Gift Basket Business: Complete Startup

A gift basket with bread sweets and jam.

How to Start a Gift Basket Business

Liz had been making gift baskets for friends and family for years. Every birthday, every wedding shower, every thank you—she’d arrange beautiful combinations of treats, candles, and small treasures that made people light up.

After the fifth person said you should sell these, she finally listened. Today, she runs a thriving gift basket business from her spare bedroom, pulling in steady income without expensive storefronts or huge startup costs.

You can do the same. This guide walks you through every step to launch your own gift basket business the smart, affordable way.

Step 1: Understand What You’re Building

A gift basket business creates curated packages of products for customers who want thoughtful, ready-made gifts. You buy individual items wholesale, arrange them attractively in baskets or boxes, and sell the finished products at a markup.

The beauty of this business lies in its flexibility. You can start lean from your kitchen table with a few hundred dollars for basic supplies. You can work around other commitments. And you can grow at your own pace.

Think about whether this matches what you want. Before diving in, review these Critical Points to Consider before starting your business. Ask yourself:

  • Do you enjoy creating things and making them look beautiful?
  • Can you handle packing and shipping orders?
  • Are you willing to work irregular hours during busy seasons?
  • Do you have space to store inventory?

If you answered yes, keep reading.

Step 2: Find Your Angle

The gift basket market has room for everyone, but you need a focus. Marcus started with corporate gift baskets for local businesses. Jennifer built hers around baby showers. Tom focused on gourmet food for wine lovers.

Choosing a niche helps you stand out and target the right customers. Popular niches include:

  • Corporate gifts for businesses
  • Baby and new parent baskets
  • Spa and relaxation themes
  • Gourmet food and wine
  • Holiday and seasonal baskets
  • Get well and sympathy gifts
  • Local or regional specialty items

Pick something you understand or care about. Your passion shows through in your designs.

Once you have an idea, do basic research. Check online marketplaces like Etsy to see what sells. Visit local gift shops. Talk to potential customers. This early exploration costs nothing but saves you from costly mistakes later.

Step 3: Map Out Your Business Plan

You need a simple plan on paper. Not a 50-page document—just clear answers to key questions.

Write down:

  • What types of baskets will you make?
  • Who will buy them and why?
  • How much will you charge?
  • Where will you sell? (Online, local events, both?)
  • What will it cost to get started?
  • How much do you need to earn each month?

Your pricing should cover all costs plus profit. Take the cost of your basket, supplies, and products. Add your time (pay yourself). Then add 20-40% for profit and unexpected expenses.

A basket that costs you $25 in materials and $10 in labor might sell for $50-60.

Understanding The Reasons for Getting Into Your Own Business helps you set realistic expectations and income goals from the start.

Step 4: Choose Your Business Structure

Most gift basket businesses start as either a sole proprietorship or a single-member LLC. Both work for a bootstrap startup.

A sole proprietorship means you and the business are one. No paperwork to file. You report income on your personal taxes. But your personal assets aren’t protected if something goes wrong.

An LLC creates legal separation between you and the business. It costs a few hundred dollars to set up through your state, but protects your personal savings and home if someone sues your business. For most people starting out, an LLC makes sense once you’re making regular sales.

You can start as a sole proprietor and convert to an LLC later. Many successful owners do exactly that.

Consider both sides carefully. Learn about The Pros and Cons of Running A Business before you commit to any structure.

Step 5: Handle the Legal Basics

Every state and city has different rules, but most gift basket businesses need:

Business License: Your city or county may require this to operate legally.

Visit your local city hall or check their website. Fees vary by locality and business type—often roughly $25–$300+ per year—so verify your exact amount where you operate.

Sales Tax Permit: You’ll collect sales tax from customers in most states (five have no statewide sales tax).

Apply through your state’s tax agency. Many states charge no fee (for example, some permits are free), while others charge a modest amount (for example, around $12 in some jurisdictions); check your state and any local add-ons.

Home Business Permit: If you work from home, your city may require an extra permit. Call your local zoning office to ask. Some areas have restrictions on home businesses.

EIN (Employer Identification Number): Get this free from the IRS. Sole proprietors without employees aren’t always required to have an EIN (they can use an SSN).

Many banks prefer or require an EIN for business accounts, and you’ll need one if you hire employees or for certain filings.

Food Permits (If Applicable): If your baskets include food items, regulations get more complex.

