BaskeTalk An eNewsletter from Dazzling Baskets  October 2007     Greetings Everyone!     We're beginning to experience the signs of autumn. The evenings are shorter than they have been during the summer months, there's a bit of breeze and a slight nip in the air during early morn.  Soon, the color of the leaves will change (well, Maple leaves, at least).  Being a life-long resident of Florida, I grew accustomed to this oh-so-subtle change of season long ago.   One thing's for sure, if you're longing to get in the spirit of the fall season, all you need do is visit any one of the many local shopping locations to put you in the mood.  Halloween and autumn merchandise made an appearance during August, with some Christmas decorations making their debut in September!  Well, the early bird does catch the worm, right?   In addition to our gift baskets that capture the tastes and colors of fall, we will be offering stand-alone designs that make wonderfully unique hostess, customer and employee gifts that can be used year after year.    Because planning is crucial to gift-giving for the winter holidays, those of us in the gift basket industry make every effort to let our clients know what is available as early as October.  This year, I am pleased to offer you a broader range of gift options in a variety of price points to suit your budget.   At Dazzling Baskets we strive to provide you with gifts that dazzle, and this year is no exception!  We have many new selections that truly "sparkle" and are sure to delight you as much as we know it will delight your recipients.   So, read on to learn what's in store!   Don't Miss Out!   We have some fabulous new holiday gift options that are suitable for both corporate and small business.*  The broad selection offers various themes, and in keeping with our tradition for packaging, each unique gift "container" can serve a different purpose once the scrumptious gourmet food products have been enjoyed.  A gift to be remembered long after the season fades away.   Of course, your gift selections are not limited to these in particular.  We will still create signature gift baskets, customized to your specifications, for holiday gift-giving. I can meet with you personally, or discuss your options by phone or via email, whichever you prefer.  In addition, you can simply give us a price point and number of gift baskets you require, and we will take care of the design elements for you.   In an effort to ensure your choices will be available for the holiday gift-giving season, we are currently taking pre-orders for the gift selections described in the first paragraph, which are depicted on our web site under "Corporate Holiday Gifts."  Fifty percent (50%) is required when the order is placed by November 10th, with the balance due by December 3rd.   While your order can be placed online, with the purchase amount manually charged, you can also email your selections, and we will contact you for your credit card information, or your order can be placed by phone.  You also have the option of paying by check.    Orders placed online during this special promotion will be manually charged 50% of the total sale (plus applicable sales tax) at time of purchase, and the remaining balance will be charged with applicable sales tax on December 10th; please disregard the shipping fee as it will be excluded from the online sale.  Make certain to include your email address during check-out so an invoice/statement can be sent to you each time your credit card is charged.  Again, although it may appear as such, your on-line purchase will NOT be automatically charged; we will do it manually.   Of course, your order can also be paid in full at time of purchase whether your order is placed online, through email or by phone.   Please note that orders received after November 10th are subject to availability and will require full payment at time of purchase.  Should a selection be sold out, we will gladly assist you with other available options.   Special Note:  Delivery/Shipping fees do not apply and are in addition to the gift basket purchase price, based on method and destination.      *Prices starting at just $15.95                     Learn More    Fantastic Fruit Baskets We are pleased to announce that we will be expanding our fruit basket selections in the very near future!  We have partnered with one of the largest and best fruit companies in the country to bring you spectacular fruit gift offerings.   Fruit Baskets, Fruit Gift Boxes and Fruit Towers.  We are very excited about it and will notify you when we have placed the designs on our web site.    Note:  The fruit basket depicted above is a sample of what you can expect to see. Thank Ahead   Typically, customers and clients are shown our appreciation during the winter holiday season.  Why not skip tradition and "Thank Ahead" instead!   What is it and when is it done, you ask?  Make your holiday gift memorable by sending it before December, instead of having your Christmas or Hanukkah gift baskets be one of many.  For example, gifts sent in October are filled with the colors and tastes of autumn.  While those presented in November can either carry the theme of fall or the colors and flavors of the winter holiday season.   What better way to say, "You're appreciated," than with one of our uniquely special autumn themed gifts?     View some of our selections                         Ghoulish Gifts Goblins and Ghosts and Goodies, Oh My! Send a "Trick or Treat" gift to someone special.   Check out our selection In closing, may I say that...   Customers who feel appreciated are more likely to refer family, friends and colleagues.  By the same token, employees, who feel they are valued, have a strong motivation to produce results.  We have many unique and beautiful gifts to serve this purpose.   Whatever the reason, season or occasion, whether the gift is personal or professional, let us help you year round with all of your gifting needs.  At Dazzling Baskets, our goal is to provide our customers the convenience of sending quality gifts of distinction.  Please visit our web site or call us today to assist you with your gift-giving needs.   Sincerely,   Joanne Ballengee Dazzling Baskets     Dazzling Baskets...we simplify gift-giving!  Business Spotlight Other web sites you might find of interest:       Dazzling Baskets                                                                                       Longaberger Baskets & More Doreen Ooms, Consultant                       The Roseberry Cottage~Antiques, Vintage Treasures and Unique Cottage Decor                       Whiskers & Wags Market Place for Dogs     SHINING MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY       Information contained within this newsletter was accurate as of October 20, 2007.  All products, services and prices are subject to change without notice.