Clients are generally invited to request small adjustments to the contents of generic baskets—substituting dark chocolate for milk chocolate, for example, or picking a particular sports team. Most gift basket makers also offer customized consultation at a higher price. Here you will meet with the client or consult on the telephone to find out details about the interests of the recipient and the reasons for the gift. Is the recipient a sports fan? A lover of opera or rock and roll? Is the person deeply involved in community affairs or historical projects? Any details should lead a creative mind to the proper collection of gifts.
For corporate gifts, make sure you are aware of any company guidelines that might steer you away from baskets with religious, political, or overly personal themes. If you are being asked to assemble baskets to support a new product or service, learn as much as you can about the introduction and see if it is possible to include a sample of the product or a clever gift that ties into the new offering. (For example, we received a gift basket from a theme park announcing a new water ride. Included was a beach towel, a tube of sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses and a media kit.) In that case, you have to make certain that you know the client’s budget for gifts and the deadline for delivery. It is in order to help you to avoid the additional problems when you serve this kind of business. So, you can get many benefits from this business.