Two Minute Gift Basket Tips
14/01/10 11:38 Filed in: Success Scoop
Two Minute Gift Baskets
By Debra Paulk, Gift Basket Review Online
Labor can be the most costly element of gift basket designers and manufacturers. But as seminar demonstrations have shown, gift baskets can be designed so that each unit can be packed and wrapped in two minutes. To cut more costs in this area, follow some simple guidelines and start streamlining the process.
1: Choose Labor-Light Containers
• Longer and narrow containers; hold less product but display them broadly for a fuller appearance. These shapes are also faster to pack.
• Containers with shorter side walls require less foundation prep time.
• Baskets with handles less than 12” in height can be packed fuller in less time.
2. Look for Labor-Light Gifts, Foods, and other Components
• Use pre-packed components to fill space quickly.
• Use larger gift components.
• Choose fewer smaller fillers to save packing time.
• Look for tall boxes, bulky, shorter components for fill one side or the complete back half of the basket.
• Use plush toys, books, larger but thin tins (filled with your choice of goodies).
• When possible choose gifts with some weight value. Light packets often require picks or other structural support.
3. Develop Easy Packing Methodology
• Tall box for back; large bulky theme-setting product for one side; one or two smaller bulky items for the opposite side; not more than 3 small fillers.
• Tall, wide box in the back (or two boxes set at diagonal angles); focal point pre-packed gift in the center; two matched size smaller items that can be placed left and right on each side of the focal point gift; some fillers for the front.
• Learn to select product for tiered rows in baskets. Height, bulk, filler.
4. Keep Designs Simple
• When florals are used, keep it simple. Use bouquets, potted permanent or fresh plants/flowers, or florals in a vase for faster packing. Use small amounts of florals on the outside of the basket for enhancement. A couple of sprigs or picks of florals offer an abundance of enhancement.
• Limit the amount of shred needed in the design. It takes more time to trim shred.
• Use pre-enhanced products when possible to give the basket a rich look.
• Place napkins in baskets for added value and quick fillers when appropriate..
• Avoid glass containers, or plan placement of soft products to separate glass.
• Use fewer components.
5. Develop Packing Process Sheets for Designs
• For all standard designs, develop photographed, laminated instructional sheets that give directions and show visuals for placing products.
• Be specific in recording amounts of materials used in standard designs. List them on the instructional sheets (i.e. 2 sheets of packing paper; 1 sheet of red tissue); 2 yard of #9 ribbon for 2 loop bow; etc.).
5. Wrap Baskets for Quality Arrival
• Shrinkwrap all baskets
• Add strip-wrap with plumes for local deliveries and retail displays.
• Use ribbon that will not smush for shipments.
• Use tube shrinkwrap for fast shrinkwrapping.
• Choose heavy-gauge cello and shrink for better results (less tearing).
• Use a template to have pre-made bags ready for standard size designs.
• Keep at least two different widths of shrinkwrap film in stock.
6. Simplify Enhancements for Outer Wrap
• Choose bows from pre-made standard selections of colors, styles, and widths.
• Pre-cut cello rolls into appropriate size widths.
• Pre-cut squares of cello for plumes.
• Use elastic cord, ties, and/or chenille stems for tying ribbons and cello/shrink necks.
• Use limited florals (with exceptions) for outer wrap.
• Tie on added gifts for extra drama on wrapped baskets,
7. Use Simplified Foundations for Basket Interiors
• Use heavy packing paper to fill the base of containers, using lighter-weight packing paper for the top layer.
• Whenever possible, use the boxes from mugs and other giftware in the basket to fill the majority of the container base. Layer lighter weight packing paper over boxes.
• Avoid using Styrofoam peanuts as a foundational material.
8. Standardize Sizes of Everything
• Select containers that conform to several basic sizes (3 or more),
• Choose components in basic heights and widths to fit all containers,
• Choose seasonal and annual colors – build all baskets within these perimeters,
• Select a standardized array of ribbon, florals and other enhancements,
• Limit shrinkwrap bag sizes; select sizes that fit the 3 to 5 standard basket sizes, or use tube film.
• Make bows in three to five standard dimensions (#9 ribbon – 6 loop bows – 6”span - for under $35 baskets, etc.),
9. Conduct Staff Training and Speed Drills
• Demonstrate new seasonal designs,
• Document sequence of component placement, etc. and train in this sequence,
• Consider pay-by-the-piece work for seasonal temporaries,
10. Simply Shipment Packing Procedures
• Eliminate as many steps and materials as possible
• Consider choosing heavier gauge shipping boxes, or double-box baskets for easier packing.
• Use lightweight foam sheeting or bubble-wrap to protect breakables INSIDE the basket. YES – wrap mugs inside the basket for shipping.
• Avoid large, fluffy bows on shipped baskets.
