GIFT BASKETS

"Do people buy gift baskets on the Internet?" is a common question asked by gift baskets designers, whether they’ve just launched their Web site or are considering cyberspace exposure.

Sales from untapped markets and alliances with non-competing companies through this worldwide phenomenon are two objectives when launching a Web site, but what’s missing? A random sampling of gift baskets professionals who share information about Web sales reveal that a very small percentage of their sales are made on the net.

Like any other business, if you do not promote your site in print, media and through networking events, no one will know you exist. But there is a bright spot, albeit a shining light from other gift baskets providers.

One indication that gift baskets sales are rising is the increase in offerings through flower-oriented sites such as 1-800-Flowers.com, Calyx and Corolla.com and Florist.com. Their promotional budget is enormous compared to the average home-based business.


Gift baskets are featured alongside flowers on the sites’ main pages. 1-800-Flowers.com is now traded on the stock exchange (FLWS), which means that their annual sales are open to the public, and their sales may give us more insight into gift baskets revenues generated by this titan.

How can a gift basket Webmaster grab a piece of the growing Internet market? Gift baskets businesses should begin promoting themselves to three Internet buying groups:

1. Hotels, bed and breakfast owners and meeting planners.
These groups purchase gift baskets for out-of-town guests (convention attendees, tourists, politicians and entertainers). They search for gift baskets providers through local Internet listings.

2. Out-of-state individuals ordering for residents near you.
If Aunt Helen in Nebraska wants to send her niece, who lives in your business region, a first semester college basket, she’s more likely to buy from you, the local source. How does she find you? By searching the Web.

3. Busy corporate executives.
You can steer the executive to your Web site to see your baskets and find the answers to questions he or she may have before, during or after the meeting. This tactic will, hopefully, bring the sale to a successful closure.

These ideas are just the beginning to your Web promotion, and it’s wise to start your publicity in ways that reach the people who are most likely to buy your gift baskets.

By determining your objectives before setting up a Web site and implementing a few basic strategies to promote the cyber end of your business, you can gain attention for your site and raise Web sales steadily through 2007 and beyond.

By Shirley George Frazier

Labels: birthday gifts, gift basket delivery, gift baskets

Gift baskets classes aren’t everywhere, but they are becoming more accessible nationwide.

Courses can be demonstrations, where the teacher talks about the business and shows how to make a gift baskets, or participatory, where you design a gift baskets to take home. There are other methods, but this is what you’ll generally find.

If you don’t live close to a major metropolitan area (New York, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles), finding a gift baskets class may be difficult. Although there is a person in each state who knows more about gift baskets simply because of their time in the business, that doesn’t mean that he or she is ready to give away their secrets. Another fact is that everyone can’t teach. If the most-celebrated designer is not a gifted communicator, teaching is out of the question.

The most obvious and accessible place to find a gift basket class is at adult schools. You have to do some digging to find all of the schools in your area.

Adult schools are listed in the yellow pages, usually as part of each city’s public school listing. Before starting your search, make a chart to document the adult school name, location, telephone number, Web site address, and a yes and no box, either of which will be checked when you find out if a class is available. The chart ensures that you document your findings and that you don’t call a school twice.

When you call each school, ask
1. to receive a brochure,
2. if the school has a Web site, and
3. if there is a gift baskets class. Check the yes or no box depending on the answers.

Gift baskets classes are primary for your need, but there are other classes that you might consider taking. Flower arranging helps you with placing enhancements and furthering overall creativity. Bookkeeping keeps your money on track. Financial management helps you build wealth as you build your business.

Adult schools with Internet sites put their class listings online. If available, access the site, choose the heading you believe the course will be listed under, and review what’s available. Gift baskets are listed under crafts or business. Use the Web site’s search box if one is available. The words "gift" and "basket" should be placed in quotes for search accuracy ("gift basket").

There are other types of teaching facilities around the country, including community colleges and learning centers. Check these sources as well. Also, conduct your research through Internet search engines such as Yahoo, Excite and HotBot. Use "gift basket class" as your search string.

A list of gift basket classes is found on the GiftBasketBusiness.com Web site.

By Shirley George Frazier

Labels: birthday gifts, gift basket delivery, gift baskets