Gift Basket (extra income or silly idea)?????

I enjoy making gift baskets and I was considering making flyers and posting them throughout chicago (where I live). I would like to have a couple premade for holidays. But I mostly would like to make them at the customers request with thier opinions on how they would like it. Do you think it would work as something extra to do?

Gift Basket (extra income or silly idea)?????
For sure!! I am in the process of doing the same thing.

What kind of gift baskets? Do you get paid to buy the products in them? I do, it's a great way to add profits and have originality inside and out!

I think you are definitely on the right track, especially if you really like doing it! Have a couple pre-made and a custom price package, just an idea..... good luck to you
Reply:I suggest that rather than posting flyers throughout Chicago (which could feasibly be in violation of a city ordinance prohibiting such action -- speak with someone who can tell you whether or not it is a legal practice) that you design a flyer and a business card that have the same theme and circulate them to businesses where people usually enjoy giving gifts such as the real estate industry. Gifts are often given after 'closing' which is the final step in contract negotiations for the transfer of property from one person to another. Building a good relationship with companies is important. Customer satisfaction is crucial to a successful business of any type.



It may be necessary for you to obtain a business license to do business in Chicago. Also, remember to keep records of purchases used to build the 'baskets' as well as the receipts of payment received. It will be necessary for you to add a Schedule C to a standard Form 1040 Income Tax Form if it is a small business in which you are the sole proprietor (owner). More information may be gained from visiting the www.irs.gov website, as well as, the www.sba.org.



If you have any pre-designs for holidays such as 4th of July themed baskets or other holiday designs, it would be good to have a notebook with photographs in it to show to prospective clients.



Good luck with your small business venture...
Reply:You are Lucky that you know what you want to do and are talented in this. I, know I want to sell something but nothing makes me excited. So Lucky you, go for it.

ways to sell: Online (built a website), flea markets, home based sales, trade shows, eBay and most important for you: B2B- business to business, sell to local stores! - markets, grocery shops, gift shops. show them what you make and before each holiday like Christmas, mothers day, valentines day- Offer them your baskets to sell.

Good Luck!
Reply:Sure I do and thats a really great idea. People always love getting gift baskets.
Reply:It would be better if you could add your own unique twist in some way.
Reply:yes keep it up
Reply:Yes, Great Idea.
Reply:When doing specialty items such as this, I recommend you focus on a specific customer at first. New mother's, graduate's, even at home parties(like tupperware,avon,etc.)Most first businesses fail because they funnel out their business aspiration's, rather than focusing on their purpose.