Sending a gift basket is the most preferred method of gift-giving. When done correctly, gift baskets are a welcome acknowledgement for any person, for any occasion, at any time.

Remember these 5 tips when sending your next gift:

1. Have at least two numbers for the recipient of the gift basket. This can do a variety of things. Directions and information given by the sender can be confirmed and pre-delivery arrangements can be made.

2. Opt for sending your gift basket to the recipients' home instead of hospitals and hotels. Sometimes patients in hospitals have been discharged and hotel guests have checked out prior to the gift arriving.

3. Avoid sending a bath and pamper gift basket to co-workers, colleagues, and bosses. These gifts can send the wrong message and can be considered inappropriate in the work place.

4. Consider sending corporate gift baskets during the off season. To stand out, send your gift either before or after the holiday rush.

5. Unless you know a person has dietary restrictions, avoid health related gift baskets.

Because making a great impression is the only option, people just like you, have used our gift basket expert advice for their gift-giving needs.

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The goal for every business is to secure a thriving corporate account. Acquiring a couple of good paying corporate accounts can sustain a business through out the year.

Corporate clients expect you to work around their budget and offer impressive designs. Most budgets can be accommodated. But some won't like the options they are given for the amount of money they are willing to spend. Now what do you do?

Getting more than one corporate account is achievable with a little planning. Here are some things to help you out:

Weigh your options if…

This is your first corporate account and you think it will be worth you absorbing the cost to meet their needs.

You have many good paying corporate accounts already- The profit you make off them will afford you the extra cost.

Put your company’s best interest first if you plan on staying in business. When you're out of business that corporate account will be someone else’s.

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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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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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