Business competition can be fierce in today’s economy. Trying to land new customers costs more than keeping your current customers.  So, how does a business keep their customers from seeking cheaper alternatives or going with your competition?  There are many things you can do, but here are 10 ways that can help you keep your customers coming back and remain loyal to you.

1. Acclimate your customer to your business over time.  When you have a new customer, bring them up to speed with what you offer by sending them emails, cards or samples so they learn about your business and what you offer.  This process helps your customer build a rapport with you and what you offer.
2. Appreciate your customers.  Always say thank you to your customers.  Show them your appreciation with a simple thank you card, or at certain times of the year, send them a small gift.
3. Take customer care seriously. Customer service goes a long with you’re your guarantee.  Always put your customers first. Try to get to the root of their problem. Often, their issues may not be with the product or service but with some other factor of the purchase.  Make it right with your customer and they will not only come back, but tell others about you.
4. Remind your customers that they made the right purchase.  Let’s face it, most people experience buyer’s remorse no matter what you buy. I have bought inexpensive things and still take them back because I just didn’t feel right about purchasing it.  Help your customer through this period with emails, notes or additional product information to help reinforce their buying decision.
5. Create a customer feedback process. Seek out your customer’s feedback early after their purchase to make sure that their purchase was smooth and the product is working for them. This is part of the customer care process but builds immediate trust in your business.
6. Create a strong product or service guarantee. An ironclad guarantee will always build trust and create a higher value in your product or service. Many businesses offer a “no questions” guarantee. If you want to keep a customer coming back for life, then always honor a refund or make it right with them.  You will gain their trust and keep them coming back.
7. Create value-added products and promotions.  “Buy one, get one” or “free gifts with purchase” can always peak interests of your current or potential clients.  This adds value to your customers purchase and can help reinforce their decision to do business with you.
8. Know your customers.  It’s important to keep information specific to your customers in a database or contact manager.  Your customer’s anniversaries, or birthdays are great customer contact points.  Simple cards or gifts can do amazing things for your business.  Remind them that they are important to you even when they aren’t purchasing something.
9. Create a buyer’s program.  Reward your customers for making multiple purchases by offering a buying program.  When your customer makes multiple purchases over time, offer a reward. Perhaps it is a free service or product, but make it worthwhile and something desirable so they will want to achieve it.   Along these lines you can also create a referral reward for your customers.  Refer your business to someone they know wins them a reward of some type.  Not only do you build strong customer bonds, but you get new customers too!
10. Stay in touch.  This can’t be stressed enough.  Monthly email newsletters and post cards are easy ways to stay in touch.  Do you have a new product or service that you are going to offer?  Then why not ask your current customers to trial it and get their opinion.  This makes your customers feel part of what you are doing and gives them a feeling of accomplishment in your success.

There you go, 10 simple ideas to help build a strong client base and keep your customers coming back.  It is not difficult to keep customers as long as you are putting them first.  Remember that simple rule and you will not only keep customers but also bring more with their referrals.

Remember, when you need gift ideas or ways to reach out to your customers, THE original basket boutique can help with gifts large or small.  Let us help you find the perfect gift that sends the right message to your customer. We will work with any budget and just like our advice; we guarantee your satisfaction!

What do Gift Baskets Have to do with your Marketing Program?

I suppose that a typical business owner might ponder this question when we sit down on a sales call with them.  The truth is we asked our self the same question when we started this business three years ago. We bought our business with the intention of selling gift baskets.  What we ended up with was truly something more. We became a marketing company that also does gifts and gift baskets.

It didn’t take us long to understand the power of gifts in a business.  A good gifting program can help your business with customer retention, new customer acquisition, brand building, and building good will with business partners. Every business owner has a marketing budget. How you spend the marketing budget depends on your business model and should be tied to your overall business goals. The largest part of a typical business-marketing budget is generally tied to customer retention and new market development.  It is important to note that it takes more money to find new customers than it does to keep your current ones.

If you are still trying to decide whether or not you need a gifting program, here are some ideas and strategies to consider.

