[DE] Sending a gift basket – how to package customer loyalty!

The gift basket, the cellophane gift that has become an embarrassment…? Somehow it can’t quite shake off its image as a somewhat arbitrary, standardised gift. We don’t understand! In fact, a well-organised gift basket can have the exact opposite effect – it can be extremely personal and thoughtful. A plea in favour of the gift basket for customers, employees or business partners: How popular it is as a business gift, what you need to consider when assembling and packing and how to send a gift hamper:

Here you will find corrugated cardboard gift baskets and gift boxes!

The gift basket as a present for customers, partners or employees

There are some interesting statistics about the use of gift baskets and sending gift baskets in a business context. According to a study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), around 62% of companies worldwide regularly give gifts to their business partners and customers, with gift baskets being one of the most popular options. In the USA, 34% of the companies surveyed stated that they frequently use gift baskets as part of their customer loyalty strategy.
Gift hampers are particularly popular at Christmas time: In Germany, more than 70% of companies give gifts during the holidays, with gift baskets being one of the most popular gift options. According to estimates, the market for business gifts is growing steadily worldwide and was worth around 242 billion US dollars in 2023.

The gift basket – more heart than you think!

The gift basket never quite gets rid of its image as a somewhat arbitrary, standardised gift. Quite wrongly, as we prove to you below:
Here are some reasons why gift hampers are anything but impersonal:
1. high customisability: gift hampers offer countless possibilities for individualisation. They can be customised according to the recipient’s preferences – be it by choosing special delicacies, exclusive wines or even local products that add a personal touch. For a tea lover, you could design a hamper with different hand-picked teas and matching accessories, while a foodie might favour gourmet snacks or exquisite chocolates.
2. symbol of appreciation: Especially in a business context, it is often important that the choice of gift conveys a message. A carefully selected gift basket can express that the giver has put some thought into it and knows the interests and needs of the recipient. The basket itself is not just a collection of products, but an expression of respect, gratitude and appreciation. Especially if you are unable to present your gift directly and accompany it with personal words, i.e. if you want to send the gift basket, the carefully compiled selection makes the accompanying words superfluous.
3. diversity appeals: While a single gift may not appeal to the recipient’s taste, the variety in a gift basket increases the chance that there will be at least one item that will bring great joy. In addition, the combination of different products such as sweets, drinks or wellness items can turn the basket into a small, customised experience.
4. personal touch through details: A gift basket can become something unique through small, personal elements such as handwritten cards, individual packaging or themed decorations. These details show that the giver has put a lot of thought into the gift and values the relationship with the recipient.
5. time and effort instead of a one-size-fits-all gift: The assumption that gift baskets are “simple” and impersonal overlooks the effort that often goes into selecting and putting them together. Instead of a quick standard gift, a well-planned gift basket shows that the giver has invested time and effort in creating something unique.
If put together with care, a gift hamper can be a thoughtful, personalised gift that will be remembered for a long time in both a private and business context – if it arrives safely! Do you want to send your gift basket? Then we’ve got you covered in the section: “Off to the basket: What you need to consider when sending a gift hamper” for a few helpful tips!

Wrapping a gift basket: How to turn your gift basket into a packaging sensation!

Wrapping a gift basket beautifully is actually quite simple. The result is particularly beautiful if you stick to a colour theme. Here are our step-by-step instructions for wrapping a gift basket and a list of the materials required:

Choosing the basket and products

The first step is to choose a suitable basket, box, bowl or tray that is robust enough to hold the products and looks visually appealing. The container should be neither too big nor too small so that the products are shown off to their best advantage. Perfectly suited: Corrugated cardboard gift baskets! The products are arranged in such a way that the important and visually appealing elements are visible – larger items towards the back, smaller ones towards the front.

Filling material

The base of the basket is lined with filling material so that the products sit stably in the basket and reach a height . Suitable filling material includes:

• • Paper wool or wood wool
  • tissue paper or crepe paper
  • padding chips or cellulose

These materials are not only used for stability, but also contribute visually to the theme of the basket, e.g. coloured paper wool for festive occasions.

Arranging products

The products should be arranged symmetrically and according to their size and importance. Heavier products go at the bottom, lighter and more fragile ones at the top. The products should also be arranged in such a way that the basket looks attractive from all sides, especially from the front.

