The Internet

Within the last twenty years or so technology has taken us by storm. We launched A Basket Wrap on the Internet in 1999 because we could not afford a print catalog. One day, back in 1994, as I was standing in line behind two older women I overhead their conversation regarding their disdain for the Internet. One said she would never use it while the other said that it was a fad that would go away. In addition, in the early years of A Basket Wrap, vendors would not sell to us because we did not have a brick and mortar/storefront. Today, some of the biggest E-tailers do not have storefronts i.e. Amazon, Zappos, Ebay, and a certain 800 flower company.

The Internet has changed the way Americans live as we do everything online. One click and bills are paid, invoices are sent, baskets are ordered :) and social networking sites keeps us constantly connected to friends and family all around the world.

As an E-tailer, the Internet has allowed us to expand our customer base nationally, internationally, in addition to allowing us to service our customers 24 hours, 7 days a week.

I am glad the Internet didn't go away and am looking forward to what it will bring us in the future!

The Green Revolution

As a basket company we started looking at ways in which we can alter our business practices and join the green revolution. As an Internet company; we were in some ways already doing so:

• We use electronic methods to produce receipts and invoices. In the event that we do need to print we do so on recycled paper.
• We donate older baskets and reuse shipping containers in addition to recycling our shreds, cellphone scraps, and ribbon.
• We support other eco-friendly suppliers.
• 95% of our suppliers are based in Colorado which helps to cut down on carbon emission.
• We use eco-friendly products to clean our shop in addition to energy star compliant products.

Gift Gifing Should Be A Happy Task

Gift giving should be a pleasant and happy task. As Martin Luther puts it, "The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious." For stress free giving, planning ahead of time is essential. Keep a schedule of the special dates (like birthdays, wedding anniversaries) and put a reminder on your calendar one or two weeks before the occasion so that you can start doing your shopping.

If the recipient lives very far away and you need to mail the gift, then advanced planning is even more important! This will ensure that your gift gets to the recipient on time without spending large amount of $$$ on shipping costs!

Make Any Guest Feel Like A VIP with A Hotel Gift Basket

Imagine checking into a hotel and finding a gift basket filled with wine, cheese, fresh fruits, and gourmet chocolates. What a great way to start a vacation, welcome convention or wedding guests, or special guests visiting from out of town. Hotel gift baskets can make anyone feel like a VIP and adds an elegant touch to the guest hotel stay.

Recently, a customer contacted us wanting to surprise newlyweds on their way to Hawaii but laying over in a Denver hotel. The buyer had fresh leis flown in to us to accompany their basket of chocolates, cheeses, crackers, and fresh strawberries, the message read "Congratulations on your wedding and have fun in Hawaii!"

Etiquette for Sending Sympathy, Condolences, or Bereavement Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are great for just about any occasion but sending gifts at a time when someone has experienced a loss requires a different type of etiquette. In our experience, sympathy gift baskets are probably the only gifts that you may not get an immediate response to. Although your gifts are appreciated and well received, and whether the death was expected or unexpected, remember this is a difficult time. It may take weeks or maybe even months before the recipients acknowledge your gift.

It is most appropriate to send gifts to the home and if possible a day or two before the funeral. If you can, avoid sending gift baskets to the funeral home or even on the day of the funeral. Do choose gift baskets with prepackaged, nonperishable, gourmet foods items. You have no control over when the gift will be opened or actually consumed. Avoid sending items that must be consumed immediately including most fruits. A good selection of cookies, crackers, cheese, spreads, quick dip mixes, nuts, cakes, soups, tea, coffee, chocolates, meats, and gift items like comforting books are a great selections of items that the family can enjoy before or after the funeral.

Receiving a belated gift can be a blessing. Often the recipients will receive a great deal of support immediately following a death but then life goes back to normal for everyone except for the family experiencing the loss. Don't hesitate to send a Comfort Basket or Thinking of You Gift Basket weeks or even months later. We recommend a basket of comfort foods or even some much needed pamper items, candles, a cuddly plush, and some comforting words to let them know that they are still in your thoughts.

Valentine Day Baskets-Not just for lovers anymore.

A couple of years ago, we noticed that our customers were not just sending baskets to their signifant others but to:

• Children (away at school)
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Friends
• Teachers
• Aunts & Uncles

And just about everybody in between. Feeling charitable, don't forget your local nursing homes, "They really appreciate gifts and visits this time of the year," says a recreational director at a local nursing home here in Denver.

Customize Your Basket

Although we carry an array of items which satisfies the regular buyer's needs, at times, customers are just looking for something a little special. This brings to mind a few years ago when a customer contacted us for a 'Plane Basket'. She wanted to purchase a gift for a friend who recently purchased a private plane. After speaking with the customer, we decided to go with a model airplane of the actual plane and some accessories for the newly purchased aircraft, all wrapped up in a basket, of course. We love making gift baskets but we also like when customers give us a chance to allow the creative juices to flow. Needless to say, the plane basket was a hit.

If you are looking for something special, give us a call. We are happy to work with you to develop that special gift.