Send us a text In this final podcast episode, I share three ways to start and keep your business thriving no matter what's occurring in your area or around the world. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Book: https://pxlme.me…

Send us a text What is your first thought when you see products in retail stores that are perfect for your gifts and baskets? Immediately buy as much as possible? Ask customer service if they have more in stock? Find out the manufacturer's name to buy directly from them? Those options are possibilities, and there are other steps you can take, too. …

Send us a text A homebased environment may be where your business starts, but at some point, your business may outgrow that location. Where else can you set up your enterprise? This episode provides three options which may be appropriate or, if not, will help you generate new ideas for establishing your business elsewhere according to what's availa…

Send us a text Reports about newspapers' demise may be true regarding their revenue, but you still have opportunities to have a feature story written about your beautiful gifts and gift baskets. Do you know which newspaper sections are your target, and if so, do you know how to get a reporter's attention to increase your notoriety? Find out n this …

Send us a text As prices for raw materials continue to increase, where are the areas to decrease expenses? Do you need to buy everything at a premium price, or are there ways to keep more money available for marketing by finding alternatives to how you operate now? This episode uncovers some areas you may not consider that are perfect for your succ…

Send us a text Becoming conscious about how our gift basket supplies participation in pollution is a common concern. Thankfully, there are products we can use that are recyclable, eco friendly, and organic, leaving no footprint in the earth's atmosphere in the coming years. Which products are biodegradable now, and which ones are still not availabl…

Send us a text Want to start making and selling gift baskets right away? Wait a minute! There are good reasons to turn your creativity into a lucrative business, and there are reasons to think wisely and decide if this is the time to build an enterprise. This episode reveals when gift baskets may not be the business for you - not ever - but right n…

Send us a text Good information is available to build your business. Of course there is GiftBasketBusiness.com, and that's just the beginning. This episode introduces you to five more sources waiting for you to explore. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! How to …

Send us a text If you haven't reviewed your website in at least four months, it's time to give it a look. Why? Your customers may be ordering a gift you no longer offer, or perhaps someone is emailing you on your contact form, and the form is broken. These examples, their solutions, and more are discussed in this episode so your business thrives an…

Send us a text What's your first step if you walk into your studio and find that you've been robbed or that a flood has damaged everything in the room? Hopefully, you have insurance that will cover the loss, but it's not enough to have insurance. You must have all of the documentation needed to submit your claim. If you're not sure what's needed, t…

Send us a text How would you feel to collaborate with a large or small retailer to create a successful in-store special event? Such an opportunity is possible, but you must plan ahead to not only reach the person in charge but also choose the right venue and exceed their expectations and customers' expectations, too. Find out what's needed to bring…

Send us a text You can feel lots of anxiety when receiving an order, especially when it's your first sale or the first big sale from a corporation. Such excitement may compel you to cave in to all types of requests from the client, but it's smart to think before you agree to what they want. Hear this episode to recognize when to put the brakes on o…

Send us a text How do you maintain information about your customers? Do you keep the details all in your head, or is a computer program where you store the details? Customer relationship management programs have been around for years, and setting up or updating one helps you to continue good connections with people who are proven buyers. What do yo…

Send us a text How do you plan what information you'll share at that first presentation with a corporate client? There's more to presentations then telling them you make gift baskets and hoping they'll reach for the corporate checkbook. This episode provides three main steps to position yourself for longevity as their gift source. Find out how to c…

Send us a text What does your incentive program include? If you have such a program for business or have never considered one, this episode is for you. Don't have a program? Hear why incentives have strong potential to increase income. Have a program? The options you hear may help to restructure your current plan. Thank you for subscribing to Gift …

Send us a text What is your process when entering your studio each day? Do you have a plan of action, or do you wing it, allowing time to whittle away so you convince yourself that you're making progress? This episode encourages you plan your day's activities before the day arrives. Whether investing in a planner or using another type of scheduler,…

Send us a text What word characterizes the retailers in your area who sell similar gifts and baskets you make? Do you call them competitors, or are they simply others who sell gift baskets? This episode puts a different spin on the words competitor and competition and shares three reasons to be glad others in your region sell items similar to what …

