Gift Basket Themes - The possibilities are endless. Here's a few ideas:

Click here to see our list of 101 Gift Basket Ideas

Gift Basket Business Supplies
It may be tempting to buy everything you see that might make a good basket, but you should use restraint when you're just getting started. You may not be able to offer every type of themed basket to start.

Take it from Adriana Copaceanu, owner of ABC Gifts and Baskets, "Refrain from buying everything that looks cute or you'll soon realize all your start up money is spent on things you can only rarely use. I still have about $1000 worth of Valentine's Day items I bought for my first Valentine's Day!"

"Start off buying kits that are offered by many companies. That way, you won't need to meet the minimum for each company and you'll have the opportunity to see what works for you."

Gift Basket Business Skills & Attributes
- Esthetic sense ~ putting together attractive baskets
- Creativity ~ coming up with unique baskets themes and ideas
- Customer Service Skills
- Organizational Skills ~ the busy seasons will have you hopping
- Marketing Skills
 

Getting Your Gift Basket Business Started
"First, take time to research," says Adriana, "Find out about the competition in your area, read some books on business, as well as gift basket business, check out gift basket businesses on the net, watch some videos on designing gift baskets."

"When you are ready to start, go and get a business license, and a resale number. This will help you tremendously, as you can get all your products at wholesale, as opposed to retail."

Getting Your Business Off the Ground
- Depending on your type of basket, leave sample baskets in appropriate shops. For example: wedding baskets in bridal shops & tuxedo rental shops; baby baskets in baby shops. Better yet, have the shop sell them on consignment or even better, get the shop to buy baskets to resell themselves.

- Give your baskets as gifts. When you hear all the oohs and ahs, explain that you have a business making these baskets.

- Baskets make wonderful fundraising items. Donate a few baskets to your children's school, local animal shelter or another charity. They can sell raffle tickets and give the basket as a prize. Make sure that you are given credit for the donation and are allowed to include your business cards or brochure.

Online Marketing Ideas
Your web page is the perfect way to promote both the online and offline components of your business. It's where your clients and potential clients can view your samples, prices and product updates. Here are a few ideas to promote your website and online business:

1. Build a mailing list and send out a newsletter on a regular basis. Promote your business and specials in your newsletter, but do try to offer more than a sales pitch. If you do this, your readership will increase. Try recipes, event planning tips, product giveaways, etc. Anything you feel would interest your clientele. For your more corporate clients, you may wish to take a different angle.

2. Form partnerships and exchange links with gift reminder services (or start your own!), some of your suppliers, crafters and other related sites. If you sell different items, promote those on your respective sites. You can also coordinate delivers across the country with other gift basket makers.

Building the Ultimate Theme-Based Site:

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