Corporate and client gift baskets

Real estate agents, law and accounting firms, medical offices, small and mid-sized companies and HR or office managers.

You charge per basket with volume pricing, often in larger orders. Repeat clients and annual holiday programs give you more predictable income than one-off retail sales.

• Selling and following up with business clients
• Project and deadline management
• Budgeting and pricing in bulk
• Design and presentation

• Check local business license and home occupation rules, or zoning if you rent a small workspace
• Collect and file sales tax as your state requires, and check how tax-exempt or resale customers are handled
• Alcohol in baskets is heavily regulated, so check your state's rules before including any
• Large orders mean upfront cash for stock, so consider deposits or invoicing terms
• Check general liability insurance, and food labeling rules if you pack edible items

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your stock, packaging, branding and any workspace. Treat this as an estimate, and consider deposits since large orders need upfront cash for stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many business clients you win and the size of their orders. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check local business license and home occupation rules, or zoning if you rent a workspace, and collect sales tax as your state requires. Alcohol in baskets is heavily regulated, so check your state's rules before including any.