First, consider your brand. When you want to win over a new customer or get their attention, it is important to use your brand and business name on the gift. This can be done in a subtle way by branding the gift with logo ribbon and your company colors. For a little more impact, you use a gift that has promotional merchandise in it. This has the added benefit of keeping your brand in front of your potential customers for a longer time.  If the gift is going to an individual, then make it more personal by including items that are unique to a single person such as nice logo pen or container of some sort with your logo. If you are sending to an office, you will more likely get more mileage with “tear-n-share” snacks that everyone can sample.

If you are sending a “thank you” to someone, you can employ the same strategy.  Logo merchandise is nice, but it might not seem as personal when you want to thank you for a purchase or contract.  You can consider a snack gift or spa gift for an individual. Sending a “thank you” gift basket is a powerful way to get the attention of several key people in an office setting.

Here is a great example of how a branded “thank you” gift basket can land you more business.

Let’s take a car dealer as an example for using business gift baskets.  When a customer purchases a vehicle, you could have a branded gift basket sent to them to say thank you. While you might think to send this to their home, you really should send it to where they work. Your logo and company colors will stand out on your gift. The snacks inside will certainly get the attention of everyone around the individual that you want to thank. Chances are, your customer will talk about their recent vehicle purchase and you could land a new customer from the interaction.  The branded gift helps extend your brand and market your business in a very good way.

Gift baskets are not the only types of appreciation gifts that you can send, but they do have a powerful impact when used correctly. If your business is not using a gifting program, consider setting one up. It will be money well spent if done correctly.  A gifting professional is more than just a gift basket designer.  They are an extension to your marketing program.  A professionally designed gift will get the attention your business deserves.

If you are considering a gifting program or would like more ideas on marketing your business, contact THE original basket boutique to set up an appointment. We will show you how to be original and give original.

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Sheri & David Beckham are the owners of THE original basket boutique franchise in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Contact them at (877) 622-3248 for more information about gift baskets and gifting programs or on their website at http://www.obbpensacola.com.

Don’t Forget Your Administrative Professional

In 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) started honoring office workers by sponsoring Administrative Professionals Week.  Now, Administrative Professionals week is one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and other major holidays.  This is truly the time to thank those tireless administrative professionals who keep our offices running like clockwork and make our jobs easier.

In 2000, the International Association of Administrative Professionals changed the name for what was then called Professional Secretaries Week and Professional Secretaries Day to what we now know as Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day. This was done to keep up with the changing job titles and added responsibilities that are now taken on by a modern day Administrative Professionals.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, there are over 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States.  There are over 8.9 million working in other administrative support roles. Canada employees over 475, 000 administrative professionals and millions are working in offices worldwide.

This year, Administrative Professionals Week is April 18-24 and Administrative Professionals Day is Wednesday, April 21.

This year, you might consider a versatile gift that will remind your administrative professional how much you value them for long after this special week.  Here are some ideas to help you with giving the perfect gift this year.

1. Coffee Mug filed with delectable goodies such as chocolate, coffee, tea, cocoa, or other snacks.  Wrapped in beautiful cello with a festive bow, this simple gift will certainly get your administrative professional’s attention. The coffee mug can be used over and over, which reminds your admin how important they are day after day. Gifts such as these run $15-$25 on average.  This makes it affordable for the whole office.
2. A pen and pencil holder or tray for their desk can be filled with tasty treats that are sure to put a smile on their face.
3. Lunch Tote gift baskets are the gifts that keep on giving.  Have it filled with “tear & share” items like caramel corn, cheese straws, truffles and other delicious snacks that can be shared by all.  Tote gift baskets are a little more expensive, but how valuable are your administrative professionals? It’s a small price to pay for those who do so much for us.
4. A popcorn bucket makes a really cool and fun gift for your administrative professional. You can put your administrative professional’s favorite DVD in the popcorn basket along with some other movie snacks.  Not sure what your admins’s favorite movie is?  Then get them some movie tickets or a gift certificate to Blockbuster.
5. Finally, any basket, music box, crate, or other unique container can be a perfect gift basket. Large or small, a creative gift professional can make it into the perfect administrative professional gift.