Fixing the products

To prevent the products from slipping during transport, you can fix them with double-sided adhesive tape or adhesive dots . Fixing ensures that the arrangement still looks nice after transport and that the products are not damaged. This is particularly important if you want to send the gift basket, i.e. if you are not handing it over in person and can check and correct the arrangement again before handing it over.

Packing the gift basket

Of course, a gift basket wrapped in gift wrap looks nice. However, the use of gift wrap is no longer considered to be in keeping with the times: for reasons of sustainability, the wasteful use of film is frowned upon – and nowadays a gift basket wrapped in film really does look out of date and a little outdated. On the other hand, it is also visually trendy:

• • Gift basket “topless”! Here, it’s really more about the “bottom”: Place colour-coordinated wood wool, beautiful paper napkins, tissue paper or twigs of brushwood (if thematically appropriate) in the basket. Packaging will then be superfluous.
  • Wooden crates or reusable and sealable containers: A particularly sustainable option is to use a wooden crate or reusable container instead of a basket. The recipient can continue to use these, which reduces packaging waste. A beautiful gift box can be closed for transport, but also looks great when opened and handed over. Particularly practical: the gift box can be reused afterwards.
  • Fabric packaging: Instead of plastic film, cloth cloths or cloth bags (e.g. made of linen or cotton) can be used. The technique of furoshiki, a traditional Japanese art of wrapping gifts with cloth, is particularly stylish and reusable.
  • Paper packaging: Eco-friendly tissue paper, kraft paper or even decorative wax paper are modern alternatives that are both elegant and sustainable. They offer protection and can be designed in a variety of ways without harming the environment.
  • Beeswax cloths: These eco-friendly cloths are reusable and are perfect for wrapping smaller baskets or covering certain products within the gift. They fit in perfectly with a sustainable lifestyle and also offer practical benefits for the recipient.

Into the basket: Send a gift basket – this is how it works!

Would you like to send your gift basket? We’ll tell you what you need to bear in mind!

The be-all and end-all: packaging protection!

Safe packaging protection is crucial to ensure that the products in the gift hamper reach the recipient undamaged. During transport, the basket is exposed to various stresses and strains, so it is important to protect it with high-quality materials. Bubble wrap, sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes or even special protective packaging for fragile items such as glass bottles or ceramics offer optimum protection. The use of filling materials such as cushioning chips or tissue paper also ensures that the products do not slip and possible impacts are cushioned. Care should also be taken to ensure that the exterior of the hamper remains attractive during transport, especially in the case of decorative gift hampers. Well thought-out packaging not only provides protection, but also leaves a positive impression when unpacking.

Sending a gift basket – be careful with temperature-sensitive products!

Gift baskets containing temperature-sensitive products such as chocolate, wine or fresh food require special attention when shipping. These products can be damaged at extreme temperatures, so it is important to take appropriate measures. Refrigerated packaging such as insulated boxes and cool packs offer the best solution for keeping perishable or sensitive goods cool during transport. In the warmer months, it may make sense to schedule the dispatch of such baskets for the morning or introduce seasonal dispatch guidelines to guarantee the shortest possible delivery time. In extreme weather conditions, you should also consider choosing alternative products or using special shipping options that minimise the risk of temperature damage. You can find more tips on the subject of food packaging or shipping chilled goods in these articles.

Choose the right shipping option

When shipping gift baskets, there are usually various options available that can be selected depending on the urgency and destination. The most common options are standard shipping, express shipping and, if applicable, international shipping. Standard shipping is often the most cost-effective option, but is mainly suitable for less urgent shipments, as delivery times can be longer. Express shipping offers faster delivery times and is ideal for last-minute gifts or special occasions when the gift basket needs to arrive on time – however, this option is more expensive. International shipping extends the range and makes it possible to send gift hampers abroad. However, delivery times, customs regulations and the costs for customs and taxes should be taken into account to avoid unpleasant surprises. The decision ultimately depends on the urgency, the costs and the desired level of service. More about the topic: Postage for parcels: The most important questions and answers.

Allow for delays and use tracking

Shipping delays can occur in rare cases, especially during busy shipping periods such as before Christmas. When shipping gift baskets, it is important that the retailer has clear processes in place to avoid delays. Proactive communication with the shipping service provider and well thought-out warehouse processes help to minimise delays. Tracking shipments is also a valuable service that allows customers to track the status of their gift basket online at any time.

