Gift Basket Business
131 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago -The place to explore the triumphs, challenges, and experiences gift basket business designers face in this wildly creative industry. Hosted by Shirley George Frazier, the world's gift basket business expert, author, and chief basketologist at GiftBasketBusiness.com.
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Episodes
3 Action Steps for Success | Episode 100
June 13, 2022 15:00 - 5 minutes - 3.75 MBIn 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/gbbook Join the 6 week gift basket course! https://pxlme.me/gbbedcourse A five-minute conversation with me can solve that big problem. https://pxlme.me/sgfc...
A Different Way to Buy Gift Basket Products | Episode 99
June 06, 2022 15:00 - 9 minutes - 6.81 MBWhat 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. This episode expands your mind about another buying procedure you may not have considered. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure ...
Your Non-Home Workspace Options | Episode 98
May 30, 2022 15:00 - 9 minutes - 6.37 MBA 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 available in your area. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! How to Start a H...
How to Get Newspaper Publicity | Episode 97
May 23, 2022 15:00 - 10 minutes - 7.47 MBReports 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 episode. 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-Base...
Design and Cost Cutting Options | Episode 96
May 16, 2022 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.44 MBAs 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 success. 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...
Can I Recycle That? | Episode 95
May 09, 2022 15:00 - 9 minutes - 6.88 MBBecoming 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 available? Find out in this episode. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! How to...
Three Reasons Not to Start this Business | Episode 94
May 02, 2022 15:00 - 10 minutes - 7.07 MBWant 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 now. 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 ...
Five Good Sources You Overlook | Episode 93
April 25, 2022 15:00 - 14 minutes - 9.8 MBGood 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 Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Book: https://pxlme.me/gbbook Join the 6 week gift basket course! https://pxlme.me/gbbedcourse A five-minute conversation with...
Website Checkups You Can Handle | Episode 92
April 18, 2022 15:00 - 14 minutes - 9.74 MBIf 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 and puts smiles on soon-to-be customers' faces. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listenin...
Protecting Your Inventory | Episode 91
April 11, 2022 15:00 - 10 minutes - 7.48 MBWhat'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, this episode provides some of the steps that ensures you don't face a total business loss. Disclaimer: I am not an attorney or an insurance representative. ...
Six Tips to Work with a Retailer | Episode 90
April 04, 2022 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.66 MBHow 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 an event to stores far and wide. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! ...
Making Sales Decisions Without Fear | Episode 89
March 28, 2022 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.59 MBYou 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 orders that may turn out to be liabilities. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening d...
Creating Customer Relations | Episode 88
March 21, 2022 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.56 MBHow 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 you add to such a program, and how can it help you improve sales? Hear this episode! Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the...
Your Three Step Presentation Plan | Episode 87
March 14, 2022 15:00 - 10 minutes - 7.2 MBHow 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 create a firm foundation that allows you to make more than one sale . Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast throu...
How Incentives Boost Your Revenue | Episode 86
March 07, 2022 17:00 - 10 minutes - 7.28 MBWhat 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 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/gbbook...
What Do You Do All Day? | Episode 85
February 28, 2022 16:00 - 11 minutes - 7.91 MBWhat 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, your success with a gift basket business hinges on how you approach each day well before it begins. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be ...
Does Competition Really Exist? | Episode 84
February 21, 2022 16:00 - 11 minutes - 7.83 MBWhat 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 you create. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! Your No. 1 gift basket...
Saying No to a Bad Sale | Episode 83
February 14, 2022 16:00 - 11 minutes - 8.04 MBMust 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 making changes to the customer's needs. This is one episode you want to hear. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podca...
Operate Your Business to Sell It | Episode 82
February 07, 2022 16:00 - 11 minutes - 7.66 MBYour 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 enterprise rather than selling everything piece by piece. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite liste...
How to Specialize a Group Order | Episode 81
January 31, 2022 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.54 MBThere 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 type of customization? This episode unravels the mystery of making customized gifts for everyone who works in the same environment. Such specialization leads to...
Creating a Successful Membership Program | Episode 80
January 24, 2022 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBWhat 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 create a firm foundation for this venture. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device...
My Website is Copied. Now What? | Episode 79
January 17, 2022 16:00 - 9 minutes - 6.76 MBWhat 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 reveals four ways to proceed if such theft occurs. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite li...
Creating a Returns Policy | Episode 78
January 10, 2022 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.19 MBWhat'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 episode shares numerous policy considerations so you're ready to adjust orders in ways that satisfy you and your customers. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Bask...
Three Takeaways from a Specialty Retailer | Episode 77
January 03, 2022 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.54 MBAs 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 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/gbbook Jo...
A Quick Review for Future Planning | Episode 76
December 27, 2021 16:00 - 10 minutes - 7.06 MBSome 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 service updates to consider. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! How to St...
Trade Shows In Person and Virtual | Episode 75
December 20, 2021 16:00 - 10 minutes - 7.35 MBAttending 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 attend shows up close as well as from the comfort of your office. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your ...
