Tips for a Successful Holiday Season, Pt. 2
by
Flora M. Brown., Ph.D.
6. Let your ribbon and enhancements carry the theme rather than your products. Sticking a few snowflake picks among your products or adding ribbon that says “Joy” is more cost-effective than buying cases and cases of cookies with a snowflake design that is limiting.
7. Plan for Valentine’s Day at the same time you plan for Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. As you buy products, for example, use your green products first since you can use red packaged items for Valentine’s Day.
8. Price your work to ensure a profit. Most basketeers double their wholesale costs, then add a labor fee. I triple my wholesale costs, including the basket, filler and ribbon, to determine the retail cost.
9. Charge for delivery. Unless you are offering a regular client some kind of special, you must charge for delivery whether it’s hand-delivered by you or a courier, by UPS or other established services.
10. Under promise; over deliver. Avoid promising your customers anything that requires a disproportionate amount of time unless you’re being adequately compensated. You will be asked to substitute products, shop for special items (that you have to buy retail at the last minute), deliver on the same day with a only a two-hour notice and many other calisthenics that would even tire Arnold Schwarzenegger. You will be tempted to jump through hoops, but it doesn’t pay off since clients often expect you to pull off the same miracles next time. Every potential client who approaches you is not your rightful client. You have the right to refuse service when it’s outside your area of expertise or niche.
These tips grow out of many experiences that I and many basketeers have survived. Following them will save time, help you enjoy more profit, and ensure that you will look back on your holiday season with satisfaction.
Go back to to Part 1
About the Author
Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus at Fullerton College, educational consultant, gift basket expert, writer and professional motivational speaker. From her websites, blogs and newsletters she motivates small business owners and gift retailers with sales-generating ideas, marketing tips, design ideas and business success strategies. She is mother of four and grandmother of three. When she's not traveling she enjoys her home in Anaheim, CA.
