Promote your gift basket business and you should see the results.
The popularity of gift baskets has boomed in recent years as more and more people give these thoughtful presents for special occasions or to express thanks. The gift basket business has become a multimillion-dollar industry. With organized and planned promotions, such as online marketing, networking and targeted sales strategies, selling gift baskets can be a lucrative business. Promotion can cost very little, but can be very effective.
Instructions
1. Target particular professions or industries when selling gift baskets. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, some gift basket companies promote their baskets to niche groups such as doctors and real estate agents. Others that could be targeted are spas, teachers or animal lovers. One reason for this approach is that people in a particular industry or profession are likely to refer you to colleagues who also may wish to purchase a niche gift basket.
2. Attend business networking events. You can find out about these by reading local business magazines or checking with agencies, such as your local chamber of commerce. At a networking function you will meet other entrepreneurs who are also trying to promote their businesses, so you will be able to trade business cards and form friendships and alliances. The Los Angeles Times reports that one gift basket business owner has received referrals this way.
3. Sell baskets on consignment in stores. The Internet Based Moms website suggests that the best way to do this is to take baskets to shops selling goods and services that relate to the contents of your baskets, such as spa baskets to beauty shops and children's items to children's clothing stores.
4. Create a website. According to www.internetbasedmoms.com, a website is an ideal place for you to showcase your gift baskets with photos and descriptions of your work. The website advises that through your own website you can build up an email list of people to whom you can send a newsletter. However, the newsletter should not be only about your business. It will be better received if you include other items that will be of interest to your customers, such as recipes, party planning ideas and giveaways. There are many places online where you can develop a free website. Free websites are usually easy to manage because knowledge of HTML is not required.
5. Make use of social networking tools such as Facebook. If you don't already have a Facebook account, it's a good idea to open one. According to the All Facebook website, once you have a profile, you will be able to create a Facebook page for your gift basket business. It also suggests that you write occasional status updates to promote your business.
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