Many states have cottage food laws that let you handle shelf-stable (non-TCS) foods like cookies, jams, or candy from home without a commercial kitchen, but rules vary widely. Common requirements include:

  • Food handler certification or training
  • Kitchen inspection (in some states)
  • Specific labeling with ingredients and allergen statements
  • Annual sales caps where applicable (these vary widely by state; some index caps annually—e.g., mid-five figures—and some allow higher limits or have no cap)

Contact your state health department or department of agriculture to learn what applies to you. If rules seem too strict, stick with non-food items or pre-packaged foods from licensed suppliers.

Visit your state’s Small Business Administration office or website. They offer free guidance on local requirements.

Step 6: Get Basic Insurance Coverage

Insurance protects you from financial disaster. A customer trips while picking up an order. A basket causes an allergic reaction, etc.

These scenarios are rare but costly. General liability insurance typically costs $400-800 per year for gift basket businesses and covers third-party injuries and property damage.

If you include food items, product liability insurance adds protection for illness or allergic reactions. This might cost another $200-400 annually.

Many insurance companies offer business owner’s policies that bundle coverage. Get quotes from companies like Next Insurance, Progressive, or The Hartford. Compare prices and coverage before choosing.

Don’t skip this step. One lawsuit without insurance could wipe out everything you’ve built.

Step 7: Set Up Your Money Systems

Open a separate business bank account even if you’re a sole proprietor to keep records clean. Many banks offer low-fee or free small-business checking.

Bring your business documents; some banks accept an SSN for sole proprietors without employees, while others will ask for an EIN—check your bank’s requirements.

Set up a simple bookkeeping system from day one. Free tools like Wave or affordable options like QuickBooks help you track income and expenses. Save every receipt. Record every sale.

Plan for taxes: the IRS requires self-employed people to make estimated quarterly payments. Effective rates vary by income and state, but many owners set aside about 25–30% of profit as a planning buffer so quarterly payments are covered.

Step 8: Source Your Supplies on a Budget

You need baskets, filler materials, wrapping supplies, and products to fill your baskets. The key is finding quality at wholesale prices.

Start Small: Don’t buy massive inventory upfront. Order enough supplies to create 10-20 baskets, see what sells, then adjust.

Wholesale Basket Suppliers: Companies that cater to gift basket businesses offer better prices than retail stores. Key suppliers include:

  • Pioneer Wholesale (handwoven baskets, shrink wrap, shred)
  • Nashville Wraps (containers, cellophane, ribbon)
  • America Basket (variety of styles and colors)
  • Wald Imports (unique containers and planters)
  • United Basket Company (packaging supplies)

These companies sell by the dozen or case, but prices drop significantly compared to craft stores. A basket that costs $8 at a retail store might cost $2-3 wholesale.

Filling Your Baskets: Source products based on your niche. Local suppliers often give better deals when you explain you’re a small business. Try:

  • Local bakeries for cookies or treats
  • Regional food makers for unique items
  • Wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club for affordable basics
  • Craft fairs and makers’ markets for handmade items
  • Discount stores like TJ Maxx for beauty products and small gifts

Build relationships with suppliers. Once they know you’re reliable, they may offer better prices or payment terms.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives: When money is tight:

  • Use decorative boxes instead of baskets (often cheaper)
  • Buy shred and filler in bulk and store it
  • Make your own bows from ribbon spools
  • Use clear cellophane bags instead of expensive shrink wrap
  • Buy slightly irregular or off-season baskets at discount

Your first order might cost $200-500. This gets you started with basic supplies and enough product for sample baskets.

Step 9: Create Your Work Space

You don’t need a fancy setup. You need clean, organized space to assemble baskets and store supplies.

Most bootstrap businesses start in:

  • A spare bedroom
  • Part of a basement
  • A corner of the garage
  • Even a large closet with a folding table

Essential elements include:

  • Sturdy table or workspace
  • Shelving for supplies and inventory
  • Good lighting
  • Storage bins or boxes to organize small items
  • Packing materials and shipping supplies if you mail orders

Keep your workspace clean and organized. This matters even more if you work with food items. Some states require kitchen inspections for cottage food businesses.

Angela started at her dining room table, clearing it each evening. Six months later, she converted her garage. Start where you are.

Step 10: Build Your Brand and Online Presence

Your business needs a name, a simple look, and a way for customers to find you.

