The gift basket industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. Gift basket sales have topped over $3 billion last year.

This growth is contributed to busy shoppers looking for a convenient way of gift giving. Acknowledging anyone for any occasion can easily be achieved with a gift basket.

If you are not using gift baskets to help grow your business, you are doing both yourself and your company an injustice.

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Labels: gift basket industry, online sales

                     

Selling gift baskets online is very competitive. And because if this, the staff at The Gourmet Gift Shop took extreme measures to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable shopping experience.

You can trust that your information and credit card numbers are secure when placing an order. You will never have to worry about those annoying pop ups and graphics that load slow.

You will find this site to be easy to navigate and discover fast, convenient and secure payment options at check out.

You will get quality and value from a store you can trust. I Guarantee.


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Labels: advice, gift basket business, online sales

                     

In January I was invited to attend a luncheon hosted by the owner of Better Business Baskets. At the luncheon, she announced she was closing her business. She offered everybody an opportunity to purchase her inventory. Opportunities like this have its advantages and disadvantages.

It's perfect for those who are running a successful business and interested in expanding by buying another gift basket business. Or one who just wants to acquire additional products that compliment their existing inventory.

Now the downside is another gift basket company is closing and has to refer their clients to a more successful one for future purchases. What ever the reason for the business closing, if you are interested in the purchase of another business, a thorough due diligence by you and your legal team would be wise before acquisition.

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Labels: gift basket business

                     

Business credit cards have your personal guarantee buried in the fine print. A personal guarantee means if for some reason the business fails, you personally are responsible for repaying the debt.

True business credit will have "open terms." Open terms is the true business credit that suppliers offer their customers. The other type of true corporate business credit is a line of credit from a bank or other lending institution. A true business line of credit does not require a personal guarantee. Lines of credit are used by businesses in an effort to maintain cash flow.

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Choosing a business name is an exciting and important step. Before deciding on a name, determine your niche market, as well as, any other direction you may consider taking the company in the future. In other words, are you starting in your home with hopes of moving into a retail space?

In the gift basket industry, corporations remain the largest buyers of gift baskets. Consider a name that conveys credibility and strength of a company that can handle anything and will be around for years to come.

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Labels: advice, baskets, corporate, news, reviews

                     

Corporate credit cards are a consideration for any business. There may be times when you need to make a quick purchase and having corporate credit will expedite that purchase.

If your venture is considered a "start-up" make sure you have a legitimate business set up before applying for credit in your corporate name. For example, have you chose a business entity or applied for a Dunn and Bradstreet number?

The first step in building corporate credit is to apply to credit card companies that are receptive to applications from new or start-up companies. American Express accepts applications from new companies that are Costco business members. And Discover accepts applications from Sam's Club business members. Applying at the actually locations will elevate your chance of approval. Other companies who have easy qualifying requirements for new corporations are Staples, Office Depot, Shell Gas and UPS.

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If you are like me and millions of other entrepreneurs and small business owners, then the need for start-up and working capital is essential for your business.

The US Small Business Administration now provides its "Community Express" Loan Program, geared primarily to minorities, women, veteran, and businesses in traditionally under-served areas. The loans are funded by two SBA approved lending institutions: Innovative Bank and Superior Financial Group .

The "Community Express" program offers qualified small business owners loans up to $50,000 with a 7 or 10 year term, no prepayment penalty, minimal paperwork and technical assistance as needed. The program is structured to ensure that the borrowers receive appropriate pre and post loan management and technical assistance to help insure a successful business experience.

Contact the banks to find out where you can receive technical assistance in your area prior to applying for the loan. These loans are expensive and should be considered as a last resort for financing. I applied and was approved for this loan in June 2007 by Innovative Bank.

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After firing my CPA, I needed my monthly sales and use taxes prepared. I contacted another industry professional for a referral. During our conversation, she stated hers are filed and paid every quarter.

The process of paying taxes need to be addressed after you have registered with your city or state to sell gift baskets. Electing to pay taxes monthly or quarterly are options offered by local government agencies.

Consult a competent CPA or visit your State Department of Revenue's website for instructions on Sales and Use Tax preparation. Filing and paying taxes on time will prevent unwanted penalties later.

Tags: advice sales gift industry consultant gifts news reviews gift baskets expert

Labels: advice, consultant, expert, gift baskets, gift industry, gifts, news, reviews, sales

                     

If coming up with new marketing ideas for your business is a problem, the solution is a gift basket professional.

Why a gift basket professional.

...Well, we can show you how gift baskets are a key component to opening doors between companies and clients.

Gift baskets are an integral part of the business world however, the corporate gift market is composed of much more.

We can show you how appreciable incentives such as gift certificates, engravables, travel, crystal, clocks, and other items have been used to market so many businesses.

If you are not using gift baskets now,contact us to show you how business will grow by using them.

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A friend asked me to bring samples of my baskets to her job. After putting her off for sometime, I finally decided to do it. She managed to get me one order that resulted in a cancel after I told her the order would include a delivery charge and local taxes.

A gift basket company is not something that’s run from a kitchen table. Because of their lack of respect for my company, that's one order I didn't try to save. Be very careful of people who do not view your profession as a legitimate business.

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Recently, I was contacted by a local radio station regarding a trade proposal. They wanted to give me 7 days of commercials and liners in exchange for 5 gift baskets with the value dollar for dollar to be used for give-aways for their Valentine promotion. It was left up to me to decide the dollar amount. Before accepting or declining the offer, I informed them that I would need to do some calculations and get back with them.

Well, this radio station is a local gospel station I purchased ads from during Christmas and didn't get a single phone call from. While keeping this in mind, I calculated the cost of the products going in each basket, my labor and the total value of each basket. Concluding, it would not be a wise investment.

I emailed them back stating at this time I will not be able to participate in the Valentine’s trade and to please consider me for future promotions. I never heard back from them. I didn't get a thank you for your time or thank you for even considering the offer. Which led me to question their motives; where they trying to help me or just themselves?

If you are thinking about trading your products or services, make sure you look at the big picture. If it is not in your best interest don't do it. You are responsible for making the best decisions possible for your company. Participation in give-aways other than charitable ones can be a costly mistake that can easily sink a small business.

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Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. For all of you last minute shoppers don’t stress. Consider a gift basket designed the way you want it.

Priced to fit any budget, there’s no better way to show you care than with chocolates, truffles, fondue and more elegantly packaged in a basket accented with a rose.

Statistics shows reminding anyone that you’re still the best will be easily achieved after giving a gift basket for Valentine's Day. And that’s only one of the many reasons gift baskets should be at the top of every gift givers list.

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Labels: advice, baskets, custom, holiday, valentines

                     

The main website and online store of The Gourmet Gift Shop, Inc. of Stockbridge, Georgia, was completely redesigned and launched today with a new feature, this Gift Basket Expert Advice blog. We create elegant gift baskets for all occasions.

Please bookmark our site and return often for advice and tips to learn more about the features, quality, plus news and reviews of new gift basket products. All of our products are of the finest gourmet quality. Gift baskets may be purchased online using PayPal and all major credit cards. All orders ship within 24 hours.

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Labels: advice, basket, corporate, custom, gifts, holiday, individual, news, reviews, sales