Thursday, December 11, 2008

Corporate Gifting Programs

According to OPEN from American Express(SM) Semi-Annual Small Business Monitor, the top corporate gifts are:
• cards or calendars (49%)
• gift certificates for retail or restaurants (26%)
• company branded items (23%)
• fruit/food basket or charity donation (both 18%)
• flowers/plants and wine/liquor (tied at 10%)

Whether you’re new to the art or have been doing it for years, corporate gift programs can be used all year long and for a variety of reasons. December holidays offer a great opportunity to recognize the support of customers, get a foot in the door at a prospective client and to also thank employees.

Reaching out to your current client base doesn’t have to add stress during the holidays. As the digital age expands our online shopping horizon you’ll find there are a lot of options available to you. The Original Basket Boutique can customize your gift and also take care of the shipping for you!

Here are a few other things to help you when making a purchase:

• Order early so you can take advantage of shipping ground! The week of December 10th is the perfect time to send your gifts. Plus you won’t miss anyone who may take vacation during the holidays.

• On that note, personally delivering your gift offers an opportunity to be top of mind as well as the added bonus of connecting with your client.

• Everyone has their own interests and tastes. Gift cards and Gift baskets offer a wide range of appeal. Custom gift baskets however, allow you to add a special “favorite” item for that personalized touch.

• Always go with quality. This gift ultimately represents your company. Work with your gift specialist to stay on budget using the great variety of options out there!

• Hand written notes!!!

• It’s always good to check corporate regulations (both for the giver and receiver) for value or gift prohibitions.

• The State of Tennessee does not permit the shipping of Alcohol.

• Business gifts are tax deductible up to $25 per person for the tax year. For more information please check Revenue IRS Publication 463.

If you want to step out of the holiday rush, a great way to have an impact is to send gifts on your clients’ birthday. A corporate gift program is a cost effective way of maintaining a personal connection with your clients and building a partnership that can lead to referrals and business growth. Let us know how we can help!

Tami Ross
Gift Specialist
The Original Basket Boutique

tamir@obbgifts.com
615.423.1471

BE original! GIVE original!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Celebrate Relationships!


The holidays are filled with celebration! More than ever this year, warm wishes that celebrate relationships are welcome. Thriving in business can be challenging and we need to thank those who make it possible, especially in these changing times.

OBB will help you. There’s never been a better time to give a gift in good taste, and we’re here to make it happen. Our variety of gifts covers every sentiment, matches any circumstance, and works with individual budgets.

This year, return to the familiar comforts of tradition. As always, you can count on OBB to make your message memorable and meaningful. It’s what we do and who we are. We’d be pleased to show you how partnering with us this year will generate good will that will last long beyond this season.

The Original Basket Boutique
Be Original! Give Original!
615.423.1471 / tamir@obbgifts.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

We're Here for You!


We're Here for You

When there is uncertainty, relationships make a difference. For businesses, investing in relationships is never more important than now. Smart business people challenge themselves in challenging times. They increase their marketing efforts. They get closer to the people who matter – their family of customers and colleagues. Even in a climate of change, they stand steadfast and can be counted upon.
We are reaching out to you because we appreciate you. We know that upheaval and change is demanding of your time, your finances and your energy. And we know that appreciation and gratitude are important to you, too. At the end of the day, it’s all about relationships.

Making a gesture of appreciation doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. What you do give has to be good. That’s where OBB comes in. We’ll work with you. We’ll help you thank your customers and colleagues with tasteful gifts to fit any budget.

We know value is more important than ever in these times. We’ll deliver it for you, from you, to those who matter. We always have and we’re ready now. Get in touch with us and, together, we’ll get to work.

The Original Basket Boutique
Be Original! Give Original!
615.423.1471 / tamir@obbgifts.com

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Sincere Appreciation


Sincerity. Never has it been more important. Gratitude never goes out of style, and simple pleasures are even more appreciated these days. Good business is making sure those who are important to you know how important they are. That’s where OBB helps you shine.

Your customers have faith in you because you’ve worked hard to keep it.

You’ve relied upon your colleagues and they’ve come through for you.

It’s time to say thanks and look forward.

We know what you want to say, and have great ideas about how to send the message. We’ll make sure a tasty selection is beautifully presented for a memorable impression. Personal touches like handwritten gift cards and imprinted ribbon differentiate your gifts. Most importantly, we’ll worry about the details, so you don’t have to.

We know how to help you say what needs to be said with a heartfelt gift. We’ll make sure no detail is overlooked and provide the highest value. We’re OBB and we’re sincere about working for you.

The Original Basket Boutique
Be Original! Give Original!
615.423.1471 / tamir@obbgifts.com

Sunday, October 12, 2008

One Stop Shopping...

It's a crazy time we live in. I'm always trying to maximize every minute, especially while researching a new product or client online. In expanding my marketing efforts I found this fantastic website for the bride-to-be. While I'm a planner at heart and take pride in my organization skills, I'm always looks for ways to find what I need in as few places as possible. This one stop shop for brides is one of those great tools I was happy to find!

www.AshleysBrideGuide.com



Tami Ross
The Original Basket Boutique
423-1471 / tamir@obbgifts.com

Be Original! Give Original!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Thanksgiving



My favorite time of year is fall! I love the crisp mornings, the falling leaves and early evenings that make cozying up on the couch in front of the TV very appealing! I also love Thanksgiving!!! We may be 8 weeks away but our neighbors to the north will be celebrating Turkey Day October 13th!

