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Pre-Holiday Q&A

© Shirley Frazier

Q. How can I streamline my holiday order preparation?

A. Do the most simple tasks at a time when it does not impact on the more important tasks. For example, create your handmade bows in the evening while watching television. Check your existing inventory either before the end of the day or early in the morning before you start working. Also, be sure to tidy your workspace at day's end. That is one task you don't have time to do at sunrise.

Q. How can I create a sense of urgency that will make people buy?

A. Offer a free gift or small discount with purchase if an order is placed by a certain date. Tell them to order early for best selection. Tell them that by ordering early, they will be added to a membership list that will qualify them to receive free gifts and discounts next year. Offer them whatever you can afford to get the sale. Then deliver on your promise. Get other ideas from the so-called junk mail that you receive in your own mailbox.

Q. Last year, I received orders on December 23 and 24. I don't want that to happen this year. How can I stop it?

A. You can't. Clients will order when they're ready, but there is one thing you don't have to do. Don't fill the order! Long-term designers have decided that they will recommend other companies to fill orders after their own pre-determined cut-off date has passed. You have the right to unwind and enjoy the holidays without last-minute orders impacting on your personal life.

Q. I'm finding a lot of products in retail stores that I put in my holiday baskets. How can I keep my baskets from looking like I went to a local store for every item?

A. Your ability to create a personalized, one-of-a-kind basket makes your custom creation stand out from any one product found on a store shelf. Don't assume that your customers see the same package of chocolates or chips in every store that's included in your baskets. Customers don't look at products the same way we do.

Q. What do I do if a person asks me to make a gift basket with their own products?

A. Charge a design fee, unless this is the type of work you don't want to do. If you do charge a fee, base it on a one hour minimum charge plus extra for the size of the basket. You might charge $40 per hour plus $15 to make a large basket and $25 per

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