1.
Decide
whether designing gift baskets is
going to be your full-time business or part-time hobby.
Successful designers take
all necessary steps to start and build their businesses, including
registering with state officials, creating a workspace to be used solely
for business purposes, and abiding by all laws associated with business
ownership.
Designers who make gift
baskets only when the occasion calls for these beautiful arrangements
learn where to find products quickly from stores, discounters, warehouse
clubs, and other unique shops. You, too, can be as successful as the
full-time artist, because success is measured by your own creativity.
2.
Learn
correct design basics through hands-on classes
or video training.
Successful designers invest in learning aids and then
enhance the basics with personal touches to create one-of-a-kind
masterpieces.
Video training is available
through DVDs such as Gift Basket Basics and 10
Dazzling Designs You Can Make in 5 Minutes Each or Less, which you'll
find on this page.
3.
Create
a functional workspace that inspires
creativity.
Successful designers find an area outside
of their home kitchens to make gift baskets.
Whether for fun or profit, they locate a workspace that's dedicated to
building, wrapping, and experimenting anytime of the day or night.
The workspace you see in
pictures for the Gift Basket Design Studio
Extreme Makeover expose how a garage was changed into a spacious and
productive center. There are other areas in your home or apartment to
consider.
4.
Work closely
with an accountant. Successful
designers discuss business setup, financial records, and investment
strategies with a professionally-trained advisor who works with other
business owners on a daily basis.
You may not look for an
accountant when making gift baskets part time, but watching your money
is just as important. Make note of where to find products and supplies
as well as prices and who's having sales so that when you're ready to
buy, you instantly know where to go.
5.
Attend
gift trade shows and/or gift basket-specific
shows. Successful designers use such functions to stay up to date on
industry trends and design techniques. Networking with peers is another
important show activity.
Fairs, consumer shows and
events, and magazines tell you, the part-time designer, what's hot and
trendy. These places and others in your area keep your creations fresh
and fantastic. For up-to-date gift basket trends, you can also consult
the Gift Basket
Business blog.
6.
Buy
inventory according to the market (customers)
you serve or will receive your custom baskets. The more you know about customers
and recipients, the better decisions
you will make regarding the items placed within each design.
7.
Understand
your customers' lifestyles, limitations,
and preferences to anticipate their gift needs. By becoming a partner in
their lives rather than being viewed as just a gift basket designer, you
will experience far more repeat orders and referrals from regular
customers.
This information is also
important for part-time designers, as following this advice often
determines when to take your part-time hobby into full-time fame.
8.
Install
a live operator to answer your telephone
when you are away. Successful designers make sure that the phone is
manned by a live person during normal business hours.
If this option isn't
available, an answering machine with custom message is absolutely
acceptable. Large corporations are big users of automatic answering
services, aren't they? The only difference is that while their service
keeps us in voice mail limbo, our system will be beneficial for all who
call.
9.
Be thankful
for mistakes. Successful designers know
that errors will occur in the course of building a business. They also
understand that missteps move them closer to the best solutions.
Designers at all levels
will benefit from taking pictures of their designs. Each photograph
shows how we develop in time as gift basket makers. You'll be amazed how
your expertise increases with each creation.
Learn more about photographs on this page.
10.
Don't expect
quick riches (although, in time, a bounty of sales will arrive). Successful designers
know that it takes investment dollars, patience, and persistence to
create a plan, buy inventory, contact buyers, and build their businesses
over time. If you need fast money because you are unemployed,
underemployed, or experiencing a family crisis, this business
requires far too much start-up money at the beginning to achieve your
dreams.
Not many grant or lend
money for business start-ups, but some do exist.
Consult this page for information.
Making gift baskets on
occasion nets different results. You're not spending lots of money to
make one or two gift baskets at a time, so satisfaction provides big
rewards. And if you slowly begin earning money from your expertise,
that's also terrific.
