Questions coming in fast!

We've gotten a lot of questions from those anticipating the release of the Gift Basket Association. We're going to answer them here so everyone can see the answers. Just a reminder, if you have a non-related GBA question - a general question about business or Debbie Quintana, we invite you to her website which is www.debbiequintana.com. She answers a variety of different questions a few times per week.

Frequently Asked Question #1
Q. Is the membership application available now or do wait until the release. I'd like to be first in my state!
A. You'll have to wait until the website goes live but we'll be posting members as they come in. The application is short and sweet so it won't take you long.

Frequently Asked Questions #2
Q. Will the supplier directory be published or will it be an online document?
A. Both. We'll be collecting and publishing the suppliers as they come in to make sure everyone has access to them immediately. But, next year (or possibly sooner), we'll be publishing the directory in print and CD form.

Frequently Asked Question #3
Q. I'm watching where I'm spending my money VERY closely. Business is down and the economy is really make us worry about the future of our company. How is the GBA going to help me personally?
A. Short answer - we've hired an expert SEO/internet marketing firm to push the GBA out hard. This will drive traffic to our site and hopefully, bring customers to you. Second, the resources, certification program, community involvement activities and the trends report will enable to you make your business better than it already is....position yourself properly for when the economy bounces back. Lastly, you'd be surprised what happens when you start collaborating with other gift basket owners. I've watched Debbie's relationships develop and its amazing.

Frequently Asked Question #4
Q. There are a few other "networks" out there, what is your opinion of those and how is this one different?
A. We have been very successful with other networks and think that anyone who is willing to put forth and effort to help the rest of this in the industry should be commended and supported. That being said, Debbie asked us to create an environment that was more than just a portal for customers to find a good gift basket company - she wanted something that would raise the bar on quality, encourage eco-friendliness and promote all aspects of this industry.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@giftbasketassociation.com.

Help is coming!

I've had my fair share of challenges, as we all do, and now, as I talk to other gift basket company owners - I realize that its an economy that requires unique, innovative and different approaches. It's no longer about old school gifts, its time to renew, refresh and rediscover our own world. All of that being said, the Gift Basket Association is looking for suppliers that follow that concept - what supplies do you have that are new, fresh and would be exciting for our customers?

If you've got something new - I'm interested in hearing from you. Bring it! You can contact me directly at debbie@thebestgourmetgifts.com. Let's reinvent gift baskets together.

Here we go . . .

It's been a long time coming and an idea that came about year ago when I first started Gourmet Gifts. How do I really know the right way to create and market a gift basket company? There are a ton of resources out there but I found them to be outdated, lacking the pizazz that I was really looking for to make a difference.

Here I am years later, a small business consultant specializing in gift basket businesses, realizing the same problem exists. Whether is the competitive nature of the gift basket industry or the sheer lack of knowledge sharing, we, as gift basket owners can do a better job of supporting one another. The gift basket industry is a billion dollar industry - and growing. And in this tough economic time, we need to pull together to support one another.

So (can you hear the music?) we've started the Gift Basket Association. It's an association of gift basket owners that will band together to provide each other with support of ideas, discussions around emerging trends and make it easier for their customers to get the products they want quickly.

GBA connects gift basket companies so that we can have "same day" delivery without expensive fees. We can connect with companies of similar styles and when our customer needs "same day" across the United States, we've already established a relationship and are making *a little* commission.

If you're ready to be collaborative, share, learn and above all, continue to raise this industry up - we're ready to have you! Welcome to the Gift Basket Association