Gift Basket Drop Shipping Companies

From LoveToKnow Business

If you’re thinking about starting a gift basket business, it’s a great idea to consider establishing a relationship with one or more gift basket drop shipping companies. Whether you plan to operate a home-based online business, a traditional retail operation, or a combination of the two business models, drop shipping can be a great option.

What Are Gift Basket Drop Shipping Companies?

A gift basket drop shipping company is a wholesale gift basket supplier who fulfills client orders on your behalf. When you use a drop shipping company, instead of stocking a comprehensive inventory of gift baskets, you can focus on making sales and depend on your wholesale supplier to fill your orders with product.

What to Look for in a Drop Shipping Company

When selecting among the different gift basket drop shipping companies, there are several things you should keep in mind.

Product Quality

Make sure there is no question about the quality of the merchandise and baskets the drop shipping company will send to your customers. It’s a good idea to order a few samples for yourself to ensure their quality is up to par with the image you want to project.

Availability of Product Photographs

It is a good idea to verify that the drop shipper will be able to provide you with photographs of their product line that you can use on your website and in your sales literature. Make sure pictures you are provided are actual product photos and not just stock images. You don’t want to have to deal with customer satisfaction problems that arise from discrepancies between the photos and the merchandise received.

References

Ask for references of other retailers who work with the drop shipping companies that interest you. Speaking with other professionals who depend on the service, quality, and responsiveness of the drop shipper can give you a good idea of what to expect if you enter into a business relationship with the company.

Branding

Assuming that you want to build long term relationships with your customers, it is in your best interest that your name and branding marks are on the packages shipped on your behalf. Many drop shippers will place your company logo, name and address on the packaging, but some use their own branding information. Make sure you find out how package labels are handled ahead of time so you can make an informed decision.

Remarketing

As a business owner, you are probably spending a significant amount of time and money attracting customers. For many retail businesses, repeat business is the secret to success. Make sure that the drop shipping company you choose to work with has a strict policy of not remarketing to your customers. When you work with a drop shipping company, you are the customer. Your customers belong to you, and you shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not the company being paid to fill your orders is going to try to take future business away from you.

Pricing Structure & Fees

Research the retail prices of gift baskets similar to the ones you want to sell, and make sure the pricing you receive from your drop shipper truly reflects wholesale pricing. It’s important to have an idea of what your competitors charge in order to can make an informed decision regarding whether or not you will be able to make a profit from your gift basket business venture.

Most drop shipping companies charge a membership fee and/or require a certain dollar amount of sales each month. Be sure you understand the fees and requirements of participating in a drop shipping program before you enter an agreement. Consider the fee requirements when making a decision regarding whether or not the prices a particular wholesale supplier offers is appropriate.

Gift Basket Drop Shipping Includes:

Your Gift Basket Business

When making a decision about the wholesale suppliers you will use to fill your orders, remember that the products they send will form a lasting impression on your hard-earned customers. Take time to research all the options when selecting drop shipping companies with whom to work. Once you’re sure you have a great supplier with high quality products, timely shipments, and outstanding customer service, you’ll be on your way to operating a successful gift basket business.



 


Comments

Mike, we appreciate your comment. Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Jeanne Grunert

In two months, I made close to $1,600 selling products supplied by National Gift. I think it is important that somebody understands that wholesale dropshipping companies like National Gift provide a great deal of services that are designed to be a profitable endeavor, before they allow wholesale purchasers.

-- Contributed by: Mike Wright

Chantall, thanks for leaving your comment and for sharing your experience with others. It's much appreciated.

-- Contributed by: Jeanne Grunert
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