Businesses don’t only need gift baskets in good times. They also require your designs when they mistakenly create ill will towards customers. When this happens, it’s time for you to offer them apology baskets, and fast.
 
Three things to remember when creating apology baskets:
 
1. Don’t make these gifts too glamorous. It must say “I’m sorry” without making the offending company look dazzling. Your client will have plenty of chances to order something grand, but for now, a low-key basket looks sincere and rebuilds trust.
 
2. Ask questions about the ordered basket so that the intention doesn’t backfire. Is the recipient dieting, allergic to certain foods, partial to Kosher products, etc.?
 
3. Suggest to the client that this gift basket be hand delivered by one of their company’s representatives. If the recipient is located out of town, that makes the personal touch impossible, but the suggestion shows your concern and expertise in knowing what works to mend a relationship.
 
I purchased several pairs of decorative shoes to create “foot in the mouth” apology gifts. A photo of the shoe is featured with the article Three Tips for Gift Basket Promotion.
 
It’s smart business to sell gift baskets in good times and bad, and the revenue from both isn’t sorry at all.

© 2008-2010 Shirley George Frazier. All rights reserved. Shirley George Frazier is the world's expert on the gift basket industry, professional speaker, and author of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, The Gift Basket Design Book, and Marketing Strategies for the Home-Based Business: Solutions You Can Use Today. Visit GiftBasketBusiness.com for DVDs, CDs, reports, tips, and more to learn, grow, and profit with gift baskets.

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