So, there are five ideas on how you can show your appreciation for all that your administrative professionals do for you.  Don’t delay or wait until the last minute.  Think ahead and order now so you can be sure to get the perfect gift this year.  A regular old store bought gift just won’t due these days. You need to stand out really show your appreciation with something unique, new and original.  To all the Administrative Professionals out there reading this story, send the link to your boss.  They will get the hint!  Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

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Sheri Beckham is the owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise in Gulf Breeze, Florida serving the Pensacola area. If you are looking for something original, contact Sheri at (877) 622-3248.  THE original basket boutique can ship nationwide or deliver across town.  We have gifts in all price ranges and can handle one or one hundred, which ever you need.  You can also find us online on our gift basket store at http://www.obbpensacola.com.

Are you crazy about chocolate? Most people love chocolate, but did you know that some chocolate is good for you? Chocolate, in its purest form is actually an antioxidant. Antioxidants help rid your body of free radicals which are terrible little molecules that run amok in your body causing disease and aging. Antioxidants bond to the free radicals and are removed from your body through digestion.

Of course, not all chocolate can be good for you. You can’t eat a Snicker’s and claim it is healthy.  Dark chocolate has the highest health benefit because it is higher in cocoa.  Higher cocoa amounts are better because there is less room for other ingredients like cocoa butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Dark chocolate has also been known to help with depression and high blood pressure.
Now that we know there are some health benefits to eating dark chocolate, here are some other interesting facts about chocolate:

1. Chocolate is a valuable source of energy.  A single chocolate chip can power a human being with enough energy to walk 150 ft.
2. One ounce of baking chocolate has 10% of your daily-recommended amount of iron.
3. The per capita consumption of chocolate is nearly 12 pounds annually per person. (That’s a lot of chocolate!)
4. Chocolate comes from Cocoa Beans.  Originally, it was called Cacao, but became Cocoa from a misspelling.
5. Cocoa trees produce pods with contain about 20-50 cocoa beans. There are a variety of cocoa beans with varying flavors, which is used to make different types of chocolate much like different grapes make different wines.
6. Chocolate does not cause or increase acne.  It is a myth.
7. Chocolate contains “theobromine” which helps boost low blood-sugar level but it can be deadly to dogs, cats and other household pets. It can over stimulate their cardiac and nervous system, which could cause instant death.
8. Chocolate has over 500 flavor components. This two times the amount found in vanilla and strawberries.
9. The cocoa beans were used as a currency and as a unit of calculation in the Aztec and Mayan cultures.
10. Chocolate is one of the most well-known and popular foods in the world and is not likely to ever go out of fashion!

Now that you know more about chocolate, you won’t have to feel guilty next time you eat a dark chocolate bar. Are you looking for gift ideas?  Chocolate makes a great gift for any occasion.  Chocolate gift baskets can turn the darkest day bright for anyone.  Chocolate gifts are great for giving to men or women so the next time you want to get some attention, think yummy, delicious, chocolate!

Happy Gifting!

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Sheri Beckham is a gift consultant, gift basket professional and owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise located in Gulf Breeze, Fl.

For more information about Sheri or THE original basket boutique please contact us or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248 or http://www.obbpensacola.com.

Image: Graeme Weatherston / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The right business gift can do amazing things for your company.  They are given to say, “thank you”, build relationships, foster goodwill or just show business thoughtfulness.  The right kind of gift can help your business relationships flourish and grow, while the wrong gifts could quickly cause a business relationship to go south. The right gift should reflect your creativity, good taste, and to some extent your personality.

When giving business gifts, there are some simple guidelines you can follow to ensure your business gift giving is a great experience and you get the most out of your thoughtful gesture. Here are ten ideas that will help you get the most out of your gift giving:

1. First, be sure that the company you are sending the gift to can accept gifts.  Some businesses have written policies that prohibit accepting gifts for any reason. You may also find companies that place limits on the costs of the gifts.  It is just a good idea to be sure before you give.
2. Use good timing when sending a gift. If you are saying “thank you” for something, it should be sent within a few days of the event so the gift is pertinent to the situation.
3. Be sure your gift reflects your company image and your personality.
4. For the maximum impact, personalize your gift. With a little imagination and originality, you can make your gift truly stand out.
5. Your gift should reflect the value you place on the relationship. As an example, if you are a realtor, and sell a million dollar home, your closing gift will be larger than one of someone how purchased a one hundred thousand dollar home.  Each client is important, but you certainly make more on one over the other so you can recognize this with a more personalized gift.
6. Send gifts that are appropriate for businesses and one that will not interrupt someone’s place of work.
7. Be sure that your gifts reflect “good-taste” and are of high quality. Gourmet products in any price range will speak highly of your business and you.
8. Make a list of the gifts you send to avoid duplicating the gift.
9. Don’t use major holidays as your only reason to send gifts each year. You will get noticed more when a gift is not expected.
10. Be sure that you check the spelling of the business and recipients name if you are sending a personalized gift.

