Gift Basket Picture Taking Tips
Posted on August 19, 2008
Filed Under Photography | Leave a Comment
Mary asks:
“How did you make the background for taking your pictures?”
The background in my photos is whatever happens to be there. Sometimes I use a white sheet or canvas on a back wall to make a one-color background, and other times I just shoot the photo.
I choose one setting over the other according to my location, available materials, and reason for taking the picture.
I’m more meticulous when choosing a background when taking pictures for books such as How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business and The Gift Basket Design Book. But I simply enjoy snapping and not worrying about what’s in back.
You’ll find more ideas for taking pictures and choosing cameras on the photography page.
How to Find In-State Resources
Posted on July 31, 2008
Filed Under General Info | Leave a Comment
Rhonda asks:
“I am just starting my gift basket business. Where can I find unique types of baskets from in my city?”
Your search for baskets and other vessels in Louisiana may take a short time, or it may take a few days to find where wholesale baskets are sold. Here’s an idea of where to look.
1. Yellow pages. If this thick book is still delivered to your home or office, find the category “floral suppliers” to see who’s listed. That’s where I found basket wholesalers before the Internet became the default.
2. Retail stores. Many arts and crafts suppliers stack baskets on their shelves and don’t remove tags that tell where the baskets were purchased. If these craft retailers buy baskets locally, the tags will show business names and locations.
3. Online help. The Louisiana state resource page at GiftBasketWholesaleSupplies.com is constantly being updated. If the list on this page doesn’t yet help, perhaps we’ll soon find a basket wholesaler available in your area.
The audio CD, How to Find Products In and Around Your State, also provides a wealth of resource information that will make your research quick and easy.
Someone has what you want, Rhonda. I know you’ll find a supplier.
Where to Find Specific Wholesale Supplies
Posted on July 24, 2008
Filed Under Wholesalers | 4 Comments
Laura asks:
“I am still searching for good wholesale resources to provide unique additions to our gift baskets such as cloth napkins, small, decorative serving plates, cheese knives, etc. Can you recommend any vendors for these products?”
I’m not aware of one company, distributor, or supplier that sells all of these items under one roof, but that does not mean one doesn’t exist.
Exhibitors I’ve visited at trade shows either have cloth napkins with towels and placemats but not plates and knives. You may have to purchase these items from two or more wholesalers.
The trade show season is now in full swing. Hopefully, you will be able to attend one in your region or make plans to visit one in another state. You might find success with your search by visiting a show located in a permanent building, such as Americasmart, The L.A. Mart, or Columbus Marketplace.
That’s just three permanent showrooms. Many more exist in the U.S. and around the world.
GiftBasketWholesaleSupplies.com includes a page to search the site for specific items. Perhaps that will be of assistance.
Has anyone found the items that Laura mentions above from a trusted source?
Who Sells Imprinting Machines?
Posted on July 17, 2008
Filed Under Wholesalers | Leave a Comment
Sylvana asks:
“I own a gift basket company in Montreal, Canada and am looking for a machine that imprints favor confetti cards and ribbon. I hear mostly about the Howard machine that imprints ribbons. Do you know of this type of product?”
Unfortunately, I don’t know of a machine outside of the one by Howard that produces this type of imprinting. But that certainly doesn’t mean such a machine does not exist.
I reviewed search engine queries with no good results. My suggestion is to see complementary products that well-known gift basket suppliers sell on their sites. Start with:
Peters Imports
You find more suppliers on the wholesale page and also at GiftBasketWholesalSupplies.com.
Is anyone familiar with the machine Sylvana describes?
How Do I Get Into a Trade Show?
Posted on July 3, 2008
Filed Under Trade Shows | Leave a Comment
Judi asks:
“My husband and I are just getting started in the gift basket business, we would like to attend the trade show in Altanta. Are we allowed to attend seminars and the showroom if we’re not an actual business yet? Will we need credentials and what exactly are those? Do you have any helpful suggestions for us to make the best of our first tradeshow? Your books have been amazingly helpful. Thanks.”
AmericasMart Atlanta’s admission policy is listed here.
If you’re unable to present the seven credentials listed on the policy page, there is also a guest entrance option, which you’ll see by scrolling down the page.
Consider the guest pass charge an investment in your forthcoming business.
I paid the guess pass price when I first started in business and never looked back or considered the cost outlandish because I knew that when I stepped through the door, I’d find great products and supplies to build my firm.
Once you’re in, you are allowed to attend seminars (free or at cost) and visit showrooms.
If you must register as guests, here are some tips specifically for your badge.
1. Exhibitors will see your guest badge(s) and assume that you are not a buyer. In other words, some exhibitors may ignore you. That goes with the guest badge territory, so don’t be offended. Do what you’re there to do.
2. If your badge is within a plastic holder, place a business card in front of the guest badge so that exhibitors see a business card, which can get you better attention.
You’ll have to remove the business card from in front of the guest badge each time you enter a showroom floor so that security can see the actual badge.
3. Tell exhibitors whom you speak with that you’re in business, but your credentials haven’t yet arrived. I’m not telling you to fib. Isn’t what I just suggested you say true? And don’t say this as though you’re defending your guest status. Just say it in a matter-of-fact tone, and get back to talking about the merchandise.
If it wasn’t okay to be a guest, AmericasMart wouldn’t offer guest badges.
I hope you get to the show. After a full day of going in and out of buildings, showrooms, and temporary booths, wind down in the cash-and-carry section (jewelry and other baubles to buy for personal enjoyment).
