Dec
30
I’m hosting a Twitter group called BasketSupplies to inform you about wholesale products, supplies, services, discounts/sales, and more to keep your inventory filled with items customers prefer receiving and appreciate giving.
Click the following link to join the BasketSupplies group and stay informed:
http://www.twitter.com/BasketSupplies
Mar
25
Right now is the time to purchase wholesale item for Administrative Professionals Week and Mother’s Day gift baskets. You’re in one of the rare seasons when doubling up on inventory works to your advantage.
In previous newsletters, I’ve mentioned products that are evergreen, items that sell any time of the year no matter what the occasion. A mix of your own evergreen products along with spring-themed merchandise will sell now.
Consider chocolates packaged in spring-themed boxes, snack mixes in cello bags cinched with a flower adornment, and cell phone caddies that position themselves on desktops and home bureaus. These items will sell briskly for both occasions.
Another benefit to buying now is to ensure you have plenty of stock for Mother’s Day rather than waiting until the last minute when suppliers may not have what you need. That impacts on your profit, a disadvantage that works against your ability to satisfy clients and yourself.
Doubling up on inventory puts your mind at ease when suggesting product choices, and it also keeps your sales moving in the right direction.
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Due to popular demand, the report Financial Calculations for Gift Basket Designers will be available once more in a newly-revised edition.
This grow-your-business report, delivered by Email in PDF format, shows how to increase your sales by following a blueprint using one of four calculations – Keystone, Keystone Plus, Triple, and Triple Plus pricing. Look at all four examples, created with products available by wholesale right now, and choose the one that works best for your profitability.
The report also includes examples of how to calculate your break-even point and how to determine your profit and loss.
If numbers make your head spin, this report will make math easy.
Financial Calculations for Gift Basket Designers is available for the pre-production investment cost of $49.97 and will increase in price when completed, so click this link and order today.
Jan
18
Cellophane Wrap, Baby Baskets, How to Find Wholesale Supplies
Filed Under Baby, Cellophane, Shrink Wrap, Bags, Wholesale Suppliers | Leave a Comment
CELLO-BRATE YOUR WRAP STYLE
Yesterday, at the Philadelphia Gift Show, attendees watched as I demonstrated how to wrap a small gift with three types of cellophane.
One print was an inside wrap, another enclosed the entire gift, and the third one was a fan topper. None of it clashed, which proves that multiple wraps can work together and look attractive.
Wednesday’s newsletter clears up questions you may have about cellophane and shares tips to ensure that you don’t overspend at trade shows while considering which prints will bring you the highest profits.
NEW LAWS FOR LITTLE ONES
Everyone gets nervous when government starts to intervene with product laws. That’s what’s happening in the U.S., where baby goods are now under strict examination for lead particles.
Are the products currently in your inventory destined for the trash? This article uncovers the new rules for your baby baskets, including links to explanations so that you find yourself on the right side of the law.
BASKETS IN YOUR BACKYARD
The closest wholesale supplier to my shop is just five minutes away, but that’s not true for everyone. Or is it?
A designer recently asked how to find products in her state. You’ll find my suggestions to locate sources at Ask The Gift Basket Expert. It may provide clues to help you uncover a source you didn’t know is steps away from your workshop.
Aug
31
Your Retail Store Policy, Insurance Protection, Wholesale Supplies
Filed Under Insurance, Wholesale Suppliers | Leave a Comment
READY TO LAY DOWN THE LAW?
Most retail stores have a policy that outlines the buying, exchange, and return procedures that protect them from customer liabilities that may occur during the store’s existence. I say most stores because you may not have a policy, but that’s about to change.
Wednesday’s newsletter tells what happened to me when a client complained and the good and bad I experienced that finally convinced me to put store rules in print.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
Do you consider business liability insurance to be an investment or expense? Like all insurance plans, it may be a burden to pay, but you certainly want coverage in place for unexpected disasters.
