One of the contentious edges I have is that I'm able to do any type of labeling. Either its wine labels, jam labels, labels for bags of cookies or boxes, I have set up the potential to do customization and personalization fast. In our shop, we have three Lexmark printers that I bought off Ebay three years ago for 1 cent each (and shipping). They're lined up each with their own label stock size and when its time to print a quick bag label, photo paper or wine label -we're ready to go. We have extra color cartridges in stock to alleviate any type of stall in output and each printer is on our network and labeled with the type of label stock the printer is holding. It is that level of information that helps us create personalization within minutes. No delays of shipping the gift basket - its printed, applied, put into the basket and ready to go.
From a stock standpoint, we are able to offer picture frames to add personal photos. This is especially favorite while Mother's Day and Father's Day. Putting a picture of the kids in a frame and along with it in the basket is extra special. I've even had the occasion to have a child draw a picture and Dad emailed to me - that was put in a frame and along with in a beautiful spa gift basket for Mother's Day. We also have bags of hard candies, cookies, trail mixes that we can put a custom label on. "Julie's Personal Training Mix" or "Sweet Tarts for a Sweet Kate" are examples of the types of labels we'll create for our customers. Does this require some creativity? Absolutely! But you're a gift basket designer, you're already creative, right?
Printer Inkjet
There are a collection of programs you can use to create labels. Microsoft Word has templates and you can choose your label size. I typically will use PowerPoint or Adobe Photoshop if its something involved or in need of extra fonts and color schemes. Anyone schedule you're comfortable with is what I recommend. You need to be fast with this type of work so you're not in a spot to hold up the shipping or delivery of your gift basket. From an artwork standpoint, I use http://www.istockphoto.com to grab the petite pictures I need to make the labels extra special. You do, however, have to pay for the photos so you might want to reconsider a free source such as Microsoft Office Online.
Lastly, I use http://www.onlinelabels.com for label stock. They have every size you can possible dream and they come in white matte, gloss and colors are available. They are flexible with the number of sheets you have to buy and above all, the pricing is great. We prime 5 separate sizes and have them in stock at all times.
One last observation - be true on volume. If you get an order that requires 25 or more of a given label, it might be worth checking with your local printer. I use Hillview Printing for bulk orders and they show up right on time and are perfectly priced. Sometimes the cost of the ink for your Inkjet will be more than using a pro print house.
Above all, have fun with labeling. It authentically adds value to your gift baskets and will isolate you from your competition.
Your Gift Basket Business: Adding Value With Printed Labels
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