Gift-giving is a year-round activity - so it is easy to see how a gift basket business can provide consistent income throughout the year. With so many people giving and receiving gift baskets for almost any reason imaginable, it seems that money-making opportunities are plentiful. This is true, but there is also lots of competition.

While it can be simple to start a gift basket business, finding customers can be more of a challenge - with so much competition in the marketplace, it's easy to get lost in the crowd. The solution is as simple as focusing on a niche market.

When you focus on a smaller niche market, you automatically increase your market share and can gain a more loyal following. Although a smaller niche market usually contains fewer people, your business can actually be more profitable - with a lot less work. Another benefit to working in a smaller niche market is that you'll be working around people who share similar interests as you, which usually makes work more fun and interesting.

So how do you actually go about starting your gift basket business?

1. Learn your niche - Start by focusing on a niche you enjoy and know at least a little bit about. That way, you'll understand your customers better and know more about what they want. Some examples of gift basket niche markets include sports enthusiasts, items for baby showers or baby gifts, baskets for cooks like cookware or recipes, packages containing puzzles or games, etc. Interview successful gift basket business owners or invest in a basic gift basket business guide that shows you where to get low price inventory, how to price products for profit, how to use mail order and websites to your advantage, etc.

2. Start Attracting Customers - Where you find your customers will largely depend upon which niche you choose. Let's say you create custom gift baskets for triathletes. You can advertise in local sports magazines, sponsor triathlon events or give away a gift basket at a sports event raffle. Partner with local cycling, running and swim shops, offering them a portion of a sale when they send you a customer referral. Offer free sample gift baskets to your local triathlete training groups to get the word out about your service - it's a "feel good" approach for business owners who don't enjoy selling.

3. Find out which licenses or permits you need from your local government office. Talk with an accountant and banker (you can get referrals from other local business owners or friends) to get helpful budgeting tips, financial strategies and tax advice that will save you time and money down the road.

There is no "bad" time to start a gift basket business. People will continue to give gifts for all sorts of reasons, and there are so many niche markets you can profit from - why start your gift basket business later when you can start turning a profit now?

Sue Barrett has been the Director of Business Solutions at Home Business Center, Inc. for over 10 years. Specializing in small and home business issues, she can provide quality insight and reputable resources for those wanting to start, manage and grow their own home-based business. Find out how to start your own Gift Basket Business