips

Comments

4 Responses to “Designers Share Tips for 2009 Success”

  1. Lorie Obernauer on January 7th, 2009 8:09 pm

    Thank you for sharing these suggestions Shirley. It might also be worthwhile for gift basket business owners to talk with their business neighbors. Even if someone runs a different type of business, you may be able to identify buying trends in your community and find other what other business owners have done to keep customers coming in.

  2. Shirley George Frazier on January 8th, 2009 3:36 pm

    Your suggestion is on point, Lorie.

    Ideas and opportunities are often close to us rather than located far away.

    I bet a handful of designers will uncover solutions this way.

  3. LOLA on January 9th, 2009 4:19 pm

    GREAT IDEAS–WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY IS KEY!

  4. Shirley George Frazier on January 10th, 2009 1:02 pm

    Very truly, Lola.

    Creating a strong community base sets the right foundation for long-term success.

    Best of all, marketing strategies on this part of business are already available.