Gift Basket Business Blog

Promote “Random Acts of Kindness”

September 2nd, 2007 at 04:39pm Lorie Obernauer

Here’s a great promotional idea for your gift basket business! I read about this in Florist Review Magazine, August, 2007.

A florist in Chicago started a program called “Random Acts of Kindness”. This is “a year-round effort in which employees offer free bouquets on neighborhood streets”. The employees, clad in smocks emblazoned with the business name, hit the streets at least once a month and hand out free bouquets. With this program, the bouquets rarely come with any “strings attached”. “Instead of a coupon or other offer, bouquets typically include a slip of paper with shop information” and also a note that the “free blooms are to brighten the day”.

The shop owners report that not only are recipients dazzled by the free gifts, (and therefore, remember the shop!) employees are energized by participating in the program and seeing the good feelings that result.

Why not try this with some of your gourmet treats? A small package of cookies or snacks may cost you between $.50 – $.75. On the other hand, think of the cost associated with producing a promotional postcard plus the postage. And the postcard may get tossed….It’s unlikely the cookies will go unopened!!!!

If anyone tries this, let us know how it works. I’d love to hear how people react and whether you think this is an effective way to promote your business.

Entry Filed under: Business Tips, Promotions