Gift basket business...

<p>This isn't really high school related...but it's not an ad or spam so please don't delete it! I'm starting a gift basket business because I've always had a knack for crafts and shopping (lol), I need money (I feel guilty about parents buying me everything), and I need something to do over the summer. Basically, I was wondering if anyone has any promotional or marketing ideas? I'm thinking about creating sample baskets and mini baskets, and offering an album of all the baskets I offer. How much would you spend on a gift basket, and how long would you be willing to wait for it (i.e., please make order at least two weeks before, etc)? And, does anyone have any ideas for themes and such? How do you think I should advertise? To friends and family and schoolmates, or should I also put up flyers and such? Thanks for the help :-P!</p>

<p>Open in time for Mother's Day and Memorial Day. </p>

<p>Charge more than you think you're worth. You're not aiming to be the Wal-Mart of the gift basket business. You just want some extra bucks and a side hobby.</p>

<p>Send a coupon or check to any of your customers who refers you to someone else. Handwrite a thank-you note to them.</p>

<p>Get local press mentions. Strategically donating a few gift baskets might help here.</p>

<p>For mother's day, depending of what's in the basket, i'd spend up to $50 ?(I end up spending the rest of the money on dinners and stuff)</p>

<p>I wouldn't really buy a gift basket for any of my close friends cos that'd be not.. personal? But I would buy like a mini basket for friends as a 'side' present.. if they costed less than standard baskets.
But for distant relatives, I'd buy them a gift basket for their birthday, 'welcome' kinda parties (family gathering?), etc..</p>

<p>ohh and 'get better' mini baskets! I got one when I had my appendix taken out and that was really cool (the basket i mean).
'congratulations' for college acceptances? Like, everyone's deciding where to go and stuff..? I dunno. I'm just thinking of random things lol yes my ideas are stupid.</p>

<p>you could also advertise by sending out small flyers to houses - they always get my attention for some reason. Stick on flyers in local libraries, bus stops (?)
I'd wait about 1.5 weeks. waiting more than 2 weeks would irk me.</p>

<p>goodluck with it! it sounds fun!</p>