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Kathy Lindberg, owner of Gift Basket
Gallery (http://www.giftbasketgallery.com)
graciously shared her insights and advice on starting a gift basket
business.
How
did you start your gift basket business?
 I began my business in 1997 when my children were young. I had been a Music
Therapist for 10 years and was burning out quickly. In addition, I wanted to
spend more time at home with my young children. After some research into home
based businesses I became intrigued with starting a gift basket company. After
more research into this field I began my company. My business began, and
continues to run, out of my home with plans to expand out of the house as my
business grows.
What makes the
gift basket business right for you?
Gift Basket Designers, I believe, need to have a creative flair. I also
believe they need to be people who enjoy creating something of beauty. I fit
both of those criteria. I was drawn to this business because I would be able to
use my creativity. This industry also brought out a passion for creating
something special for other people--something that would make them feel special.
For those
thinking of starting a gift basket business, would this be a good business
for them to start from home? And why?
Yes. A gift basket business is very easy to start and run from the home. One
of the advantages this provides is low overhead. You are not having to pay high
rent. You are also able to deduct the portion of your home that is used for the
business as well as a part of the utilities from your taxes. For me, running my
business from a non-commercial location allows me the flexibility to tend to my
family when the need arises. If something comes up I don't have to shut down the
store to deal with it.
 What advice can
you give someone who wants to start this business?
Don't get caught up in the creativity aspect of this business. There is much
more to running a gift basket business than just making the baskets. It is like
any other business and if you are the sole employee of your business, you have
to do it all--marketing, creating, shipping, invoicing, customer service, etc.
It is hard work to run a successful business. Do your research before you begin.
Is a gift
basket business expensive to start and manage?
There are stories of people who have started this business on a shoestring. I
don't think it is the norm. It takes many, many hours to promote and run this
business. It also takes adequate capital. There are ways to start small and with
less money, but it takes time and hard work.
How are you
marketing your business?
I market through my website, through sales calls, through networking
functions and word of mouth, through direct mail, and through the yellow pages.
 How has your
web presence helped your business?
My website has helped my business immensely. It has allowed me to service and
reach customers from not only around the country, but from other countries as
well. It would have been very difficult and certainly more expensive to be able
to market to such a large area without a web site.
Has this
business always been easy? Did you ever think about giving up?
This business has never been easy. It takes a tremendous amount of work, long
hours, and sacrifice. Yes, in the early years of my business I thought about
throwing in the towel, but my love for my business kept me going, as well as my
determination to build a successful gift basket company.
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