Choose a Name: Pick something memorable that hints at what you do. Check that the name isn’t already trademarked by searching the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website.

Make sure you can get a matching domain name for your website.

Create a Simple Logo: Free tools like Canva let you design basic logos. Keep it clean and easy to read. You can always upgrade later.

Build a Website: You need an online presence even if you sell locally. Options include:

  • Shopify (robust ecommerce; Basic is currently listed at $39/month, with discounts when paid annually)
  • Wix (site + store builders; public plans commonly show $17, $29, and $39 per month when billed annually; check current tiers)
  • Squarespace (website + commerce plans; check the official pricing page for current rates and plan features)
  • WordPress.org (open-source; you’ll choose a host—costs vary by provider and plan)

Your website should show photos of your work, list your offerings, explain how to order, and include contact information.

Add testimonials as you get them.

Set Up Social Media: Create business accounts on Instagram and Facebook. Post photos of your baskets regularly. Show behind-the-scenes work. Share customer stories. This costs nothing but time.

Don’t try to master every platform. Pick one or two and do them well.

Step 11: Set Your Pricing Strategy

Your prices need to cover costs and provide income. Many new owners underprice their work.

Use this formula:

Basket materials + Product costs + Your labor (hourly rate × hours worked) + Overhead (10-20%) = Base cost

Base cost × 1.3 to 1.5 = Selling price

Example: A basket costs you $8, products cost $15, you spend 45 minutes assembling it ($15 at $20/hour), and overhead is $4. Total cost is $42. You’d price it at $55-65.

Research competitor pricing but don’t compete only on price. Compete on quality, uniqueness, and customer service.

Offer a range of price points. Some customers want $30 baskets. Others will spend $100-150 for something special.

Step 12: Master Essential Skills

Running a gift basket business requires more than creative flair. You need basic business skills to succeed.

Focus on developing Essential Business Skills You Need To Succeed. These include:

  • Customer service and communication
  • Basic accounting and record keeping
  • Time management and organization
  • Marketing and social media basics
  • Order fulfillment and shipping

Free resources abound online. YouTube has tutorials on gift basket assembly techniques.

Local Small Business Development Centers offer free workshops on accounting, marketing, and business planning.

Start learning now, not later. The skills you build early prevent costly mistakes.

Step 13: Test Your Products

Before you launch publicly, create sample baskets and get feedback.

Make 5-10 different baskets representing your range. Photograph them well—good photos make or break online sales. Then:

  • Give samples to friends and family in exchange for honest feedback
  • Take photos from multiple angles
  • Test your shipping methods if you plan to mail orders
  • Calculate actual costs and time for each basket type
  • Refine your designs based on what you learn

This testing phase costs money but saves you from launching with products that don’t sell or prices that don’t work.

Rachel discovered her initial packaging took too long to assemble. She redesigned it before launch, saving hours per week once orders started flowing.

Step 14: Plan Your Sales Channels

Where will customers buy from you? Most bootstrap gift basket businesses use multiple channels:

Your Own Website: You keep all the profit but must drive your own traffic. This works best once you’ve built some customer base.

Online Marketplaces: Sites like Etsy charge a $0.20 listing fee and a 6.5% transaction fee.

If you use Etsy Payments in the U.S., there’s also a 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee. Marketplaces bring built-in traffic, which is helpful for testing demand.

Local Markets and Events: Farmers markets, craft fairs, and holiday bazaars let you sell directly and meet customers face-to-face. Booth fees typically run $25-100 per event.

Corporate Sales: Local businesses need gifts for clients and employees. This channel brings larger, recurring orders but requires relationship building.

Referrals and Word of Mouth: Your best source once established. Every happy customer can bring more customers.

Start with one or two channels. Add more as you learn what works for your market and schedule.

Step 15: Understand Your Options

Not everyone starts from scratch. You have choices about how to enter this business.

Some people prefer Buy a Business or Build One From Scratch. Buying an existing gift basket business gives you customers and systems from day one but costs significantly more upfront.

Another option is franchising. Companies like Edible Arrangements offer franchise opportunities.

Learn more about Here’s What You Need to Know About Owning a Franchise if this interests you.

Franchises provide training and brand recognition but require substantial investment (often $50,000-$250,000) and ongoing royalty payments.

