| Gift baskets are popular as business and personal | | | | with a receptionist, attempt delivery later in the day |
| gifts. How do you find the right gift basket company | | | | and so on.) This is especially important for deliveries |
| to create this unique gift? During the holidays this is | | | | to residences. |
| an easier task. Most general merchandise, office | | | | 5. The location of the gift basket service doesn't |
| supply and warehouse stores offer an array of | | | | matter as much if you've allowed plenty of time and |
| ready-to-go and affordable gift baskets during the | | | | are willing to have it shipped via UPS, FedEx, or some |
| fourth quarter of the year. Throughout the rest of | | | | other delivery system. Shipments going from |
| the year, however, you need know-how to find a | | | | California to New York, for example, take at least |
| gift basket service that can best serve your needs. | | | | seven business days, except during the busy holiday |
| Gift basket websites crowd the Internet. Navigating | | | | season when the delivery time will be even longer. |
| your way through them is time-consuming and | | | | 6. If ordering from a website, be sure the company |
| frustrating. Before you even start your search, | | | | has a secure site for accepting credit cards online so |
| however, be sure you know the purpose of your | | | | you can complete the ordering process in one sitting. |
| gift, your budget, and as much as possible about | | | | To ensure that sensitive information such as |
| your recipient. Also, do you want it delivered or will | | | | passwords and credit card information can be |
| you pick it up from a retail location and hand deliver it | | | | transmitted safely, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) was |
| yourself.? Got the answers to these, then try these | | | | created. So before entering your credit card |
| suggestions: | | | | information, look at the URL. A secure page will begin |
| 1. Do a search on Google or where you can enter | | | | with https, not just http. Also look for a lock icon |
| the destination city and state as well as "gift | | | | that is a link so you can click on it to read details of |
| baskets" in the business category. You will see gift | | | | the site's security. |
| baskets companies in the area and where you can | | | | 7. Once you've chosen the gift basket service from a |
| place your order directly on the website or by phone | | | | website, choose the design of your choice to verify |
| with a live person. | | | | its contents and size. The perfect gift reflects the |
| 2. Before ordering from a website, check to be sure | | | | recipient's interests and expresses your sentiments |
| the service has contact information with a physical | | | | for the occasion. If the recipient is a pet owner, for |
| address and phone number. Use your good judgment | | | | example, consider including a toy for the pet or a |
| to help you decide the credibility and professionalism | | | | book about pets for the owner. Avoid food since pet |
| of the company. Read the About Us page to see | | | | owners are pretty picky about what they feed |
| how long they have been in business and discover | | | | these special members of the family. |
| the company mission and policies. If anything about | | | | 8. If you want your gift basket customized you may |
| the website makes you uneasy, select another | | | | be able to do this on the Internet, but most senders |
| service or call to speak with a live person. | | | | feel safer if they place a special order with a live |
| 3. More and more florists, gift shops, chain stores, | | | | person. Even if you place your entire order on line, |
| grocery stores and warehouse stores carry gift | | | | print the physical address and phone number. |
| baskets year round. Visit one of these if you want | | | | 9. Check and double check the recipient's address |
| to inspect what you'll be getting before you invest | | | | before you hit the submit button. Delivery companies |
| your money. Keep in mind, however, that you will | | | | charge a fee for correcting addresses, or worse, |
| most likely have to do your own packing and shipping | | | | your gift could be returned as undeliverable. |
| if you buy from one of these retailers. | | | | 10. Don't forget to indicate what you want on the |
| 4. Choose a service near the gift's destination, if | | | | gift card. Create your greeting before you begin your |
| possible, especially if you prefer to have it | | | | search. It'll help you focus and it'll be ready when you |
| hand-delivered. Give instructions about what should | | | | get to this step. |
| be done with the basket if the recipient is not at | | | | Follow these steps to choose a gift basket service |
| home or in the office (leave it at the door, leave it | | | | and you can place your order with confidence. |