Send us a text Must you agree to every sale? You may want to approve every order that comes your way, but that decision is sometimes hazardous for your business and your health. How do you decide which orders are for you and which ones are not? This episode uncovers four ways to determine if a sale is truly for you as well as how to save a sale by …

Send us a text Your business is growing steadily, and revenue is strong, but is what you've created a business that someone else will buy? Have you been thinking about selling and what it takes to set up your business for sale? This episode reveals three steps to focus on now that creates the foundation for successfully selling the entire enterpris…

Send us a text There are some sales for multiple gifts where you will make every gift basket the exact same. Then there are sales where the order is for multiple people within the same office. That's when your magical skills create designs that take each receiver's breath away. When does this magic happen, and how to you figure out who gets which t…

Send us a text What if you had a steady source of income through your own gift basket of the month program? Such an endeavor is possible, but there is lots of research, planning, and preparation to ensure the success of your program. What are the components required to launch and maintain your membership? This episode reveals the details that creat…

Send us a text What is your reaction when researching information online and finding your exact website, or part of your website, is part of someone else's site? Your heart certainly skips a beat, and your blood pressure may rise a bit, but after that it's time for action to have illegal copying removed. How do you proceed? Hear this episode that r…

Send us a text What's your response if a client asks for their money back? Will you agree, or have you created terms for your business that disallow a monetary refund? If you have not created a returns policy, now's the time to craft one and post it on your website. If you have a policy, perhaps it's time to review and update your terms. This episo…

Send us a text As a solo designer, do you wonder how larger gift basket retailers organize their business? This episode takes you behind the scenes to experience what I learned about making and selling gift baskets at a walk-in store. There was lots of insight, which includes the three lessons I share with you. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Bas…

Send us a text Some of your gift baskets may sell quickly, and others may be waiting for an upgrade from you, or perhaps you're ready to update some of your designs. Thankfully, you have the option to change your gifts and baskets whenever you wish. This episode provides ideas on what to watch for in terms of design upgrades as well as customer ser…

Send us a text Attending a trade show can be highly instrumental for your business. It's a place to find items that your customers want most as well as items other gift basket retailers may not offer. Today, there are opportunities to not only attend shows in person but also virtually, saving you time, money, and energy. This episode helps you atte…

Send us a text Receiving an order by email or phone is so gratifying. You're about to make money, but first ask yourself: is this a real order, or is it fake? There are telltale signs you must be aware of to separate real from fraudulent orders. This episode helps you recognize the difference. Even if you are a seasoned professional, it's good to r…

Send us a text Larger gift and gift basket retailers get lots of promotion around the holidays and during special events. You can pursue the same types of promotion in your local area. How? This episode uncovers four solid methods to create a buzz about your gifts and baskets. Consistency is the foundation for visibility. Keep that in mind as you l…

Send us a text It's not easy to find out how clients perceive your gifts. You can ask them, but they often don't tell you the whole story. This episode reveals the the likes, wants, and dislikes about gift baskets based on an independent test from Consumer Reports. Customers and recipients rated the gift baskets based on numerous details, including…

Send us a text Pop up shops have existed longer than the pop up shops has been a familiar phrase. Are you considering opening a temporary store to promote and sell your gifts and baskets? There are lots of considerations, and this episode will inspire you to put all of the pieces together before hanging your open for business sign. What do you brin…

Send us a text You visit a craft show or another type of outdoor fair, and what do you see? Honey, confections, and assorted foods or gifts made by local artisans. Many of them would be great in your gift baskets, but how do you approach the subject of buying? This episode reveals what you need to ask before you make your first purchase. There's lo…

Send us a text Preparation to start your business is similar to waiting for a Thanksgiving turkey to be cooked thoroughly - it takes time. That time includes a lot more bells and whistles than in the past before the internet became as popular as it is now. In this episode I share my vision on how I would start a gift basket business in today's clim…

Send us a text Notice: I am not an attorney but am sharing details that your attorney may need for your contract. There will be times in business when a contract is mandatory, a good and valid contract written by an attorney. When that time occurs, knowing which terms and conditions are beneficial is what this episode addresses. Why a basic online …