For most bootstrap starters, building from scratch makes sense. You control everything, invest less money, and learn as you grow.

Get An Inside Look Into the Business You Want To Start by talking to other gift basket business owners. Most are generous with advice when you approach respectfully.

Step 16: Develop Your Marketing Plan

You can’t just build great baskets and hope customers find you. You need a plan to get noticed.

Bootstrap marketing tactics that work:

Social Media Content: Post regularly on Instagram and Facebook. Show your baskets, share assembly processes, highlight customer stories, and run occasional giveaways. This costs only time.

Local Partnerships: Partner with wedding planners, event coordinators, and corporate gift buyers. Offer them a small commission for referrals. Visit local businesses and introduce yourself.

Email List: Collect emails from day one. Send a monthly newsletter with new designs and special offers. Free tools like Mailchimp handle small lists at no cost.

Google Business Profile: Claim your free profile on Google Search and Maps so local customers can find you.

Word of Mouth: Encourage reviews and referrals. Consider a referral reward program where existing customers get a discount for bringing new ones.

Seasonal Promotions: Target major gift-giving seasons: holidays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, graduation. Plan your promotions weeks ahead.

Spend your energy, not your money. As your business grows, you can invest in paid advertising. But most successful gift basket businesses build on organic, grassroots marketing.

Step 17: Prepare for Your Launch

You’re almost ready. Before you officially open, complete these final tasks:

  • Create a launch checklist with every task and deadline
  • Stock up on your core supplies and products
  • Set up your order processing system
  • Prepare shipping materials if mailing orders
  • Write thank-you cards or messages for first customers
  • Test your payment processing
  • Have someone else review your website for errors
  • Prepare social media posts announcing your launch
  • Line up your first few customers (friends, family, local businesses)

Don’t wait for perfection. Launch when you’re ready enough. You’ll learn more in your first month of actual business than in six months of planning.

Consider offering a “soft launch” to a small group before your public opening. This lets you work out kinks with friendly customers who’ll forgive small mistakes.

Step 18: Launch Smart and Learn Fast

Your launch day matters but it’s just the beginning. Real success comes from learning and adapting.

In your first weeks and months:

  • Track every sale and expense
  • Ask customers for feedback
  • Note which baskets sell best
  • Adjust your offerings based on what you learn
  • Document your processes so you can repeat them
  • Stay organized with orders and deadlines

Expect challenges. Suppliers will mess up orders. Shipping will take longer than expected. Customers will request changes at the last minute. This is normal. How you handle these situations builds your reputation.

Give yourself grace. Every successful gift basket business owner started exactly where you are now—uncertain, excited, and learning as they went.

Step 19: Plan for Growth

Once you’re making regular sales, think about sustainable growth.

To figure out How To Find a Business That Is a Great Match for You long-term, consider:

  • What aspects of the business do you enjoy most?
  • Which products or services are most profitable?
  • Where do your best customers come from?
  • What would you change about how you work?

Growth might mean adding new basket styles, raising prices, focusing on corporate clients, or hiring help. It doesn’t have to mean working more hours. Often it means working smarter.

Reinvest some profit into better supplies, improved marketing, or tools that save time. But keep expenses lean. Many gift basket businesses fail by growing too fast and spending too much.

Final Thoughts

Starting a gift basket business from scratch with limited funds is completely possible. You don’t need a fancy location, expensive equipment, or a business degree. You need creativity, organization, willingness to learn, and persistence.

Gift baskets remain a popular way to give thoughtful, personalized gifts. Your business can serve that need while giving you flexibility and income.

Start small. Test your ideas. Listen to customers. Keep costs low until you prove your concept. Then grow steadily based on what works.

Thousands of people just like you have built successful gift basket businesses from their kitchen tables. Your story can be next.

What to Do Before Starting

  1. Define your core niche (corporate thank-you, new baby, local artisan foods, wellness) so your sourcing and messaging are focused.
  2. Validate demand by talking to 10–20 prospective customers and asking what they actually buy and why.
  3. Draft a one-page business model: target customer, problem solved, offer, price points, costs, and how you’ll reach buyers.
  4. Check state and local rules for selling food items, including cottage food laws and permits, before ordering inventory.
  5. Decide early if you’ll include alcohol; rules differ by state and usually require special licenses and age verification.
  6. Calculate your minimum viable order size and turnaround time so you never promise what you can’t fulfill.
  7. Choose a brand name that is easy to spell, passes a trademark search, and has an available domain.
  8. Open a business bank account and pick simple bookkeeping software to track revenue, costs, and sales tax.
  9. Price with a margin target (e.g., 60% gross margin) and back into component costs you must hit.
  10. Line up two backup suppliers for key items (baskets, filler, ribbon, shippers) to avoid stockouts.
  11. Create 6–10 “signature” baskets at set price tiers ($35, $55, $85, $125, $175) for quick sales.
  12. Write basic policies—lead times, delivery areas, rush fees, returns—so you can send them with every quote.

