May

11

Competitive Edge, Delivery Basics, Turning Down Clients

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HOW DO YOU KEEP A COMPETITIVE EDGE?
I once interviewed two gift baskets shop owners with stores just steps away from each other. Although they were close in proximity, the two stores focused on thriving rather than hurting each other financially. Wednesday’s newsletter shares three tips I learned from two other designers who handle competition in ways that you will appreciate and be able to do on your own.

GAS PUMP LESSONS
Are you maximizing every opportunity to conserve gas when delivering gift baskets or traveling to presentations? Here are several ways to save money or adjust your delivery prices suggested by shop owners (including a florist) who shared advice in my local newspaper.

SOMETIMES “NO” IS THE ANSWER
Requests for a $100 basket at a price of $25 are hard to fill, and that’s one of the reasons why Top 10 Letters is popular item to help to quickly decline a sale. Turning down opportunities is what participants in other industries are doing more frequently in this economy. Read what they’re facing and how you can also keep your blood pressure from boiling.

May

7

How to Rise Above Competition

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Designers: Please tell me how I can help your business by clicking this link to complete a brief survey. My thanks to all who participate.

There’s competition all around you, from gift basket shops to florists to stores that make custom gift baskets. Is it possible to equal their marketing tactics so that prospects clearly see you as the company of choice for gifts and baskets?

I recently spoke with two gift basket designers who often find themselves up against stiff competition. Here are three tips they asked me to share with you.

1. Do everything possible, within your means and budget, to contact customers on a consistent basis. Mailing monthly postcards, delivering muffins or cookies, promoting online newsletters, and offering in-office demonstrations may be rudimentary, but they truly work to encourage sales.

2. Create up to three new gift basket designs using inventory that was put away or temporarily forgotten. Introduce these creations on your Web site, with help from this online selling article and these design enhancement tips, and offer an incentive with purchase.

3. Monitor all media for competitive ads and offers. Sometimes you’re in a position to react to their promotions by offering customers matched pricing. At other times you must simply keep track without creating a competitive offer. You’ll know when to strike and when to stay within your means.

Here are tips to understand who is your competition and who is not.

Make positive moves to keep your business thriving no matter how much competition is in the area. Your marketing will shine if you focus on the reasons customers buy from you, and they will continue to be loyal no matter who else sells gift baskets.

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Dec

2

Who’s The Real Competition?

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READY TO START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT?
Are you preparing for more revenue in 2008? It’s not too early, and it’s also smart to start thinking about your plan now. Wednesday’s newsletter looks at five ways to set the right tone before the ball drops.

WHY THE BIG BOYS ARE NOT YOUR COMPETITION
Your business provides clients with better services than found at big retailers and warehouse clubs. So how can you bring their customers to your door? Here’s a look at how to turn this seemingly negative situation into a positive cash flow.

FIGHTING ABOUT PHOTOS
What’s your first reaction if someone walks into your shop and snaps a photo? Weigh in on this question at the Ask The Gift Basket Expert site. You’re also welcome to ask a question through the comment link. One question will be chosen each week for response.

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