Type of Business: Wholesale / Home-Based or Brick & Mortar

Gift baskets are a great seller. They can be just the most perfect and unique gift for someone special and baskets can be found for just about every occasion.

Gift basket-making is a dedicated and laborious task, but providing supplies to gift-basket makers is one less labor-intensive way of getting in on this lucrative business.

Get Your Step-by-Step Guide to Start a Gift Basket Business: Click here for help.

What is a Gift Basket Supplier?: As a gift basket supply business, you would sell the items a gift basket makers need to create their baskets. Supply can include the actual baskets, gift baskets, wrapping and decorative elements. It can also include supplying the contents of the baskets like gourmet foods, chocolates and teas to body lotions, birthday items, plush toys, special occasion products for wedding gift baskets, and anything else needed to make gift baskets.

What Skills Do You Need?

A little experience goes a long way, so if you're familiar with the gift basket industry, it is a definite plus. Some skills include: 

• Organizational Skills
• Negotiation Skills to Get the Best Prices
• Ability to Manage Inventory
• Excellent Customer Service
• Creativity to Provide Great Products
   

What Tools & Resources Do You Need?

• Knowledge of the gift basket industry
• Companies from which you can buy wholesale
• Computer & Internet Access
• Inventory Management System
• Suitable Space for Storing Inventory
• Boxes, Packaging Materials, Tape
• Website with shopping cart &/or Phone/Fax to Accept Orders

How Do You Start Your a Gift Basket Supply Business?

Once you've made up your mind to go with it, you will need to check out legal issues. Businesses that involve a large volume of shipments coming and going can often be subject to more rules than other home-based businesses. Make sure that you have appropriate insurance on your home that will cover your business; you may need an additional policy. If you are operating this as a brick & mortar business, you'll have other regulations to comply with. If you are selling food, you will need to ensure you are complying with appropriate laws.

How Do You Get Clients?

Get to know other gift basket companies in your area and online. Ensure the best quality product, fast and efficient services, so they'll keep coming back and tell others about you.