As a professional shopper, I am often asked how I do it so well and find the exact gift needed.  First, takes notes.  You'd be surprised how easy it is to collect information for anyone you're buying gifts for!

Example:  talking with a friend mentions she loves anything in the colors of purple and yellow; anything made from sterling silver; loves her four dogs; loves taking long soaks in the bathtub with candles burning and bath salts, favorite flower is Gardenia.

The Gift:  A gift basket that has spa products; a gift basket that is for both dogs or cats with humans; silver earrings and matching bracelet; a gift basket of scented candles; all with a purple or yellow packaging theme.

Just write your notes along with their birthdays, anniversary, special occasions.

When I'm doing Corporate Gifting Services, I listen very carefully to my client and the catagories of their gifting needs.  I ask what their projected budget is for the year, and with their client list I can then submit a complete years gifting.

But you must love to shop.  You have to shop even when you're not out buying for a client. You must know inventory and where to find it at the best price.  And merchants usually will negotiate a 10-20% discount, so your clients are not paying for your services, the merchants are.

Its a Win Win situation!  Provide competent and dedicated service, and your clients will come back time after time.  Because two weeks before an important birthday, anniversary or holiday, an email or snail mail letter, or phone call is made to your clients, along with  a gift suggestion.  You just don't tell them where to find it, just the price.

Shopping and browsing E-Bay on a regular basis will help you learn products and prices, and E-Bay will send you new information on any of the merchants you add to your favorites list.

Its that simple!

Dee Gallagher

Owner

Lovesfairbanks-Incredible Taste For Gifts and Flowers!