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to send thank you gifts to your customers. As you know, it costs 60% more to find a new customer than it does to keep the one you already have. At OBB we can help get your name in front of your customers one more time by imprinting your logo onto the bow ribbon. If you send gifts at Christmas, have you thought of beating the rush and getting your gifts out the week of Turkey Thursday??? It’s memorable, doesn’t get lost in the shuffle and frees your time during the December holidays!

Tami Ross
Gift Specialist
tamir@obbgifts.com

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Staycations

The first time I heard the term "stay-cation" I was listening to a girlfriend and her husband plan their honeymoon. That was a few months ago. During their week long stay-cation they locked the door to the home office, swore off email and housecleaning, ate out every night and took in all their hometown had to offer.

Needless to say I LOVED the idea! Sign me up I want one... with a bow on top!

With a slowing economy and the price of gas climbing Mount Everest, staying home and reconnecting with the city I love sounded refreshing. Not to mention it eliminates all the worries of travel. Coming back from a stay-cation could leave you well rested, relaxed and itching for email!

Gift options for stay-cationers:

1) Italian dinner - We feature Grandad's Gravy sauce and pasta, Italian cookies, cappuccino chocolates and coffee.

2) Spa - We feature items from Thistle Farms and Relax Wraps, perfect for turning a few hours into a relax-a-thon!

3) Movie Night - Featuring popcorn and movie snacks, perfect for curling up on the couch and watching an old favorite!

For more original ideas please call Gift Specialist Tami Ross!

tamir@obbgifts.com
615.423.1471

Be Original! Give Original!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

How difficult IS it to write a thank you note?

Personally, I think it is difficult! The words don't usually flow off the top of my head and it takes me three tries to get it to the point where I will send it. I have a friend who loves the idea of thank you notes but prefers to call everyone and thank them that way. For me I love the whole process of finding the right card stock, the perfect pen to glide over the paper and I enjoy sitting there waiting for inspiration to strike!

Unfortunately, like you, I don't have the time to indulge and I do get behind from time to time... so to help, I've added a few samples to kick start the writer in you.

"Thank you for your first order from (company name). Your business is appreciated. We hope this is the beginning of a long and successful business relationship. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions you may have about our wonderful products."

"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed meeting you today. It seems we can help save you a lot of time and money and I look forward to building a successful business relationship. I'll be in touch in a few days to follow up on our action items."

See the trick! If you read through these typed messages they seem so automatic. Write them down on a piece of paper and read them back to yourself. They'll feel different!!!

Most gift note cards are small and only have room for one or two sentences. Something simple and personal seems to do the trick here. Of course "Thank you" always works, so don't get too far behind!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Tami Ross
Gift Specialist
The Original Basket Boutique
tamir@obbgifts.com

BE ORIGINAL! GIVE ORIGINAL!

Friday, August 29, 2008

The Art of Thank You

"Business, like life, is all about how you make people feel. It's that simple, and it's that hard." Danny Meyer

I love this quote! Danny Meyer has created amazing restaurant experiences for his patrons on that premise. Going above and beyond is no longer going above and beyond, it's expected. As business owners it's important to let our customers know that you appreciate their business, especially in this highly competitive market, as well as their referrals and leads.

Whether with a thank you note, gift or token you say you're valued and that can have a lasting impact on your client base. Gift baskets are a great way to thank a customer because they offer a variety of price points, a custom touch and branding opportunities for your business.

A few things to keep in mind when thanking a customer is your client, your time, and your budget. You neither want to under value a gift that makes the client wonder why you bothered or over value it and make them think you took them to the cleaners. A hand written note can do wonders in a world where email is so easy. Finding time to thank a customer is also a challenge. The Original Basket Boutique makes it as easy as a quick email (at any time of day or night) with a budget, who and where its going (phone number please), and a note for the card. Let us save you time by creating and delivering your thank you gifts. A great option that gift baskets offer is the ability to customize your gift to a client you have bonded with. Whether its adding a toy for their child or a favorite chocolate bar OBB creates the gift once it's ordered and can offer the option to make the gift about you and your client... and it doesn't take any more time than an extra line on that email!

Tami Ross
Owner
The Original Basket Boutique
tamir@obbgifts.com

BE ORIGINAL! GIVE ORIGINAL!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Helping people to market their business through the art of giving!

What sets us apart from the gifting industry?
We pride ourselves on being “original”! We find unique gifts and gourmet treats that are presented professionally and can be topped with your own specialized ribbon.

Why send gifts or gift baskets?

At The Original Basket Boutique we can think of 365 reasons to give. From thank you gifts to special occasions, holidays to new baby, get-well and bereavement we can help with gift selection and delivery.

Why use The Original Basket Boutique?

You’re original! Originality matters. When we value a relationship, we’re always looking for ways to give original gifts. We will never compromise on quality or variety and you’ll always be the first to know what’s new. If your gift needs to go across town or across the continent, you’re covered.

~~~

To place an order or to learn more about our custom gifts
please contact Gift Specialist Tami Ross at
615.423.1471 or tamir@obbgifts.com

BE ORIGINAL! GIVE ORIGINAL!