Pros and Cons of Running a Home Gift Basket Business vs. Running a Showcase Business

Is the joy of having a gift basket business at home greater than the joy that comes from operating a gift basket business in a store? I have been on both sides of the fence and can therefore give first-hand advice and opinions on this debate. Whether you want to start a basket business from home or are considering owning a store, read the following pros and cons to help you make your final decision.

Advantages of having a gift basket business at home:

-You will be working long hours during the holidays, but at least you can be home for lunch and any other important family occasion or a good TV show that you don’t want to miss.

-You make your own schedules and work at your own pace. You can pick up your son from school or go to your daughter’s presentation at 2 on a Tuesday.

-You can work in your pajamas by gathering baskets.

-You can run your own personal errands while shopping for fruits and sweets.

-You can deduct a portion of your household expenses on your small business income taxes

-You decide the amount of business you want by the amount of calls or marketing efforts you make.

Cons of having a home basket business:

-Sometimes it will seem that you are always working, especially during the holidays.

-If you do not have the space in your home or garage to operate your business, your private spaces can be overwhelmed with baskets, products, tapes, etc.

-You will have constant distractions at home that can prevent you from running your business efficiently.

-Some people may consider that your business is not as legitimate and professional as a showcase business.

Advantages of having a gift basket business in the store:

-If you are social and you love meeting new people, a storefront business will introduce you to many new people.

-If you like being a boss and having a team of people working for you, a showcase business will be perfect for you.

-If you love creating displays and beautifying areas, a showcase will give you that opportunity

-If you love organizing formal and product inventories, consider a store.

-If you enjoy the image of owning a store, your store will fulfill that wish.

Cons of having a storefront basket business:

-You will work long hours during the holidays and will be away from home for long periods of time.

-Marketing vendors and product vendors will take a lot of your time.

-People requesting donations will take up a large part of your time.

-Sometimes you will not have time to do the actual work of making the baskets due to time consuming customers requesting a specific shade of ribbon when delivering their gift.

-You will not be able to personally pick and fetch fruits for the basket you need to deliver this afternoon unless you have someone to take care of the store.

-You will have to work within acceptable store hours every day of the year, except holidays and perhaps Sundays.

-Having a storefront basket business costs more than a home-based basket business because you need to maintain an acceptable inventory, you need employees, and you have to pay rent and utilities.