An excellent market for any gift basket professional is local realtors, mortgage brokers and builders. You can offer them gracious “Thank You” gift basket selections for their clients. Whether you are working with just one realtor or broker who wants to give a gift to a new home buyer or an agency that also deals with the apartment and condo market, having a themed gift basket option is a great way to expand your business to the corporate world.
Deschutes Gift Baskets
Deschutes Gift Baskets located in Bend, Oregon (160 miles southeast of Portland) specializes in the corporate client. In 1999 David Thorne started a golf gift catalog focusing on unique golf gifts, and then he met someone starting a basket company. So David thought it might be a good idea to design golf gift baskets for golf tournaments. He marketed them to individuals and businesses who were involved with golf tournaments and people who loved golf in the Bend area.
As fate would have it, David started getting requests for other types of baskets, and his company and basket designing skills started to blossom. Deschutes Gift Baskets’ primary market today is the real estate industry and small businesses. They reach the corporate market through digital marketing, direct sales and local trade shows. Bend Chamber of Commerce has also been an excellent resource for new contacts.
David was referred to Nashville Wraps by another basket designer as a great source for gift basket supplies. He uses a variety of our gift basket boxes, market trays, printed cello and ribbon. He says, “I love working with box containers because of the wonderful themes and great colors. They are a consistent product and easy to store which keeps shipping costs down. We also love working with the market trays and the fun printed cello rolls which we use for fan toppers to add a touch of elegance to our designs.”
Adding Local Flavor to Your Baskets
One of the things that sets Deschutes apart from other local gift basket companies is they offer unique gourmet food products from Oregon and the Northwest. David explains, “Our goal is to provide that perfect combination of snacks, beer, wine, coffee, tea and many other goodies in our baskets. We use the best quality gourmet food products that are unique with crisp, clean packaging and reliable distribution so our customers can get quality gift baskets on a consistent basis.”
One of his favorite basket box designs for the real estate market are the “Home” themed basket boxes. They have the look of a real home and make the perfect housewarming gift for new homeowners and apartment dwellers. He also loves our “Thank You” themed basket boxes. With Administrative Professional’s Day coming up next week, these designs are very popular. Businesses can also custom brand their gift baskets using their own logo. It’s a great marketing opportunity for small and large businesses to give clients a gift basket that showcases their brand.
Their best-selling gift baskets are their Oregon IPA Beer Baskets and Oregon Themed Baskets which feature locally made items. Some of their popular snack items with customers include peanut brittle, lavender chocolate-covered toffee, sea salt chocolate-covered toffee and Marionberry Oregon Hazelnuts.
The Gold Basket Club
Networking has been an important part of growing their business. David belongs to three organizations that realtors and mortgage professionals belong to which helps his company develop good relationships that lead to good sales opportunities. He says, “When I first started my business I looked for mentors to help me understand how to market gift baskets and learn design techniques. I would recommend looking for gift basket discussion groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. Also, consider joining a gift basket association for additional support and guidance. Another great online resource for gift basket designers is Shirley Frazier’s Golden Basket Club.”
David says he has so much fun serving his clients and bringing joy to others through his business. Watch this short video to see how David’s Corporate Birthday Program has helped grow his business.
@ Buffie Baril
Thanks so much for all the valuable info. I think I will try the “Gift Baskets” post. These other options are just too costly for me at this time. cheers.
Regards
Jessica