• Avoid tall plumes; short ones usually ship well.
By Debra Paulk, Gift Basket Review Online
Labor can be the most costly element of gift basket designers and manufacturers. But as seminar demonstrations have shown, gift baskets can be designed so that each unit can be packed and wrapped in two minutes. To cut more costs in this area, follow some simple guidelines and start streamlining the process.
1: Choose Labor-Light Containers
• Longer and narrow containers; hold less product but display them broadly for a fuller appearance. These shapes are also faster to pack.
• Containers with shorter side walls require less foundation prep time.
• Baskets with handles less than 12” in height can be packed fuller in less time.
2. Look for Labor-Light Gifts, Foods, and other Components
• Use pre-packed components to fill space quickly.
• Use larger gift components.
• Choose fewer smaller fillers to save packing time.
• Look for tall boxes, bulky, shorter components for fill one side or the complete back half of the basket.
• Use plush toys, books, larger but thin tins (filled with your choice of goodies).
• When possible choose gifts with some weight value. Light packets often require picks or other structural support.
3. Develop Easy Packing Methodology
• Tall box for back; large bulky theme-setting product for one side; one or two smaller bulky items for the opposite side; not more than 3 small fillers.
• Tall, wide box in the back (or two boxes set at diagonal angles); focal point pre-packed gift in the center; two matched size smaller items that can be placed left and right on each side of the focal point gift; some fillers for the front.
• Learn to select product for tiered rows in baskets. Height, bulk, filler.
4. Keep Designs Simple
• When florals are used, keep it simple. Use bouquets, potted permanent or fresh plants/flowers, or florals in a vase for faster packing. Use small amounts of florals on the outside of the basket for enhancement. A couple of sprigs or picks of florals offer an abundance of enhancement.
• Limit the amount of shred needed in the design. It takes more time to trim shred.
• Use pre-enhanced products when possible to give the basket a rich look.
• Place napkins in baskets for added value and quick fillers when appropriate..
• Avoid glass containers, or plan placement of soft products to separate glass.
• Use fewer components.
5. Develop Packing Process Sheets for Designs
• For all standard designs, develop photographed, laminated instructional sheets that give directions and show visuals for placing products.
• Be specific in recording amounts of materials used in standard designs. List them on the instructional sheets (i.e. 2 sheets of packing paper; 1 sheet of red tissue); 2 yard of #9 ribbon for 2 loop bow; etc.).
5. Wrap Baskets for Quality Arrival
• Shrinkwrap all baskets
• Add strip-wrap with plumes for local deliveries and retail displays.
• Use ribbon that will not smush for shipments.
• Use tube shrinkwrap for fast shrinkwrapping.
• Choose heavy-gauge cello and shrink for better results (less tearing).
• Use a template to have pre-made bags ready for standard size designs.
• Keep at least two different widths of shrinkwrap film in stock.
6. Simplify Enhancements for Outer Wrap
• Choose bows from pre-made standard selections of colors, styles, and widths.
• Pre-cut cello rolls into appropriate size widths.
• Pre-cut squares of cello for plumes.
• Use elastic cord, ties, and/or chenille stems for tying ribbons and cello/shrink necks.
• Use limited florals (with exceptions) for outer wrap.
• Tie on added gifts for extra drama on wrapped baskets,
7. Use Simplified Foundations for Basket Interiors
• Use heavy packing paper to fill the base of containers, using lighter-weight packing paper for the top layer.
• Whenever possible, use the boxes from mugs and other giftware in the basket to fill the majority of the container base. Layer lighter weight packing paper over boxes.
• Avoid using Styrofoam peanuts as a foundational material.
8. Standardize Sizes of Everything
• Select containers that conform to several basic sizes (3 or more),
• Choose components in basic heights and widths to fit all containers,
• Choose seasonal and annual colors – build all baskets within these perimeters,
• Select a standardized array of ribbon, florals and other enhancements,
• Limit shrinkwrap bag sizes; select sizes that fit the 3 to 5 standard basket sizes, or use tube film.
• Make bows in three to five standard dimensions (#9 ribbon – 6 loop bows – 6”span - for under $35 baskets, etc.),
9. Conduct Staff Training and Speed Drills
• Demonstrate new seasonal designs,
• Document sequence of component placement, etc. and train in this sequence,
• Consider pay-by-the-piece work for seasonal temporaries,
10. Simply Shipment Packing Procedures
• Eliminate as many steps and materials as possible
• Consider choosing heavier gauge shipping boxes, or double-box baskets for easier packing.
• Use lightweight foam sheeting or bubble-wrap to protect breakables INSIDE the basket. YES – wrap mugs inside the basket for shipping.
• Avoid large, fluffy bows on shipped baskets.
• Avoid tall plumes; short ones usually ship well.