Lots of money. That’s
what I spent on products when I starting making gift baskets.
In 1989 there were no
business models to duplicate or buying charts to master, so I
learned by trial and error, lots of error.
The bright side is
that you will learn from my early experience and become more
successful at buying and storing products.
Product Selection
The world is your
oyster when it comes to choosing products for your gift baskets.
These products become your “inventory,” the goods you select to
create a gift. Baskets aren’t the only container on the market.
Consider using anything with an open center such as flower pots,
watering cans, tea cups and saucers, baby bathtubs, waste paper
cans, vases, silver-plated trays and backpacks.
Popular foods
include pretzels, dried fruit, cookies, hard candy, popcorn, nuts,
crackers, chocolates and cheeses that need no refrigeration.
Looking
for gifts? Use stationery, writing instruments, kitchen accessories,
baby products, games, puzzle books and other items that match the
theme.
Other product ideas
are found in gift and gourmet catalogs that arrive in your mailbox,
local card and gift shops, gourmet stores and at office suppliers
such as OfficeMax and Staples (they sell gift baskets, too,
especially around the holidays).
There are other products in each
group to consider, but this selection gives you a good foundation on
options for making your baskets.
Places to Buy
Are you making gift
baskets for fun or profit?
Fun means it’s a hobby, a craft you enjoy
because making baskets is a creative activity. Profit means that you
intend to make money by selling your creations.
If gift baskets are
your hobby, an endless supply of products can be found locally at
supermarkets, dollar stores and warehouse outlets.
Don't overlook
the possibilities. My daughter brought home discounted vinegars,
mustards and soups purchased at a well-known linen chain.
Gift basket makers who
run a business occasionally browse in the same venues, but many more
use manufacturers and distributors as their product mainstay.
Distributors are companies that resell products that were obtained
from a variety of manufacturers. They usually set low or no buying
minimums. That means a person who makes gift baskets for profit can
purchase one or two products at a time from distributors rather than
buy a case of one type of product from a manufacturer. This low-cost
option allows a gift basket maker to stretch their dollars.
The other major buying
method is shopping at trade shows held at locations nationwide.
Trade shows are open to businesses, not the public. This is where
gift manufacturers from around the world introduce new products and
trends to retailers. Isn’t it wonderful to have such varied choices
whether you are making gift baskets for fun or profit?
Storage Options
Having a hobby or
business is similar to having a baby. Before bringing the new
addition home, a room or portion of a room is prepared for its rest
and nurturing.
Do you have space in your home, apartment or garage
for the newfound inventory? Whether you’ve purchased six individual
items or six boxes of products, they must be stored. Choose a
moisture-free area such as a pantry shelf or food storage cabinet.
No space? No problem.
Use one of the many storage containers sold at most discount
department stores. They come in many sizes, colors and shapes and
have lids with locking mechanisms for an airtight close. Storage
containers stack atop each other and fit into corners away from
household foot traffic.
Start slow, research the market for the types of products that are
best for your gift baskets and decide on the right buying and
storage options for your hobby or business. Now you’re armed with
lots of knowledge. That’s what I lacked when I started making gift
baskets, but best of all, I can share what I’ve learned with you.
©Shirley George Frazier. All rights
reserved.
