Hey guys! I just joined and I'm really considering starting a home based gift basket business. My issue is that when I put everything down on paper, it just seems like so much for me to do on my own and with the new baby on the way. I was wondering if you thought it was a good idea to just start off with baby and maternity gift baskets, you know, like a niche. Or, should I just go all out an not limit myself to any one type of basket. I'm planning on starting it in July giving myself enough time for all the legal, marketing, and supplies. What do you think??

I think focusing in on one niche is a great idea. There are lots of gift basket businesses out there and so having a specialty is always a great idea. You also will need to think about where you are going to store all that inventory.

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i agree and disagree, a niche can be good, but a niche can also hold you back from gaining other sales, if it is too much for you to handle have you considered a partner? there are many ways to do a partnership. you could bring in a partner and give them 50% of every dollar they bring in or even a smaller percentage. Just a thought. I am more than willing to talk thru some ideas with you.

Joshua Kundert
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I agree with BizResearcher - there are many gift basket companies that do not do too well. In the last few years, specifically, many have gone out of business. Gift basket items are not necessity items so they can be harder to sell in a down economy.

But, this should not discourage you because all these businesses going out of business opens the door for you to start your own business. You will just need to be a bit more innovative. Maybe you can offer "recession" themed baskets where you provide necessities rather than just wants.

There are many niches available that you can give some attention to. I think baby baskets are always good because people are having babies even in the recession. You can also consider going away to college baskets, green themed baskets, and organic skin care themed baskets.

I don't see any reason you can't do it, you just need to be prepared to put in the marketing time and money.

Good luck!
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If this is your first baby you are highly under estimating the work involved in taking care of a newborn and a new business at the same time. You also must have training for gift basket assembly. But biggest of all is having a diverse inventory (I have a basement full of baskets and out dated foodstuff that never sold). That is a lot to handle and quite an investment.

However, if you are inclined to start some business at home, why not try a diaper cake biz? No perishables and hey, if you buy wholesale (which you must!), you can get good deals on your own personal baby items.

Otherwise, you may consider selling over the internet with drop shippers (the wholesale company ships the products when you make a sale). No inventory, no overhead. That biz model works great for me.

Best wishes with the new baby.
Julia
http://www.StorkandVeil.com




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I have worked with this somewhat...we have seen much success in using realestate offices..they use them as thank you gifts to clients, also insureance companysand so on...you also might want to check large cubicle companys for their newsletter ads, make an kind of gift available..I would not limit it to just one type either
Jean info@thebridalbiz.com