Gift giving can be a valuable and important part of your marketing strategy.  You should place a high value on your current customers. A good portion of your marketing budget should be directed to customer retention.  Gift giving is an easy way to reach out and touch your customers several times a year to show them how much you value them.

If you are not sure on the type of gifts to give, then consider a gift consultant. Someone who specializes in gifts can direct you on the appropriate gift and price value for each of your particular clients. Also, a gift consultant can take the pressure off of remembering special dates and events.  You can use a gift consultant to send gifts that are appropriate for the situation at the right time. Don’t let gift giving be a hassle for your business.  Make it fun! Get help if you need it. Giving business gifts will not only help you with customer retention, but they will strengthen the bond you share with your customers.

Happy Gifting!

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Sheri Beckham is a gift consultant, gift basket professional and owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise located in Gulf Breeze, Fl.

For more information about Sheri or THE original basket boutique please contact us or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248 or http://www.obbpensacola.com

Image: by Maggie Smith / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you have pets of your own? Maybe you know someone with pets.  Either way, Pet Gift Baskets are becoming very popular.  According to the American Pet Product Manufactures Association (APPMA) approximately 45 million households have dogs, 38 million have cats and another 15 million have other pens like, birds, fish, horses, reptiles or other small animals. The APPMA estimates that 83 million of these households have an average of 2 pets each.  That is a lot of pets!

The pet industry has been growing consistently since the start of the millennium. To a $40 billion plus industry. Emotional connections between pet owners and their beloved pets have grown stronger as well, which has caused a need for more pet items and services.  There has been a steady rise in pet accessories, products and services. Pet owners are faced with a plethora of choices when it comes to pet foods and treats. You can now find a variety that ranges from organic, to kosher and even gourmet. There are better products for dental care of pets and improved veterinary care and medicines have increased the average life spans of your pets. This means more birthdays, Christmases or other holidays for your pets!

There are countless ideas that you can pull together for pet gift baskets.  Consider giving a gift basket filled with organic pet foods or adding spa items such as shampoos, conditioners, or dental products. You could add custom clothing or costumes along with fancy colors or leashes. All of these items could be built on top of a pet bed for something really unique and original.

The average pet basket can range from $35 and up. This makes such a unique and personal gift because most people cherish their pets. If you want to make an impact on someone whether a friend or business associate try a pet gift basket.  You will have to do a little homework before giving them a gift to make sure you know the size and type of pet they have.  This way you can get a perfect gift that matches their pets personality and style!

If you are looking for something different to give this year for holidays, birthdays or other occasions, don’t forget about people’s pets.  You can be sure that they won’t forget you for giving them something they can cherish with their loyal companions.

For more information about pet gift baskets, contact Sheri at THE original basket boutique. Our specialty is making your business stand out from the crowd with original gift and gifting plans for your business.

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Sheri Beckham is a gift basket professional and owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise located in Gulf Breeze, Fl.

For more information about Sheri or THE original basket boutique please contact us or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248 or http://www.obbpensacola.com

Do you have a favorite color? You may not realize it but colors actually speak to us. Not only are colors symbolic, but they can evoke emotions or physiological responses. Most of us from our youth are taught that colors mean something such as red meaning stop and green means go. When we see pink or light blue balloons being delivered, it is likely to mean that a baby girl or boy has been born. The entire spectrum of colors has meaning and connotations. When you buy a gift for someone, do you know what the colors could mean?  Here are the basic colors and their meanings.

Red

Red is the color or power. Is associated with fire and blood so it is often associated with strength, determination, passion, love or desire. Red is a strong emotional color, which draws attention and signifies Stop or Danger. Red has been proven to evoke natural body responses such as raising blood pressure or increasing respiration. When used in advertising, it is usually complimented by a contrasting color shade of red to “tone” down the effects.  Red is such a versatile color because it is used to show love, desire and passion while at the same time, anger, danger and stop.