How to Detect Fake Orders | Episode 74
December 13, 2021 16:00 - 10 minutes - 7.53 MBReceiving 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 re-acquaint yourself with this unnerving situation. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite li...
Four Ways to Increase Visibility | Episode 73
December 06, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBLarger 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 listen with pen and paper handy for notes before you take action. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through you...
What Customers Want | Episode 72
November 29, 2021 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MBIt'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: Pricing Shipping costs Product selection Customization options Gift card inclusion Manufacturing process After hearing this episode, you'll recognize w...
Pop Up Shop Tips | Episode 71
November 22, 2021 16:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBPop 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 bring? How much merchandise? Which way to collect money? When do you need security? What type of signage is needed? Hear this episode and be ready for your g...
How to Buy Locally Made Products | Episode 70
November 15, 2021 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.22 MBYou 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 lots to learn about a local company starting with licensing and other details that ensure the product's manufacturing process. Who and where is the owner? How l...
How I Would Start Today | Episode 69
November 08, 2021 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBPreparation 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 climate. The process is very different than what I experienced in the 1990s. How long would I study the business's potential? Where would I research products to...
Don't Make These 7 Contract Mistakes | Episode 68
November 01, 2021 15:00 - 11 minutes - 7.91 MBNotice: 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 contract is not the best alternative What to write as a contract introduction How to word what you do not recommend When you need a new contract or a simple...
Bumps and Pauses You Can Handle | Episode 67
October 25, 2021 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.73 MBStarting 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 other designers is not always what's really happening. They handle bumps, too, and have become adept at doing so. Hear some of the challenges that have occurred ...
Sell It or Give It Away? | Episode 66
October 18, 2021 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.44 MBYou 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 episode how to sell items that are in your inventory too long or distribute it the right way. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure ...
Enhancements, When and Where to Buy | Episode 65
October 11, 2021 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.17 MBFloral 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 sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! Your No. 1 gift basket book: https://pxlme.me/gbbook Join the six week gift basket course! h...
Is a Line of Credit in Your Future? | Episode 64
October 04, 2021 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.61 MBHaving 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. This episode introduces you to this credit line and how it acts as a valuable asset. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rat...
How to Take Orders While Traveling | Episode 63
September 27, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBIf 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 sure you can take orders on the road? The equipment and tools you need are easy to find and keep with you, but are you ready? Do you have the items that make cap...
Ready to Sell to Supermarkets? | Episode 62
September 20, 2021 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBA 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 gather, questions to ask, and problems with your own inventory that can occur. Hear about this option, and decide for yourself if selling to supermarkets is your ...
Your First Corporate Account | Episode 61
September 13, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBYou 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 account or realize you've reached that marker. You'll also hear three tips to encourage you to continue your corporate account search and expand your reach. Th...
11 Programs for Your Gift Basket Toolbox | Episode 60
September 06, 2021 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBWhich 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 sales. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! Your No. 1 gift basket boo...
7 Tips to Teach a Gift Basket Class | Episode 59
August 30, 2021 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBHow 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! Start Your Own Arts & Crafts Business Course: https://pxlme.me/artcraft Your No. 1 gift basket book: https://pxlme.me/gbbook Join the 6 week gift basket co...
DIY Customer Service | Episode 58
August 23, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBGetting 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 have a service plan, you'll now be positively forced to install these steps and reap the rewards. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure...
Three Reasons to Consider Containers | Episode 57
August 16, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.92 MBBaskets 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 you might begin creating gifts in more containers than baskets. You'll also hear a list of 11 containers to consider that may cost you less money and time with ...
How to Promote Yourself Against Scams | Episode 56
August 09, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.22 MBScams 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 ways to warn customers, guard your business, and promote your knowledge. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast thr...
Gift Industry Magazines You Want to Read | Episode 55
August 02, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBKeeping 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 & Decorative Accessories: https://giftsanddec.com/ Gift Shop Plus: https://giftshopmag.com/ Smart Retailer: https://smart-retailer.com/ Stationery Trends: https...
The Business of Bookkeeping | Episode 54
July 26, 2021 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.63 MBFrom 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 to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listening device! Article: https://giftbasketbusiness.com/how-to-find-the-righ...
The Lowdown on Drop Shipping | Episode 53
July 19, 2021 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.02 MBDrop 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 not keep in inventory The average cost to be a drop shipping member Questions to ask before you open a drop shipping account At the end you'll know if drop...
Let's Talk About Trademarks | Episode 52
July 12, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 8.05 MBDisclaimer: 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 small piece of the entire puzzle. Visit the USPTO website or similar website in your non-U.S. country for more details. Thank you for subscribing to Gift Bas...
Three Ways You Lose Money | Episode 51
July 05, 2021 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.1 MBNo 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 review these three ways and resolve to fix it! Thank you for subscribing to Gift Basket Business, and be sure to rate the podcast through your favorite listenin...