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.

© 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.

Read these related articles:

1. Cellophane Wrap, Baby Baskets, How to Find Wholesale Supplies
2. Welcome to the Gift Baskets Newsletter
3. Multiple Sales, Selling Tips, Finding Customers

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.

© 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.

Read these related articles:

1. Inventory Buying Tips, How to Create a Club
2. Insurance Protection, Getting Orders, Writing Contracts
3. Father’s Day, Sales Planning, Gift Basket Wrapping