Yellow

Yellow is a color generally associated with happiness, joy and energy.  Yellow is a warm color that gets people’s attention, which is why taxicabs were painted yellow. Yellow is often used to promote children’s products.  Yellow in advertising is used to highlight the most important elements of your product or design.  Yellow should be used for lighthearted items but not typically for high end products.

Orange

Orange is a combination of red and yellow.  The energy of red and happiness of yellow form a color that represents enthusiasm, happiness, creativity, success and encouragement. It is a citrus color so it is associated with healthy food and stimulates appetites. Orange is also the color for strength and endurance. It should be used to catch attention or highlight important aspects of your product or design.  Orange is a wonderful color for promoting food and children’s toys.

Green

The color green is typically associated with nature. When you see green, you think of freshness, fertility, harmony, growth, and money. It is also a safety color, which is associated with “Go” or “good”.  Green is a healing color because it is the most restful color on the human eye and has been shown to improve vision. You should use green when you are trying to promote feelings of safety or trust. Green should also be used when you are trying to promote environmentally friendly products.

Blue

Blue is a color that is associated with loyalty, trust, confidence, faith, truth, or wisdom. It is the color of the sea and sky. Blue is a color that evokes calm feelings and tranquility. The color blue has been shown to slow the human metabolism and produce a calming affect on people. Unlike red, yellow and orange, which are emotional colors; blue is linked to human intellect and consciousness.  You would use blue to promote products related to cleanliness, water or precision high-tech products. Blue is a masculine color is typically associated with males. Blue is used a in corporate America because is linked to expertise, stability and trustworthiness.

Purple

Purple is a combination of blue and purple which is a combination of stability and energy. Purple is associated with royalty, luxury, wisdom, dignity, creativity, mystery and magic. The color purple is favored by young people and used in advertising to youth. If you want to portray elegance and a touch of class, use purple in your products.

White

White is the color of goodness, purity, innocence and perfection. The color white signifies safety and perfection. When compared to black, it is considered the positive or good.  White is the color of snow, so in advertising, it is associated with cleanliness and coolness. White is also used with tech products to signify simplicity. Apple computer has made use of the color white on their products to promote just that, simplicity or ease of use. White is also associated with charitable organizations.

Black

Elegance, formality, power, death, evil, fear or mysteries are typically associated with the color black. Black can have a negative connotation and is the opposite of white.  Black is used for strength and authority; it is also considered to be very formal and prestigious color. Black can also be the color of grief.  Black is often worn to make someone look thinner so it is a color that gives the feeling of depth and perspective. Black is a great color to use as a contrast to other colors. It helps to create powerful combinations when used with other power colors like red and orange.

So now you know more about colors and their meanings. At The original basket boutique, color is always taken into consideration when designing our gifts. We know that some colors just go together so we use them in everyday gifts, but often times a client will want to send a special message. We custom make these gifts to specifically address the client’s needs and desires using colors.

The next time you are considering a gift, think about the colors and what it means. You always want to be sure you are sending the right message!

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Sheri Beckham is a gift basket professional and owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise located in Gulf Breeze, Fl.

For more information about Sheri or THE original basket boutique please contact us or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248

When is a gift more than just a gift?

A gift basket is more than just a gift basket when you can use a gift basket to serve more than one purpose. You give gifts for many reasons. Individuals and businesses use them to say thank you, show appreciation, congratulate, and acknowledge events, but many businesses miss a true marketing opportunity if they are not using a gift to extend or enforce their brand.

Gift baskets are a great way to extend and enforce your brand for many reasons. A gift basket can be branded with personalized ribbon that has your logo and business name, your company colors and logo merchandise can be mixed in the gift basket design. A gift basket with branded merchandise can serve an entire office. A shareable gift basket not only shows your appreciation, but the branded items you can include will be used by the office members keeping your name top of mind and helping to reinforce your brand.

A branded gift basket is a subtle way to show your company colors and name. If your business only has one or two points of contact with a customer a gift basket can be used to pull in more support from the entire organization.  Your business may not interact with some customers more than a few times a year. When you are not seeing them, your customer is bombarded with competitors who are trying to woo them away. Gifts or gift baskets used during holidays, special events, birthdays or anniversaries give you another chance to put your business in front of your customers.

