Gift Baskets?

[Victoria]

Hey no problem. I checked her sites out.

I just asked her to expand with more information about herself and her businesses. I don't think people are anti-baskets... at least I hope they're not! If a gift basket can make money in your chosen environment then what's the problem?

I think she'll be a good fit... and it's good for me because sometimes I feel like I'm alone in the port.

Although... I've been hanging out in flower trucks lately (happy happy happy). Our catering department is taking off and I'm the resident events floral designer it seems.

V

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

our store has become anti basket.... Amy hates baskets more than me.

BUT REALLY I think it's more "anti-norm". Our uniqueness and individually is very important to us. We'd rather focus on stuff that customers can't get some where else.

One reason that has fueled that fire is there is a gift basket only store here. all this person sells is gift baskets. And she disparages gifts of flowers on her web site even though she made an attempt at trying to sell floral gift baskets,,, basket floral arrangements, They were horrible.

We try to stock stuff that she does not carry, either because she wont or she can't because we have an exclusive.

 

[twiggy]

I sell gift baskets... and baskets to go with them, I actually bring in nicer baskets and have them around so my customers can pick one then fill it up like a shopping cart. It works great- and I also do the Twigs shopping bag with tissue (I love that my customers want this!)

I have gourmet baskets on my site and they do pretty well in the fall and especially during the holidays. Like Rick said- they take lots of inventory to do right- so for now I just promote them for specific times.

 

[Victoria]

I am at an advantage here because of course I have a huge selection of great product at my finger tips. I also have a department that houses basket selections that aren't found in many places (I love dealing with companies who support exclusivity).

The baskets and other containers or vessels I use are not ordinary and we are becoming known for that. Because of my design background, no basket or gift ever goes out looking like it was just pulled from a shelf. I take great care to produce something I'm proud of (just like any real professional).

I mentioned somewhere in a thread that so much of my business is for sympathy baskets... people tend to be moving away from flowers. That's a double edged sword for me because I see the need for flowers too. More often than not the customer will say, "I saw what you sent to ________. I would like something similar to be sent to_______". They still perceive floral tributes as a waste of their money. I disagree by the way. As I disagree in donating to charities in lieu of flowers.

I also have a strong base with realtors. They send a basket (a euphonism for what I send), when they sell a house. This would be a great niche for flower shops as well.

Another strong area for me are thank you baskets... and even though our website is still a work in progress, it's amazing to me how many calls I get from way out of town and country (Britain, Belgium, U.S).

Obviously gift "baskets" aren't for everyone, but don't discount their value for those who sell them successfully.

V

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

for sure V!

I like the words "gift vessel" HA!

I wish we sold more gift vessels!! I'd sell cars for the store if I thought it'd make us more money.

I should also point out that The baskets I do like are so dang expensive that we don't even bring them in the store.
And it's easier for us to store vases rather than baskets...

So there's more to it for us (about the anti baskets) than just we don't like baskets..

Just wanted to clarify.

But me personally, I'd rather get a nice tray or bowl.

 

[Luc]

Think Outside the Box!!!!!!

I love doing gift basket. Just this past Dec, Christmas alone I did over 50 of them, with 1/2 of them at $75+ in value.

I love the Coco basket as it is deep, cheep and holds up. I use them for the sammler basket I do, so the value is in the product.

Thumb down for those so call basket they sell at Christmas all over the place and there is almost not enough product for the value.

I am using a lot of my british products for my basket and selling it to my regular customers. I also look for different things/products than using the grocery store items. I want people to experience something different and i want to be different than the grocery store items. Now if someone request things from the grocery store, it is still done. I also do baskets year round and I love it.

Luc

 

[Sarah Botchick]

Hey no problem. I checked her sites out.

I just asked her to expand with more information about herself and her businesses. I don't think people are anti-baskets... at least I hope they're not! If a gift basket can make money in your chosen environment then what's the problem?

I think she'll be a good fit... and it's good for me because sometimes I feel like I'm alone in the port.

Although... I've been hanging out in flower trucks lately (happy happy happy). Our catering department is taking off and I'm the resident events floral designer it seems.

V

Thanks V. I suggested this site to her because I thought it would be good for both sides. I would never suggest someone that I didn't think would be good for the community. I have noticed an increase in our florist customers adding gift baskets for the simple reason that others have said - it makes money. I thought maybe she could help offer gift basket ideas that would help florists and at the same time the community would help her learn things - like the fact that people are looking for different containers. So many of the current gift basket "industry promoters" promote nothing but cardboard boxes as the containers. I feel that there is a place for everything at every price point, depending on the location, etc. - boxes, baskets, high end containers.

Perhaps I am being a bit of a Pollyanna here. Please forgive me if I am, everyone!

 

[Victoria]

Love Pollyanna.

You're absolutely right Sarah. I do hope Debbie participates fully when she is a registered member. I too believe she has much to offer. It's a poor day when we choose not to learn from others.

V

 

[Victoria]

I took the liberty of copying Debbie's intro here... hopefully others will check her out and vote.

V

debbiequintana Intro

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

www.thebestgourmetgifts.com
www.thespiritofwellness.com
www.giftbasketassociation.com

7 years
no formal floral education
Sarah@Pioneer Wholesale
Learn more about the industry and the relation with gift baskets; learn how your forum works.
I'm pretty saavy at business, technology and consumer driven products. I hope I can help others
Both.

