Here's
a pleasant home-based business that will challenge your creative as
well
as your managerial skills. It's a fun
business for those who have the
flare
for creating appetizing gift packages.
A
FUN PRODUCT
Gourmet
gift baskets have become popular in recent years. They are a
collection
of desirable items, and in such a variety that they appeal to all.
By
determining the markets you want to target and the type of baskets you
want
to produce, you can set your income goals for as little or as much as
you
like.
CORPORATE
ACCOUNTS
From
the very large and the very small, businesses have needs for gift
giving
on a pretty constant basis.
By
targeting corporate accounts, you protect yourself from potential sales
fluctuations
common to what are generally considered seasonal items.
Businesses
love gift baskets because they are "safe" compared to other gifts
like
chocolate (many people now carefully watch their fat intake) or wine &
spirits
(many people don't drink). Of course, other possible clients for your
gift
baskets include associations, retail outlets, fund raisers, and
individual
customers who purchase for themselves or as a gift.
CREATIVE
DESIGNS
Gourmet
gift baskets are fundamentally a few nice items placed in a unique
arrangement
and presented to look extravagant. Use
your imagination and keep
an
eye for unusual and appealing products.
To keep unit price low, inventory
most
commonly used items by purchasing direct from the manufacturer or main
distributor. Look for large pretty items; they will give
your product "size".
THEME
MARKETING
Focus
on a theme and build around it. From a
corporate perspective, create
presentations
that communicate the corporate logo or marketing slogan.
Do
not limit yourself by just using baskets as your main vehicle. For
example,
a basket with an Italian theme can use (as its basket) a large pasta
bowl
to hold a small vinegar, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes and kitchen
utensils.
Raffia
or "grass" can be used to cushion the items, sealed together with
shrink
wrap. Finish your basket with a bow or
creative ribbon, and you've
got
a product that can be retailed for around $39. Your cost: as low as $12.
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