Gift baskets make excellent presents and are suitable for just about any occasion. They are in high demand and this makes for a viable supply business. If you start your creative juices, you will find just about anything makes for a great basket filler. The following list should get you started:

• gourmet foods
• chocolates and teas


• body lotions
• birthday favors


• specialty items such as wedding or baby shower products

What skills do you need?

First, you should have knowledge and experience in gift baskets. You should also have an array of wholesale vendors in mind to keep your supply in stock. Your familiarity will ensure that your stock is always current and unique to keep your customers coming back for more.

You must possess strong organizational skills if you are going to start a business in this industry. It is imperative that your inventory remains organized for order fulfillment and re-stocking purposes. You will need to keep contact information for all customers organized for future reference. You also will need a system to keep your orders organized, you definitely do not want to send the wrong order to the wrong customer! It is also very important that all orders are delivered on time.

To make an awesome basket, you need to have creativity as well. Can you provide unique ideas/products to keep customers coming back for more?

What do I need to get up and running?

Selling wholesale supplies means that you will selling large quantities of stock with each order. You will need an area large enough to keep your inventory stocked. If you have a room with shelving space availability, you might want to reserve it for your inventory space. Make sure you have ample supply of boxes, packing bubbles/peanuts, packing tape, and shipping labels.

If you expand your business to encompass making the baskets and selling them yourself, you will need marketing materials. Such materials include a website, business cards, fliers, and car magnets. You should also have all of the basic office equipment, computer, fax, and phone.

Don't forget that you need a good wholesale supplier in place to provide your basket fillers. You also need a large table to create and fill your baskets if you decide to sell gift baskets yourself.

Are you ready to get started?

There may be some legal issues that may need to be ironed out before you start your business venture. Your business will be subject to more regulations due to sending and receiving vast amounts of boxes. You may need an additional insurance policy on your home, make sure you have ample coverage for your business.

Take special care in the development of your first product line. Offer a wide array of items for sale and continually add new products for your clients. Make sure your website is organized and easy to navigate. Get an interesting catalog printed. These will be vital in the promotion of what you have to offer.

Strive to keep your customers 100% satisfied. Develop a personal relationship with your clients and show them you care about them and their business. When you keep them happy, word about your business will soon spread. Word of mouth is the easiest advertisement, and if it is from a satisfied client, your business will soon explode.