Many people with busy lifestyles tend to pick up gifts at the last minute or order something that can be delivered, saving them time and effort. This has created a good market for gift baskets.
Making gift baskets is a terrific home business that can be quite profitable once it takes off and it can also be a lot of fun. The best part is that you can start small without a lot of out-of-pocket expense. Make up just a few baskets as samples and ask local businesses, such as florists, gift shops, greeting card shops, restaurants, or bookstores, to display them on consignment. You may not make much of a profit at first, during the start up phase, but you will get your product and your name out there.
You can also show your baskets at craft shows, or rent space at a flea market. Have a yard sale and display some of your gift baskets. Make some up to give as gifts for friends and family members when a special occasion arises. Give them as gifts when you are invited to wedding showers, baby showers, birthday parties, or when there is a celebration at church, school, or the office.
Attach a business card to each basket and offer a list of personalized, custom-made gift baskets that people can order. You can make them up as needed, charging as you go. Ask the client to put 50% down as a deposit when he or she places the order. This should give you enough money to purchase a basket, filler, and items to place inside the basket. If the customer wants you to deliver the basket, agree on a fair rate for delivery in advance.
Be sure to keep accurate records and keep all of your receipts, so you can calculate your profit and so you can file your taxes accordingly.