Be original with your gifts for customers. Even an inexpensive coffee mug with some goodies inside make can make an impact on your customers. When giving gift baskets, considering using Gift a reusable container so your customer has something they will use long after the gift basket treats are gone. A branded cooler gift basket or leather box can be used for a long time. You are constantly putting your brand in front of them when they use your gift. This helps reinforce your brand year round.

If you are looking for ways to recognize your top clients, business partners or just to thank someone for a job well done, then consider a branded gift basket. You will be pleased with the outcome. For more information about branded gift baskets, contact Sheri at THE original basket boutique. Our specialty is making your business stand out from the crowd with original gift and gifting plans for your business.

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Sheri Beckham is a gift basket professional and owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise located in Gulf Breeze, Fl.

For more information about Sheri or THE original basket boutique please contact us or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248 or http://www.obbpensacola.com

Let’s face it; your current customers are your business life’s blood. They are generally your primary source of revenue you should be spending a good percentage of your marketing budget focusing on them. A good rule of thumb is that 60% of your marketing budget should be spent on your current customers or marketing directly to them. Remember, it costs far more to gain a new customer more often that it does to keep a current one.

One of the most important things you can do is to take the time to get to know your current customer’s better. Phone calls, visits or emails that just check on them and get to know them better will do wonders for your relationship. In a down economy, your customers are more than likely looking for ways to save money which means they are probably looking at your competitors or substitutions for your product. Never miss an opportunity to reach out and touch a customer other than just trying to make a sale.

By getting to know your customers, you will find out a lot of information about them. You should always try to recognize and remember the special events and days with your customers. Send them a gift basket on their business anniversary date just to say, “Thanks for being a customer!”  Getting to know your customers will make it easy for you will learn important information about them, and then you can simply send a card or a small gift to congratulate or let them know you are thinking about them. Sometimes, the littlest things can make the biggest impacts on your customers.

Holidays are always a great time to recognize your clients. Be careful though about what you send. Don’t just get something off a shelf and think it will make an impact. Remember, other businesses might have them as clients too and how embarrassing would it be to give them the same gift basket from a “big box store” that some other business gave them. Your gift needs to be unique, original and stand out from others to get you noticed. This will help keep your business top of mind with your customers.

Be sure to brand your gift with your business colors and logo whenever possible. This also keeps your business top of mind with your customer and extends your brand. Remember, your branded gift could be seen by other potential clients in your customer’s office. If your brand s on the gift, it can be like free advertising!

If you are looking for ways to recognize your top clients, business partners or just to thank someone for a job well done, then consider a branded gift basket. You will be pleased with the outcome. For more information about branded gift baskets, contact Sheri at THE original basket boutique. Our specialty is making your business stand out from the crowd with original gift and gifting plans for your business.

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Sheri Beckham is a gift basket professional and owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise located in Gulf Breeze, Fl.

For more information about Sheri or THE original basket boutique please contact us or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248 or http://www.obbpensacola.com

10. Gift baskets can be made to fit any budget.
9. Themed gift baskets can be made to fit any occasion.
8. A gift baskets can come in any size to fit the situation.
7. Gift baskets are quick and easy to order.
6. Gift baskets can be shared so it can save you money by serving more people.
5. Professionally designed gift baskets convey a special message to the recipient.
4. Gift baskets and their containers can create lasting memories.
3. Gift baskets can be branded or personalized to keep your name at the top of the recipient’s mind.
2. Gift baskets are loved by everyone!
1. Gift baskets are the perfect gift to fit every occasion!

If you are looking for the perfect gift, then think gift baskets. Ordering gift baskets is as easy as picking up the phone or going online. They are especially great for sending to an entire office or family. Professionally designed gift baskets from a gift basket specialist will create lasting memories for your recipient.

For more information about gifts and gift baskets, contact us at THE original basket boutique. We will show you some very easy and affordable ways to show your appreciation 365 days a year.

