For generic baskets, you have to spend the time to think about local products, local traditions, and local sensibilities. In New England, most people are infatuated with the Boston Red Sox, and a baseball-themed basket is sure to be a hit. In the South, a NASCAR basket would likely have more appeal. Other common offerings include chocoholic collections, barbecue fixings, coffee or tea, packaged cheeses, desktop doodads and toys, stuffed animals, and holiday-themed assemblages. Dog lovers may be thrilled with a basket of toys and treats for their best friend; puzzle fans will be happy to receive crossword books, logic games, and the like.
The principal up-front expenses are (1) researching stores and web sites for available products and (2) the cost of advertising. If you choose to set up a web site, you’ll need to arrange for hosting and a credit card merchant account. Very little in the way of inventory would be needed, although you may want to set up some sample baskets and photograph them to display on your web site or in an album you show to customers.
Shipping alcohol, including beer, wine, and hard liquor, can be very complex and may require state licenses and observance of federal laws. For simplicity’s sake, we’d recommend starting with other products. If you feel it necessary to offer alcohol, consult an attorney for advice. You have to make sure about anything before you start to run this kind of business. If you do the false, your business will be finished.