Archive for September, 2006
Check out this informative article from Yahoo Insights newsletter about how to use testimonials from satisfied customers to increase your sales. Recommendations from the people who are already buying your services and products can provide a strong incentive to newcomers to give your business a try! Specific ideas are offered that tell you how to you collect testimonials from customers that you can use in your promotional campaigns.
As suggested in this article, testimonials might be used on your web site. They can also be used effectively in any printed advertising materials that you distribute. Why not print some positive customer comments on your letterhead and leave these at your checkout area or on sales displays so that people who are browsing might see how satisfied others have been with your work?
September 28th, 2006
According to the American Heart Association, eating breakfast everyday contributes greatly to good health! So encourage your customers to be healthy by offering a great breakfast basket, full gourmet treats that will delight the eye and the stomach!
Apex Gift Foods has a great selection of products you can include in your breakfast basket. Gourmet granola, coffee, tea, jams and jellies, crackers are just a few of the delicious treats you can offer.
Save 10% on gourmet granola at Apex Gift Foods. Mention BREAKFASTBLOG when you place your order qualify for your discount. Offer valid through October 15, 2006.
September 25th, 2006
Make sure you check out a great article in Specialty Food’s online magazine: Twelve Techniques to Create Successful Promotions. Author Ari Weinzweig offers winning ideas for how create and carry out a successful promotion that will build your sales.
I especially like the following tips:
1. Get Wild: Weinzweig says it’s important to be enthusiastic and create fun for both the employees and the customers. Employees will be more eager to sell the promotion; customers will be anxious to participate in the event.
2. Look Through the Customers’ Eyes: Ask yourself “what will appeal to the customer?” Talk to customers before finalizing plans for the promotion. Their ideas may help you plan something that will really attract other customers.
3. Build Supplier Support: The author advocates working closely with suppliers to build a win-win relationship. Per Weinzweig’s experiences: “When suppliers know that a retailer is going to do something significant to build sales, the more likely they are to contribute meaningfully to the promotion….Support breaks down into things like samples, ad moneys, personal visits, training materials, sponsoring staff contests, demos. I ask the supplier how they can best assist us; often they’ll have ideas or insights that we can benefit from.”
Are you planning a holiday promotion? Contact Apex Gift Foods and find out how you can work together to create a great promotion and build sales!
September 20th, 2006
In a recent issue of Specialty Foods online newsletter, author Denise Shoukas refers to a new study that shows that “the more appealing a food product’s presentation, the more likely a consumer will enjoy it. According to Shoukas, “by marketing a product to look appealing, it often appears as such to consumers”.
This study, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, suggests that gift basket designers would do well to consider the packaging when choosing products for their gift basket designs. Keeping abreast of current color and designs trends, such as those published by Pantone, is one way to stay aware of what will appeal to consumers.
Also, be sure to keep track of your gourmet food distributors’ newest catalogs and web sites on a regular basis. Apex Gift Foods has added over 100 new gourmet food products to the line. Apex’s buyers go to trade shows several times a year and are constantly scouring industry trade magazines and resources for new products in distinctive packaging that will enhance your gift baskets. Be sure to take advantage of these resources so that you can keep your line up to date and appealing to your customers.
September 15th, 2006
An article in Gourmet Retailer Newletter describes a practice followed by grocery retailers called “segment blurring”. Essentially, in response to increased competition by superstores such as Walmart, smaller retailers are expanding their product lines in an attempt to attract the ever busy retail consumer who is looking for “one stop shopping”.
For gift basket business owners, this practice may also provide a way to increase market share. Rave Reviews Magazine now includes a regular feature in each issue that focuses on teaching basket designers how to also be floral designers. By adding florals to basket designs, or by offering floral arrangements as a separate product line, gift basket businesses can offer their customers another type of service.
Before adding any type of new product line to your mix, make sure you check out your market. Try to add products or services that are unique in your marketplace. Do your research before adding costly inventory and related expenses to your business.
September 14th, 2006
Rosh Hashanah, a celebration of the Jewish new year, falls on September 22-24, 2006. Because Rosh Hashanah is a holiday of celebration, it is an wonderful opportunity to send a gourmet basket. And it is important to learn more about kosher products that might be used in the basket.
Basically, products are designated as kosher based upon ingredients used in their preparation as well as the process by which the food is prepared. Products that are certified as kosher are labeled with kosher symbols. A good primer about kosher products and labeling on these products is the Kosher Food web site. You’ll also find links to many more sites with more information about traditions and customs associated with the Jewish holidays and kosher foods.
Apex Gift Foods carries many kosher products that would be perfect additions to these holiday gift baskets. You can also learn more about kosher foods available in the marketplace at Kosherfest, an international food trade show being held this year in New York City, November 14-15.
September 11th, 2006
Make sure you read the June issue of Gift Basket Review Magazine for the State of the Industry Report. Based upon surveys with gift basket business owners, this report offers a wealth of information and predictions about the upcoming holiday season.
“According to survey respondents, the biggest trend for gift baskets is the growth in personalization” as customers look to find something different from what they are seeing in discount chains. “Bold colors and on-trend color match-ups are predicted as a refreshing change…Designers are looking to fashion colors to spark more interest”.
At Apex Gift Foods, you’ll see ribbons and finishing touches that highlight the newest colors for the upcoming holiday season. Look for flowers, ribbons, and holiday picks in shades of aqua and teal, rich chocolate, and classy coral and copper. These trend setting items will add a perfect touch to your holiday designs that will surely dazzle your customers.
What will your customers be looking for this holiday season?
September 5th, 2006