If you have never received a gift basket before, then you are probably asking yourself, “Why send gift baskets?” Gift baskets are given for almost any occasion. They can be sent on birthdays, holidays, or as appreciation gifts. They are a wonderful way to say thank you to a valued customer or even a potential client. Gift baskets are perfect for making a statement or sending a message to someone important.

A traditional gift basket is generally filled with gourmet goodies or gifts, however the beauty of the gift basket is that you can put almost anything in it depending on the reason you are giving the gift. The joy of the gift basket comes from the many items inside. It is like receiving a gift inside of gift or many little gifts. A gift basket’s items are only limited by the imagination of the giver and the designer.

Gift baskets are also great for sharing. When you give a gift basket to an office or a family, everyone enjoys the goodies in the basket. You will often hear the term, “Tear & Share” when talking about gift baskets that means it contains items that can be eaten by more than one person. Caramel corn, popcorn, chips and candies, cheese & crackers are just a few of the many items that can be shared.

More personal gift baskets can contain gifts or mementos for the special recipient. I have seen jewelry hidden inside a basket as well as gift certificates and more. You can also include wine, champagne, and the glasses for two or more people. Gift baskets make great celebrations gifts.

The container that a gift basket uses can also be a unique part of the gift. Anything can be turned in to a gift basket container. We have used hats, coolers, garden hoses, bags and boxes as well as the more traditional wicker type baskets to create our designs. You are limited only by your imagination and budget.

If you are a business owner, gift baskets are a great way to extend your brand. The ribbon on a gift basket can have your company colors, logo, & name. You can also include branded merchandise in the gift basket along with the goodies. Branded gift baskets are a great way to say “thank you” to your client, or a referral partner. When you are trying to land that new client, use a gift basket to break the ice. The branded gift basket is a simple and cost effective use of your marketing budget.

The next time you are trying to think of a perfect gift, try gift baskets. A professionally designed gift basket such as what you received from THE original basket boutique will certainly get the attention you are looking for.
Happy Gifting!

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Sheri Beckham is a gift basket professional and owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise located in Gulf Breeze, Fl.
For more information about Sheri or THE original basket boutique please contact us or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248

In the gift basket business, we see all types of customers. Individuals and businesses buy gift baskets to say thank you, or show their appreciation to other businesses and individuals. Gift baskets are a great way to show appreciation because they can be tailored to match what your recipient likes or what interests them. Gift baskets can be designed for any occasion or reason but one of our favorite uses lately have been for employee motivation and appreciation.

We have a new client that just started buying gift baskets on a regular basis. They are a small insurance company with 3 offices and about 20 employees. Two months ago, we discussed a gift program with them that they truly loved. Each time one of their employees has a birthday or significant event, they give them a gift basket. The gift basket we designed is around $25 each and is generally the same for each employee. It has bottled water, caramel corn, chocolate, cookies and other feel good food and goodies.

The employees absolutely love the gifts. They look forward to their birthday and now talk about getting their “birthday gift basket”. The point is that this little gift program which will cost this company less than $500 per year has returned dividends that can’t be measured in money but is measured in happiness and motivation. A good gifting program shows your employees that you care about them enough to recognize special days in their life.

If you are a small business owner, you need to consider an employee recognition program. A small gift basket for their birthday, something for the holidays or recognizing a significant day in your employee’s life will go a long way in building a strong employee relationship. Good people are truly hard to find even in today’s economy. Recognizing your employees is just one way to motivate them and help build a stronger loyalty to your company.

Your gifting & recognition program doesn’t have to be just gift baskets. We can offer boxes, tins and other single gift ideas for your gifting and employee recognition program. The other advantage to a good gift program is the ease of use. You can simply give us your employee list with their significant dates and we keep up with when to build and deliver the basket. Our gift reminder service takes the stress of you and lets you do your job. Whether you have 1 or 100 plus employees, our gifting program will make your life easier and your employees happier and motivated.

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Sheri Beckham is a gift basket professional and owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise located in Gulf Breeze, Fl.
For more information about Sheri or THE original basket boutique please contact us or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248

THE original basket boutique is excited to announce we are Moving Up!

It has been an honor to have been picked for the Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 list the past four years, but even a great honor to have propelled up the list!  We have moved up to #369 for 2010 from #464 in 2009. We have also made the Top 100 Least – Expensive Franchises at #93! THE original basket boutique is top ranked franchise that shouldn’t be overlooked in 2010. This unique business opportunity is the perfect way to showcase your creative and business skills.