Send us a text Starting and growing your gift basket business can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Life doesn't stop because you own a business. There will be situations, both in the business and personal categories, that must be managed. Are you ready to handle it? This episode reminds you that the success you see on the surface for o…

Send us a text You buy gourmet or gifts that you believe will sell, but customers aren't buying it? What's the solution? Sometimes the answer is to repurpose the item so it does sell, and other times the answer is to give the gourmet or gift items away, but you can give it away responsibly and in a way that promotes your business. Find out, in this…

Send us a text Floral and fauna surround your gifts to create beauty and balance within each design. Where do these gorgeous items come from, and why are they needed? Let's discuss enhancements in this episode to learn the four places to buy them and which gender wants it less than others. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be s…

Send us a text Having monies available to you through a business line of credit can be beneficial for your future. That money has the potential to fund: New equipment Large order supplies Broadcast marketing There are many options that a business line of credit affords you so you can fund opportunities that may be out of reach on a short-term basis…

Send us a text If you're lucky, you'll take lots of orders while in your studio completing sales and organizing your space. The real luck comes to you when orders arrive while you're on the road and can capture the orders while on your way somewhere for business or personal reasons (that means your marketing is working). What do you need to make su…

Send us a text A place that regularly sells foods has possibilities for you to make gift baskets for them. One of those places is a supermarket, and even small grocery stores have potential. Want to know how you might gain this account, making gifts and baskets for sale on a year round or seasonal basis? This episode explores the information to gat…

Send us a text You jump for joy when you sign your first corporate account. It's a badge of honor, a recognition that you are truly in business. It's truly triumphant. How do you get that first account? Would you be surprised to know that you may already have a corporate account but not realize it? This episode uncovers how you get that corporate a…

Send us a text Which programs and tools are the go-to products that help streamline your operations? In this episode you are introduced to some of the items in my arsenal. Some you may already use or know about, and others may be brand new to you. The goal in sharing these programs with you is to decrease your administrative time and increase your …

Send us a text How easy it is to teach a gift basket class? Just as with making gift baskets for the first time, there are lots of parts to the teaching puzzle. The seven tips you'll hear in this episode will get you started. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! S…

Send us a text Getting the order is one step. Keeping orders coming from customers is an ongoing process, and you can achieve this by following easy-to-do steps that customers appreciate. The appreciation is shown through reorders and referrals. Sound like a plan? This episode reveals five service techniques so simple to achieve that if you don't h…

Send us a text Baskets have become expensive over the years. It's understandable that prices rise. However, when a rise in price meets a smaller supply through wholesalers and high shipping prices from the wholesaler's door to your studio, that situation puts searching for containers at the top of your list. This episode uncovers three reasons why …

Send us a text Scams come in many ways - by phone, email, and theft (not a scam but certainly a threat) at your customer's door. These situations happen at any time and especially during the holidays. How can you be proactive about scams and use them to not only protect your customers but also promote your business? This episode provides numerous w…

Send us a text Keeping up with the latest news in the gift and gourmet world is easier when you have information delivered to you in print or digital content. This episode introduces you to the gift and gourmet industry magazines that update you on products, resources, trade shows, and how retailers triumph in their locations. Magazines Gifts & Dec…

Send us a text From the very beginning of your business, keeping your financials on track builds a terrific habit that saves you time as your profits grow. If you haven't yet created a financial-tracking habit, that's okay, too. This episode encourages you to create a simple system that you can customize whenever you wish. Thank you for subscribing…

Send us a text Drop shipping is not new in the gift basket world, but it may be new to you. What is drop shipping? This episode introduces you to this service so you can decide if it's for you at any time during your business life. In this episode, you'll learn: Three reasons why drop shipping is beneficial What drop shippers offer that you might n…

Send us a text Disclaimer: Consult your attorney for legalities regarding trademark protection. Applying for and receiving trademark protection for your company name and/or logo is an option for many businesses, but is it an option for you? This episode provides insights or whether or not trademarking is in your future, but what's shared is just a …

Send us a text No one starts a business with a goal to go bankrupt or close their doors. Selling gift baskets with profitability in mind is your vision. However, there are ways you can cheat yourself if you're not careful. This episode features three methods that are commonly not often calculated as best as possible. It's not your fault, so let's r…