What Successful Gift Basket Owners Do

  1. Standardize popular designs and batch-build components to reduce assembly time and errors.
  2. Keep a “best-sellers” board updated weekly and double down on what moves.
  3. Negotiate volume discounts and freight terms; small percentage savings compound across every basket.
  4. Track contribution margin per basket, not just sales, to see which designs truly drive profit.
  5. Use seasonal calendars to plan inventory 90 days ahead for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, graduations, and holidays.
  6. Build corporate packages with personalization options (logo ribbons, branded cards) for larger, repeat orders.
  7. Maintain a photo library with consistent lighting and backgrounds for fast marketing and quoting.
  8. Cross-train helpers on assembly, packing, and labeling so anyone can step in during crunch time.
  9. Automate order capture with forms that collect card messages, delivery dates, and address validation.
  10. Bundle slow-moving items into themed “limited editions” to clear stock without discounting your brand.
  11. Add gift cards and upsells (balloons, premium ribbon, monograms) to raise average order value.
  12. Follow a “first-in, first-out” system so perishable items never languish on shelves.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

  1. Document an SOP for assembly: layout, weight balance, food safety steps, and final quality check.
  2. Use gloves and clean, food-safe surfaces; separate edible and nonedible workstations.
  3. Weigh fragile baskets and test-drop packed boxes from standard heights to vet packaging.
  4. Pre-cut ribbon lengths and pre-assemble bows to speed peak-season volumes.
  5. Store inventory by category with clear labels and reorder points for each SKU.
  6. Create packing slips that list every component to avoid missed items.
  7. Use barcodes or simple SKU codes to track components and finished goods.
  8. Keep a rush-order protocol: cutoff time, surcharge, and which baskets qualify.
  9. Build a delivery route plan that minimizes backtracking and communicates delivery windows to customers.
  10. Photograph every completed basket before it leaves in case of damage claims.
  11. Train staff on safe lifting, box cutting, and tape-gun use to reduce injuries.
  12. Hold a weekly huddle to review orders, special handling notes, and supply gaps.
  13. Keep a “substitution chart” that names acceptable swaps when items are out of stock.
  14. Use a shared calendar for production slots so sales never overbook the team.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

  1. Food items may need proper labeling (allergens, ingredients) even in small quantities—confirm requirements for your state.
  2. If shipping chocolate or other meltables, plan heat-protective packaging or blackout dates in hot months.
  3. Transit carriers have size/weight pricing rules; design baskets to fit common cartons to avoid dimensional charges.
  4. Peak seasons can strain suppliers—order packaging materials early and confirm lead times.
  5. Some corporate buyers require vendor onboarding (W-9, insurance certificates); prepare these documents in advance.
  6. Ingredient shortages happen; keep “evergreen” nonperishables for reliable stock.
  7. Returns on customized baskets are harder to resell; set clear policies and get approvals in writing.
  8. Gift cards and promotions may be regulated—know expiration and disclosure rules in your state.
  9. Certain health and wellness claims on inserts or tags can trigger advertising rules; stick to fact-based descriptions.
  10. Insurance (general liability, product liability) can be inexpensive relative to risk—price quotes early.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