You might be saying, “what if I am not the creative or business type?”  No Worries!  We teach you how. At THE original basket boutique, you own your business, but you are never on your own. Your original venture begins with training from industry experts with over 20 years of experience. You just need to provide the desire to succeed. THE original basket boutique has been successfully serving distinguished tastes since 1989. Are you ready to be original in 2010? Are you looking for an opportunity to be your own boss instead of working for one?  Then you owe it yourself to check us out! There are no pressured sales here!  We want people who are ready for an opportunity!  To learn more about THE original basket boutique, you can visit our Franchise Site at http://www.obbgiftsfranchise.com or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248.

G.I. Jobs Magazine has named The Original Basket Boutique, a premier gourmet gift basket franchise, a 2010 Military Friendly Franchise.

This prestigious honor is drawn from a list of over 5,000 companies that have a percentage of new hires or franchises with prior military service, company policies toward National Guard or Reserve service and recruiting efforts that are geared toward the special needs of military personnel and their families. The Military Franchise and Employers list is an excellent resource for military veterans who are looking for opportunities and careers after their military careers have completed.
Our military instills a sense of honor, commitment and a work ethic in our soldiers that are strong traits sought after by franchises and companies. Our military personnel understand flawless execution of duties, how to manage resources, and have accountability of their actions. Military veterans are used to hard work and have the leadership abilities to lead employees by example.

The Original Basket Boutique is well suited for our veterans who have strong leadership skills, and a creative flair to their personalities. Original Basket Boutique franchisees receive extensive training and follow up to help guide new franchise owners toward a successful enterprise. Spouses and partners are welcomed and encouraged with The Original Basket Boutique.

The Original Basket Boutique offers a special franchise fee for veterans, military personnel and military spouses to help them get the start they deserve and have earned for their honored service with our country. The recent Patriot Express Loan from the SBA makes starting businesses even easier for our well deserving veterans. For more information on the Patriot Express Loans please visit: (http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress/index.html)

“We are very proud of this honor as we are also proud of our brave men and women who are currently serving or have served their country with distinction,” said David Beckham, Director of US Franchise Operations, Franchise Owner and Veteran of the US Army. “We would be honored to work with people of such high caliber and quality as our veterans. We are committed to help them to the best of our ability so they can achieve their dreams of owning a business.”

About The Original Basket Boutique:
The Original Basket Boutique is a premier gourmet gift basket franchise that operates worldwide with franchises in the US, Canada and Kuwait. The International Headquarters and Training Center is located in Edmonton, Alberta, CA. The US Headquarters and Training Center is located in Gulf Breeze, FL. David Beckham, MBA, is the Director of US Franchise Operations and along with his wife Sheri Beckham, franchise owners since 2007. David is a 6-year veteran of the US Army and Iowa Army National Guard.

Contact:
David or Sheri Beckham The Original Basket Boutique, US Headquarters (877) 622-3248
http://www.obbgiftsfranchise.com

There has never been a better time to grow your business.  Even with the recession, you can still gain market share and retain customers by applying some simple business tactics.

First, your business has to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is through your reputation with your current customers.  Have you asked your customers for testimonials recently? Testimonials that you can post on your web site, newsletters or in your regular advertisements add credibility to your business.  Ask your customer for a testimonial and offer a small gift to thank them for their time.  Little things make you stand out in your customer’s mind so they will be more likely to recommend you to their friends.

Ask your client’s for referrals. When a referral leads you to a new customer, reward your client with a gift. Your gift should include branded merchandise so your business name stays in front of your customers all the time.

It’s the little things that can really make a difference with your customers.  Happy customers can lead to increased referrals and help improve your reputation in the business community.

Large or small, one or one hundred, THE original basket boutique offers custom and original gift ideas that will work in any budget. We can help your business stand out in the crowd. Let THE original basket boutique show you how easy it is to be original, give original.

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Sheri Beckham is a gift basket professional and owner of THE original basket boutique, gift basket franchise located in Gulf Breeze, Fl.

For more information about Sheri or THE original basket boutique please contact us or call Toll Free: (877) 622-3248