BEFORE I INCREASE THE WHOLESALE SUPPLIES LIST…
During September, the www.GiftBasketWholesaleSupplies.com site will expand to include new suppliers of baskets, foods, enhancements, and more. Is there a different or additional format that will help you find what you need?
Reply to this newsletter, and let me know. About 100 more listings will be added, and I appreciate your feedback on what will assist you on this site.
http://www.giftbasketwholesalesupplies.com/
Jul
20
Trade Shows, Asking Questions, Imprinting Machines
Filed Under Customers, TRADE SHOWS, Wholesale Suppliers | Leave a Comment
FROM CHAOS TO CALM
There are certain expectations when you begin making gift baskets. First, you wonder if you’ll get sales, and when they arrive, you wonder how to organize everything, including travel. Wednesday’s newsletter provides trade show alternatives when you cannot travel, which includes magazines to get this month to read gift basket articles.
WHAT’S YOUR QUESTION?
Learning about the receiver, before you begin designing, ensures that the gift basket matches their preferences. What do you ask, and are the questions organized on paper rather than by memory? Here’s what I asked a client before dazzling 25 members of her day care staff.
HOW TO PRINT UP SALES
What type of ribbon imprinter is in your workspace, and can it do more than imprint on ribbon? One designer is searching for a special imprinter to satisfy her clients with different types of personalization. Her question is at Ask The Gift Basket Expert. Can you help her?
Jul
16
How to Manage Your Time, Travel, and Money
Filed Under TRADE SHOWS, Wholesale Suppliers | Leave a Comment
Managing your time while marketing, selling, and attending trade shows is often a difficult process, but there are alternatives to keep order and sanity.
Rather than attend trade shows, some gift basket designers choose to stay close to their stores due to time or budgetary constraints. This dilemma can leave a big void in the items offered to customers who count on you to surprise them with every order.
But how can you take time away from business to visit trade shows when the ones you really want to attend are thousands of miles away? Here are two solutions.
1. Speak with suppliers. Call wholesalers that plan to exhibit. Ask the representative if you can take advantage of specials through a phone order. New items are usually shown online, and the rep may have approval to give you a “heads up” on sales specials.
2. Re-review trade publications. Gift and gourmet trade magazines often feature new items for each season, introducing you to what will be in style in terms of colors and trends.
The July issues of Gifts & Decorative Accessories and Gift Shop Magazine include gift basket articles. Try and get a copy of both before month’s end.
Don’t let schedule, location, or budget keep you from finding new products to refresh designs. Your customers are counting on you be their premier, trend-setting gift consultant.
Gift Basket Wholesale Supplies lists wholesalers and distributors in state order and throughout Canada. It’s a resource that may be beneficial if you absolutely cannot get to a show.
Jun
11
Buying All the Wrong Things
Filed Under Wholesale Suppliers | 2 Comments
When I began buying gift basket inventory, I was a pro at purchasing cute items that didn’t sell.
* Toilet tissue labeled “after dinner rolls”
* Fruit-shaped bath sponges too rough for the skin
* Ladders for bird cages I thought would be great for congratulations gift baskets
They all bombed.
You don’t have money to waste, and that’s why I’m telling you where I goofed.
Here’s a review of what to consider when choosing or replenishing your inventory.
1. Basic. Crackers, cheese, sausage, nuts, cookies, and beverages work well in most baskets.
2. Crossover. Look for items that fit into multiple themes. Items mentioned above apply, and also consider choosing colors over words (burgundy or green-colored packaging rather than Happy Father’s Day, etc.).
3. Specific. Items for baby, spa, and gardening baskets will sell briskly as long as your clients are partial to those designs. Try not to make a heavy financial investment in these products until you know that customers will buy often.
Baby and spa gift basket samples are found at Gift Basket Tutorials, and you’ll also find a sample list of products to put into several basket themes.
The toilet tissue and bath sponges are long gone, but I still have those bird ladders. Anyone interested?
Save Time – Gift Basket Biz Plan
Popular Gift Basket Books
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