Sending a gift basket abroad: possible difficulties

Various difficulties and challenges can arise when sending food abroad. Some of the most common problems relate to customs regulations, import restrictions, food safety and compliance with specific regulations in the destination countries. It is therefore essential to inform yourself in advance.

1. 1. Import regulations and customs regulations:
      
      Different countries have different import regulations for food to protect the health of their citizens and local agriculture. Fresh or perishable foods are often subject to strict controls and can either be imported only under certain conditions or banned completely. Common requirements are:
      • Customs inspections: Shipments are often inspected at the destination country’s customs office, which can cause delays.
      • Customs duties and taxes: Duties and taxes are levied on many food products and must be paid by either the shipper or consignee.
      • Prohibitions: Some countries do not allow the import of certain products, such as meat, dairy products or plants, at all or only under very strict conditions (e.g. compliance with quarantine regulations).
        .
   2. Strict hygiene and safety regulations:
      
      Food is often subject to strict hygiene regulations. Some countries require health certificates that guarantee that the products are free from diseases, parasites or chemical residues. For fresh or unprocessed foods such as fruit, vegetables or animal products, additional documents such as a phytosanitary certificate or a veterinary certificate may be required.
   3. Specific packaging regulations
      
      Special packaging requirements often apply when exporting foodstuffs. In some countries, for example, products must be packaged in specific materials that fulfil ecological regulations or are biodegradable. In addition, labelling in the language of the recipient country is often required, containing information on ingredients, shelf life and nutritional values.
   4. Transport and storage conditions
      
      Temperature-sensitive products such as fresh food, chocolate or wine pose a particular challenge as they need to be cooled or protected from extreme temperatures during transport. This often requires special refrigerated packaging and can significantly increase transport costs. There are also country-specific regulations for the import of products that require refrigeration or special storage, such as in the USA or Australia.
   5. Delays due to customs clearance
      
      When shipping food, delays can often occur during customs clearance, especially if the documents are incomplete or inaccurate. In some cases, the food can spoil during this waiting time, resulting in losses. Such delays can be particularly problematic for perishable products such as fruit or meat.

   Sending a gift basket – how the professionals do it! Our customer: Gift & basket

   One of our customers, Geschenk & Korb from Tettnang, knows exactly how to do it – and has been a RAJA customer for many years. “Geschenk & Korb” was founded in 2002 by Michaela Müller and Susanne Ziener. Today, the owner-managed company based in Stuttgart offers over 150 professionally designed gift baskets. The assortment ranges from wine and delicatessen gifts to fruit and chocolate hampers and baby gifts. The shop specialises in online retail and supplies both private and business customers. When larger quantities are ordered, the gift basket provider also develops customised solutions in consultation with the customer, for example in the corporate design or for a specific occasion. With the help of a special packaging technique consisting of shrink-wrapping and cellophane wrapping, Geschenk & Korb also ensures that the gift baskets arrive at the customer in the same condition as shown on the website.
   

   Secure shipping of gift baskets – large selection of packaging material

   To ensure the safe dispatch of the gift baskets and their fragile products, the two owners have relied on packaging solutions from RAJA since the company was founded. “We can also purchase a smaller amount of packaging from RAJA at favourable conditions,” explains Susanne Ziener, Managing Director of Geschenk & Korb. “This gives us the opportunity to order our various packaging solutions from RAJA flexibly and according to need and demand.” These include, for example, double-wall cardboard boxes in various shapes and sizes, shipping bags and adhesive tape.

   Fast and punctual delivery

   Another key reason for working with RAJA is the fast delivery of the packaging solutions: “We often receive enquiries at short notice,” says Michaela Müller, Managing Director at Geschenk & Korb. “We can only process these if the necessary packaging solutions are available to us quickly. With RAJA, we can always rely on fast and punctual delivery of the products.” For orders in Germany, RAJA offers dispatch within 24 to 48 hours.

   Further expanding cooperation

   The owners of Geschenk & Korb will not be giving up their reliable service in the future. On the contrary: the cooperation with the mail order company is to be further expanded. In particular, the focus will be on personalised packaging: RAJA offers numerous options here, from individual advertising imprints to customised packaging solutions. The packaging wholesaler attaches great importance to comprehensive customer advice, from the start of the project through to completion.

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