Jan

4

New Year Sales, Baby Gift Baskets, Selling Wholesale

Filed Under Baby, Sales-Increasing Strategies, Wholesale Selling | Leave a Comment

HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY START THE NEW YEAR

You’re certainly not alone if your 2008 sales were lower than what you sold in 2007. Though it was challenging, there are ways to gain market share in the first half of 2009, which will help to increase income in the second half of the year.

Wednesday’s newsletter reveals how five designers view what is achievable and how they will proceed. Consider their words inspiration to kick start your new year.

BABIES BRING BUNDLES OF SALES

Newspapers concentrate on many of the same stories when the year changes, including who gave birth to the first baby within each city. This is good news for you, because the stories also concentrate on the popularity of gift baskets for babies.

This article at the Gift Basket Business blog includes a link to a baby story and also shares ideas for creating baby baskets through a series of videos you can watch online.

IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER COLLABORATIONS?

One way to sell more gift baskets, as mentioned in Wednesday’s newsletter, is to split the profits with a retail store owner who will provide space to display your designs.

This option may be good for you, especially if you’re home based. That’s why selling gift baskets outright at a wholesale cost may be a better deal for you today than selling on consignment.

Here’s an article with information that helps you make a decision about this lucrative opportunity.

Dec

21

Completing Orders, Wholesale Club Contracts, Easy-to-Make Gifts

Filed Under Customers, Wholesale Selling | Leave a Comment

CAN YOU SEE THE FINISH LINE?

No matter how much you prepare, someone will call your studio at the last minute trying to get an order filled. There’s a good chance that this person called others who turned him/her down.

Wednesday’s newsletter keeps you focused on what you can realistically accomplish in the short term and how to continue the sales cycle throughout the new year. Whether you commit to a cut-off date or accept orders until Santa arrives is your call (in either case, you won’t be alone).

WHOLESALE CLUB CASH

Do you dream of having a wholesale club buy from you? If you’re not prepared for the ups and downs, the dream can quickly turn into a nightmare.

A designer asks what to consider before going after a club contract. You’ll find my answer at Ask The Gift Basket Expert. What’s your take on this?

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Like you, I love making gift baskets, but the easy gifts are my absolute favorite. That’s why suggesting quick-and-easy tote bag gifts to clients at this time of the year makes everyone happy. It’s easy on their budget, and easy for all of us to make as much bank as possible.

This tote bag gift idea may be a terrific option for you going into 2009.

May

25

Making a Profit, Frequently-Asked Questions, Selling on Consignment

Filed Under Money, Sales-Increasing Strategies, Wholesale Selling | Leave a Comment

MAKE PROFIT, NOT LOSS
Profitability is the No. 1 goal of every business or serious hobby, and gift basket designers consistently ensure that costs are controlled before the gift is delivered. Wednesday’s newsletter points out how to increase your profits and make sure expenses are covered no matter how long you’ve been in business.

THE 411 ON FAQ
How important is an FAQ (frequently-asked questions) area on your Web site? The answers convince prospects of your dedication to them. Most of all, it’s easy to add to building trust. This blog article includes several questions to begin creating your FAQ section.

WHOLESALE OR CONSIGNMENT?
A designer asked me how to start selling her gift baskets through retail stores. I answer her question at Ask The Gift Basket Expert and also explain the option of selling her baskets at wholesale cost so she doesn’t have to return to the store to pick up unsold gifts.

Apr

20

Hospital Gift Baskets, Presentation Tips

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HOSPITALS SEARCH FOR YOUR HELP
My first meeting at a hospital gift shop bombed. I didn’t research the market to learn what made them buy, and my gift baskets were rejected. Luckily, the manager gave me another chance, and they soon became a long-term client.

Wednesday’s newsletter provides the condensed version of how to sell to this lucrative industry so that your first meeting guarantees a healthy sale.

HOW TO SPEAK AND SELL
Your presentation in front of an audience will be successful if it answers one question: What do I want them to do when it’s over? Ask The Gift Basket Expert responds to this dilemma, and another designer’s comment adds to the conversation to ensure that your speech wins sales.

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Nov

7

Sell Your Baskets to Retailers

Filed Under Wholesale Selling | Leave a Comment

Is it bad timing to offer your baskets to retail stores at a wholesale cost? Absolutely not.
 
In fact, the timing is perfect to sell baskets outright to florists, small stores, and other shops where gift baskets complement their holiday inventory.
 
Here’s why.
 
1. They want selling options that don’t involve labor.
 
2. They know that ready-made baskets are bought on impulse, and that means more sales.
 
3. Like you, they want to be considered as a one-stop shopping service to their customers.
 
You’ll find information on how to profit from this niche and 10 tips to get started in the two-page article, Selling Wholesale Gift Baskets: Is It For You?