 

[artistry in bloom]

I do custom gift baskets only. I stopped doing gift baskets about a year ago but then customers kept asking for them so I decided to offer them again on a custom basis only which ensures that everything is absolutely fresh.They can choose the type of basket whether its gourmet, baked goods, chocolate, etc.
This last Christmas I was surprised at the number of gift basket orders so even though they are a bit of a pain I guess I will continue to do them.

 

[boots12313]

we do all kinds of gift baskets, a great add on to a wedding sale is an amenity basket for the ladies room...we also make one for the mens room and we put it in a top hat...

 

[twiggy]

V
what do you put in your sympathy baskets? I think my customers would like a choice like this

 

[Sarah Botchick]

V
what do you put in your sympathy baskets? I think my customers would like a choice like this

Debbie has an entire business built around sympathy baskets. Maybe I can get her to weigh in on this one (Along with V of course!)

 

[debbiequintana]

I agree, the term gift basket is kinda not too explanatory of the current industry. We're using so many other containers now that our customers love that we need to come up with a new word.....hmmm????

 

[debbiequintana]

Hi, as far as sympathy baskets, it depends on if its for a family, man or woman but typically, we put tea, a journal, pen, comfort snacks and sometimes, if its ok with the customer, we'll put Chicken Soup for the Healing Soul. But often times, our customers want a fruit basket sent as a sentiment. I hope that helps

 

[debbiequintana]

That's a cute idea! I like that....we do that for weddings once in a while and we have disposable hand towels printed with the couples name or monogram, mints with their name, etc. and we put it on a nice looking tray in the restroom of the facility of their wedding. It's really neat.

 

[makescents]

Hi all,

I have a question for whomever cares to give their two cents... do you (as florists) sell gift baskets?

I don't hear too many people talking about them on here. But I see an increase in recent years in the floral magazines, encouraging florists to make and sell gift baskets. I just am wondering if real florists actually do this. And the reasons why/why not.

Just looking to get inside some good heads, if you don't mind. Thanks!!

"Candy baskets"... that's what our "gift baskets" consist of here in Boyd TX - Home of Presidential Dogs and MakeScents Floral Design..

We're the "Boyd YellowJackets" (don't you know?) 2 Time State Football Champs! :O) I swear - I have never seen such a thing.. put some Reeses, Laffy Taffy, Blow Pops and a Dr Pepper in a magicians hat add a balloon - Call it "the Birthday Party Hat" and Voila! $45! :O)

Don't ya just love BOYD TX? And boy -:hammer: you should see our homecoming mums!

 

[debbiequintana]

Ok, I just read the whole thread. I love this and yes, I will participate. I have a lot to learn. The gift basket industry is changing in a lot of great ways but most important, is that we are becoming more creative. The old stigma of "dusty wicker" is going away and we're doing more totes, hats, trunks, magazine holders, themed boxes, wagons, etc. to really spark everyone's interests. Our biggest client base is assisted living facilities. We have a whole program that has 7 different tracks to it and its really fulfilling for us. Not only are the facilities buying from us for a variety of reasons, we've created a mini catalog of gifts under $25 so the seniors can buy gifts. Many can't get around the way they used to, they aren't going to shop on the internet and they still want to be able to send a little something to their grandson on his birthday.

Another area of success we've had is with Gourmet Gifts Jr. We realized that some have reduced their budgets so we took our most popular baskets and made them smaller and under $15.

 

[CRICKETS FLOWERS]

gift baskets

We do gift basket, spa baskets, fruit baskets, baby baskets, pet baskets.
We got into doing baskets about 20 years ago when a customer asked if we could do them.
Over the years we have tweaked it, but find that fruit baskets or fruit and gourmet out sell 2 to 1.
When we purchase food items we always make sure you can not get it at the Christmas tree store or marshalls or similar stores.
We always look for shelf stable items with 3, 6, 9 month shelf life.
We find that items that can go into multiple baskets work best.
Even items for the spa basket can go into a baby basket as a gift form the new mom.
We have found that fruit and cheese baskets sell best in our area during the spring summer months and gourmet or fruit and gourmet fall into spring.
We get all our fruit by the case and store it in a fruit cooler.
We always try to find new and interesting containers that have a good show and value. our customers like the big is better deal. they want more product instead of a few high end items so we shop with this in mind.

 

[Sarah Botchick]

Ok, I just read the whole thread. I love this and yes, I will participate. I have a lot to learn. The gift basket industry is changing in a lot of great ways but most important, is that we are becoming more creative. The old stigma of "dusty wicker" is going away and we're doing more totes, hats, trunks, magazine holders, themed boxes, wagons, etc. to really spark everyone's interests. Our biggest client base is assisted living facilities. We have a whole program that has 7 different tracks to it and its really fulfilling for us. Not only are the facilities buying from us for a variety of reasons, we've created a mini catalog of gifts under $25 so the seniors can buy gifts. Many can't get around the way they used to, they aren't going to shop on the internet and they still want to be able to send a little something to their grandson on his birthday.

Another area of success we've had is with Gourmet Gifts Jr. We realized that some have reduced their budgets so we took our most popular baskets and made them smaller and under $15.

Deb, just a word to the wise... make sure we keep this to things that FLORISTS could do. This is a florist forum. We are guests, tread lightly!!