If you already have a gift basket business, or are planning to start a gift basket business or a home-based gift basket business or just add an extra activity to a business you have now, one of the most important things to consider is the type of gift. shoes that you are going to offer.
You can offer a wide range of gift baskets, focus on a unique special gift basket, or do a combination of both. I recommend doing both.
For the newbie, start by focusing on one type of gift basket, and then add a solid line of gift baskets, once you’ve got your foot in the door. This is usually the best approach when you are new. You’ll also spend less money on inventory.
Here are two possible special gift baskets to consider. The first is a gift basket for nurses. Make a demo gift basket. I know marketing. To market your special gift basket, you may need to get very creative. Take your demo to one of the local hospitals and walk around the cafeteria and place it on a table while you have a drink. People will assume you are handing it to a patient.
He carries a lot of business cards. Ask management if you can post your business card on the hospital message board. Stop by the gift shop, show them the demo gift basket, and ask if they accept any on consignment. If they do and get enough orders, they’ll probably start placing regular non-consignment orders. If you know any healthcare professionals, show them your demo baskets or even give them one and ask for referrals in return.
Nurses don’t have time to go shopping. They love receiving and giving gifts. They cannot leave the hospital for breaks or for lunch because it is generally against hospital policy to leave the premises. I know. I used to be a nurse. They are the main candidates for your sneakers. You can have gift baskets filled with nursing specialties and other medical items, a relaxation gift basket for nurses, etc. They like medical-themed baskets because they can use the items or give some of the items in the gift basket to other nurses and other healthcare professionals they work with or know.
Once you get a few nurses to buy, you’ll find they make good repeat customers. In addition, they have many associates that they can recommend you. Be sure to provide them with business cards. Flyers are lost or thrown away. Business cards are easier to follow. Business cards are cheap or you can make your own. They don’t have to be fancy, but make them a little sexy. However, your business will be judged by your baskets, not your cards.
Another idea would be to approach brewery and tavern owners. You could provide an endless supply of gift baskets for them to use for their customer gifts. They usually have contests and various types of giveaways for their customers. I know many restaurant and tavern owners. I used to list and sell restaurants and taverns when I had my real estate company. I know how they think and work.
Just come up with two or three or more good demos for them to choose from. Have different price ranges from least to most expensive and two or three differently filled baskets. If possible, have two or three different types of containers. Traditional wicker slippers are good. Try a totally different kind of USABLE container if you can think of something appropriate.
For this crowd, make your gift baskets fun, not serious. Include things you think brewery or tavern patrons might like. Specialty cheeses, crackers, pretzels, chips, nuts, and other foods. Unfortunately, they probably don’t want healthy snacks. Maybe specialty beers, specialty coffees, hot chocolate mixes, t-shirts, baseball caps, coffee mugs, corkscrews, barware, playing cards, auto related items, and small auto safety items. These are just some of the items to consider.
Magic Shop items will make your shoes unique and very FUN. Make sure you have a few of these in each basket. Visit your local magic shop, usually found in the larger cities. If you don’t have a magic shop, try to find a magic catalog. You should be able to find some on the internet. Even retail prices are often cheap for these items if you can’t arrange for wholesale. You may not be buying wholesale enough at first to warrant a wholesale account. Often the minimum orders can be too high to make sense.
There are dozens of other specialty baskets you can make, of course. But for the other gift baskets in your gift basket business, you’ll want to focus on gourmet food gift baskets, fruit baskets if you come from an area that has a lot of fruit year-round, corporate gift baskets that are really profitable, but competitive bath and body gift baskets. Personalized or personalized gift baskets are also another option.
With these tips, ideas, and suggestions, you should be well on your way to choosing a specialty line of gift baskets for your new, existing, work-at-home or home-based gift basket business, gift shop, or as a sideline. for another business. .
