How to Start a Gift Basket Business
By Jenn James
You've seen them in department stores, boutiques and gift shops... or possibly sent and
received them yourself. They are beautiful and brimming with unique gifts and tasty treats.
They are a more personalized gift than balloons, and more practical than sending flowers.
Of course we're talking about gift baskets, a hot trend in gift-giving these days. And
behind the scenes, another major trend is emerging - people who choose to start a gift
basket business are launching one of the fastest-growing types of businesses today.
Gift basket businesses are starting up all over the country, and with good reason. Not
only is the work fun and creative, but you can also start a gift basket business easily
from home, by setting up a small space where you design and build your gift baskets.
You also have unlimited potential to grow when you start a gift basket business. I
launched my [gift basket] business selling $20,000 in baskets that first holiday season.
The business doubled year after year, and has continued to grow substantially," says gift
basket business owner Cherie Reagor, twice named Designer of the Year by the gift basket industry.
The process for starting a gift basket business is not complicated, but you do have
some important steps to follow. Here's some advice from the FabJob Guide to Become a Gift
Basket Owner to help you take your idea of starting a gift basket business from concept to reality.
1. Plan and Prepare
To start a gift basket business, you first need to learn about the gift basket
industry. Study other gift basket businesses, and see what they have to offer. How many
types of gift baskets do they have for sale? What items are included in them? When you
know what other gift basket businesses are offering, then you can plan how your business
will be similar, and what you will do differently to be unique.
To build your gift basket making skills, you can take some classes at a local craft
store, buy some good how-to books, and practice making as many baskets as you can for
friends and family.
2. Buy Supplies and Equipment
You don't need a large amount of supplies and equipment to start a gift basket
business, but you will need some basics. A few pairs of sharp scissors will be essential,
and you may also need a glue gun and wire cutters. You'll also need to purchase some cello
or shrink wrap, baskets or other containers, ribbon, bows, and some decorative shred, and
you'll be ready to start filling your gift baskets with goodies. Don't forget to buy
shipping supplies (i.e. boxes and tape) if you will be sending your gift baskets by courier.
3. Set up Your Work Space
Decide where you will create your gift baskets, and ensure that you have adequate
lighting, as well as storage for the supplies and inventory required to start a gift
basket business. You'll also want to invest in a workbench or table when you can spread
out supplies and make gift baskets at a comfortable height.
If you will include food items in your gift baskets, they should be stored in airtight
containers with the expiration dates marked. Depending on where you live, local laws may
also regulate how food items for your gift baskets must be handled and stored.
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