  1. Photograph every signature basket on white and lifestyle backgrounds for web, social, and line sheets.
  2. Offer three “anchor” price points prominently on your site to speed decisions.
  3. Create local SEO pages for “gift baskets in [Your City]” with delivery zones and same-day options.
  4. Build a corporate brochure PDF with volume pricing and personalization options for HR and sales admins.
  5. Join your chamber of commerce and bring samples to networking breakfasts to spark bulk orders.
  6. Partner with florists and bakeries for reciprocal referrals and bundled offers.
  7. Run a birthday club: collect dates, send a reminder and exclusive code 10 days prior.
  8. Use limited seasonal drops with countdowns to create urgency.
  9. Show behind-the-scenes assembly reels to build trust and craft credibility.
  10. Offer subscription gifting for realtors and property managers who need monthly client touches.
  11. Provide handwritten card upgrades; showcase sample messages for inspiration.
  12. Sell add-on delivery windows (morning/evening) at checkout for higher convenience fees.
  13. Create “build your own” kits online with a clear live price that updates as items are selected.
  14. Pitch corporate holiday gifting by August; calendar outreach to last year’s buyers first.
  15. Collect reviews with post-delivery texts linking directly to your Google profile.
  16. Use QR codes on inserts to drive recipients to reorder or join your list.
  17. Offer a concierge service for executive assistants who need white-glove, recurring orders.

Dealing With Customers to Build Relationships (Trust, Education, Retention)

  1. Ask three questions before quoting: occasion, recipient preferences/restrictions, and delivery date.
  2. Provide mockups or past examples when budgets are high or personalization is requested.
  3. Send a brief confirmation summarizing contents, price, tax, ship/delivery date, and card message.
  4. Keep allergy-safe options clearly labeled and easy to find.
  5. Suggest thoughtful substitutions when items are out; explain why the swap fits the theme.
  6. Offer a “keeper” option—baskets in reusable totes, trays, or boxes to increase perceived value.
  7. Keep corporate contacts updated on order status and include a final photo before shipment.
  8. Send thank-you notes and a reorder incentive within a week of delivery.
  9. Track recipient reactions when shared by buyers and note future preferences in the CRM.
  10. Recognize top clients with an annual appreciation gift and personal message.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback Loops)

  1. Publish a clear freshness and satisfaction guarantee with steps to resolve issues fast.
  2. Set a realistic cut-off for same-day orders and stick to it to avoid late deliveries.
  3. Provide an easy way to report damage: a photo within 24 hours triggers replacement or refund.
  4. Use address validation tools at checkout to reduce misdeliveries.
  5. Offer delivery confirmation with a photo when left at a safe location.
  6. Log every complaint type and fix the upstream cause (packaging, carrier, component).
  7. Create a short “what to expect” email template that sets delivery windows and handling tips.
  8. Train staff to propose a make-good immediately—don’t debate minor issues; protect lifetime value.

Plans for Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term Viability)

  1. Choose recyclable or reusable containers (wood trays, fabric totes) and say so on the product page.
  2. Source locally when possible to reduce shipping emissions and highlight community makers.
  3. Right-size packaging to cut void fill, damage, and dimensional weight fees.
  4. Donate leftover seasonal items to local nonprofits and record the write-off properly.
  5. Offer a “refill” program where customers bring back containers for a discount.
  6. Use digital inserts or QR-linked care cards to reduce paper where appropriate.

Staying Informed With Industry Trends (Sources, Signals, Cadence)

  1. Schedule a quarterly review of new artisan foods, wellness items, and packaging innovations.
  2. Watch carrier updates for changes to rates, surcharges, and prohibited items.
  3. Follow food safety alerts for recalls that could affect your baskets and email customers if needed.
  4. Attend at least one specialty food or gift trade show annually to spot trends and new suppliers.
  5. Refresh lifestyle photography twice a year to match current styles and seasons.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

  1. Create heat-safe summer versions of chocolate-heavy baskets to keep sales steady in warm months.
  2. Build a “rapid pivot” menu with readily available components if a key supplier is disrupted.
  3. Add a local pickup locker or partner location if delivery capacity gets tight.
  4. Test new channels—marketplaces, B2B portals, or subscriptions—on a small scale before fully rolling out.
  5. Use simple automations (abandoned cart, reorder reminders at 90 days) to smooth revenue volatility.

What Not to Do (Issues and Mistakes to Avoid)

  1. Don’t use unverified health or cure claims on product descriptions or inserts; keep language factual.
  2. Don’t rely on a single holiday for the bulk of sales—plan corporate, thank-you, and life-event offerings year-round.

Sources

SBA, IRS, FDA, ServSafe, USPS, FTC, SCORE, Specialty Food Association, GS1 US, Fit Small Business, vcita, TRUiC, Shopify, Entrepreneur, Pioneer Wholesale, Nashville Wraps, Castiron, IRS, Etsy Fees, Google Business Profile