getting customers
« Previous EntriesGift Baskets Help Take the Bite Out of Going to the Dentist
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008Many dental patients show up for their appointments, but not with eager anticipation. All that has changed for Dr. Mary Gharagozloo’s patients. She is a McLean, VA dentist who just opened her own dental practice about a year ago, and has changed the attitudes toward dental visits.
Dr. Gharagozloo wanted to start a practice that created a [...]
What Would You Do Differently If You Had to Start Over
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008There are many ways to start a gift basket business. Researching, creating a business plan and seeking startup funds are just a few.
The most valuable help often comes from talking to other business owners who have survived the startup phase and have wisdom to share.
Over the next few months I will be sharing what experienced [...]
Costco is Not Your Gift Basket Competitor
Thursday, November 15th, 2007During the holidays gift basket designers often worry about the gift baskets sold at Costco, lamenting “How can I compete with Costco?” You can’t.
Costco gift baskets are attractive, plentiful and very affordable. But Costco doesn’t need to make much profit from their gift baskets. They offer gift baskets as a convenience for shoppers who buy more profitable items and services. I’m a [...]
Can “Name Your Own Price” Work for You?
Tuesday, November 6th, 2007A recent press release announced the success of several “name your own price” programs by various companies.
Wait! Before you dismiss this idea, learn how others used it.
The popular children’s book, Here Come the Tickle Bugs! by Uncle Sillyhead III allows visitors to decide whatever price they would like to pay for the book. On their [...]
Unwrap Holiday Office Gift Exchanges
Friday, November 2nd, 2007Holiday gift exchanges in business offices are popular, but vary widely.
Some offices have definite gift policies with someone designated as the facilitator. Other office managers just leave it up to the employees to muddle through the gift-giving season in whatever way they see fit.
At the far end of the spectrum are the offices that issue [...]
Want More Customers? Ask for the Order
Tuesday, October 30th, 2007The reason many gift basket businesses don’t get orders is they don’t ask for them. What do I mean?
Let’s say you receive a phone call inquiring about your service, your rates, and other details. Once you give the caller the requested information, do you say “Thank you for calling.” or “May I help you [...]
Nurture Relationships with Your Competitors
Wednesday, October 17th, 2007Building friendly relationships with your competitors is not always easy. There is a mistaken assumption that competitors will be adversaries. And, indeed there are some insecure competitors who will be hostile, stand-off-ish, and unfriendly. Then there are those who are eager to soak up all they can learn about your operations, but totally unwilling to share information [...]
Promote Holiday Sales but Hold Back the Holly
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007Retailers are easing the holidays upon us in mid-October this year right along with Halloween reports a New York Times article. To keep from upsetting consumers still reeling from product recalls and suffering an economic turnaround, retailers are tip-toeing around the word “holiday” while pushing the holiday on us all the same.
WalMart has cut the prices [...]
How Will You Scare Up Sales for Your Gift Basket Business?
Friday, October 5th, 2007Halloween has become an increasing bigger and more profitable holiday for many manufacturers and retailers. No one knows this better than M&M’s Mars Company. Here’s an abstract about their special promotion with a link to the full story.
M&M’s Scares Up $1M For Halloween Promotion
Nina M. Lentini
[Food] To support the contest, the Hackettstown, N.J.-based Mars Snackfood [...]
Which Comes First–the Customer or the Gift Basket?
Monday, July 30th, 2007Successful gift basket designers know that understanding your customers’ needs and wants comes first. Then you gather your inventory and supplies to fill your orders.
An article in a West Branch, Iowa newspaper tells the story of a couple who understand this very well.
Steven Miller and Kat Collins, long-time bus drivers, are still a few years away [...]