Is a Gift Basket Franchise in Your Future?

Filed Under DROP SHIPPING, FRANCHISES | Leave a Comment

Many gift basket designers believe that their businesses can stand on its own, selling to individuals and corporations who believe in their products.

Others feel that working with a franchise is a great option because the franchise name is instantly recognized, bringing many more sales than a standalone business may achieve.

While that may be true, there are many pros and cons to joining a franchise that go far beyond money.

You’ll learn more about this topic on the Gift Basket Business Facebook group page.

If franchises are not for you right now, perhaps being a member of a drop ship firm is more appealing. Drop ship membership pros and cons are found on several pages at GiftBasketBusiness.com, which also includes an introductory video.

Jan

25

How to Increase Sales, Buy Baskets, Drop Shipping

Filed Under Baskets, DROP SHIPPING, Sales-Increasing Strategies | Leave a Comment

CREATE A GARDEN OF GROWTH

I remember when I thought my promotions weren’t helping my business. Nothing was working. All of a sudden, the phone rang off the hook, and sales seemed to be coming from everywhere. Did my clients wake up from a long nap, or were the seeds I planted months ago finally sprouting?

Wednesday’s newsletter plants seeds to inspire you to market every day in whatever method works in your region. I can tell you, from personal experience shared in the newsletter and above, that your efforts will not be in vain.

“B” IS DEFINITELY FOR BASKETS

All week you’ve been reading about baskets, the favored industry vessel that anchors most designs. Articles have centered around where to buy, how to add accents, designing with value in mind, and more.

Here’s the last entry, all about wrapping difficult shapes, and at the bottom you’ll find links to an entire week of ideas.

DROP SHIP SHORT CUTS

Drop shipping is here to stay. There’s lots of pro and con conversation about working with these firms and making sure they deliver what’s promised.

I just answered a question at Ask The Gift Basket Expert on how to choose a drop shipper. Read what I suggest, think about your experience, or consider my advice before selecting a drop ship company.

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.