FAQ's About OGB

Started in March of 1999, OGB is a member driven international "Wire Service" style network, similar in concept to the floral "wire services" such as FTD and Teleflora, but for the gift basket industry! It consists of like-thinking, independent, "gift basket" business operators that collectively provide fast and inexpensive, next, and often same, business day gift basket delivery service for the customers and corporate clients of all gift basket operators, those of OGB itself, and anyone who accesses the system through the internet.

#2. What is OGB's mandate?

To provide an order referral infrastructure for the gift basket industry, offering a faster and more economical alternative to overnight shipping for those short-notice, next business day orders, destined to other cities, states and countries, and for those "shipping sensitive" basket designs such as fruit, chocolate, wine & cheese, etc. In short, a fast, economical and reliable, international, local hand delivery service for gift basket operators, the world over, to offer to their clients.

#3. How large is the OGB system?

Although always expanding, it currently represents over 6000 cities throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Southeast Asia, Israel, United Kingdom and Europe (including Southern Ireland).

#4. Can I refer orders to OGB?

Yes, certainly! That's what we're all about and any gift basket business operator can refer an order for their customer or client regardless of whether they are a Member or not (remember their orders go only to Member operators so their volume is good for you)!

#5. What's in it for me and my customers if I do refer orders?

First, for your customers' short notice or sensitive to ship orders, instead of spending their money on the cost of overnight shipping, your customer can put some back in their pocket or put it into a bigger gift basket, usually hand delivered next business day, even same business day time permitting, to the desk or door of the recipient and it most often arrives as a gift basket, not a box! Your customer loves you for giving them the choice and the good value! That translates into customer loyalty and that translates into more orders for you!

As well, you enjoy several benefits with each order you refer to us. First, you automatically enjoy a referral commission of 10% of the "delivered" value of each order you refer. As well, if you are a gift basket operator in the United States or Canada, you earn OGB's popular Ba$ket Buck$™ that accumulate and are redeemable towards dinner for two at your favourite restaurant, website hosting, air travel and more. Additionally, you can receive an order for each order you refer to OGB as well, as we explain below.

Additionally, because your designs appear on your city page(s), when we receive orders specifying your design, they go to you (assuming you can fulfill them) and further on we discuss how you can enjoy even more orders for referring orders to OGB.

#6. How do I refer orders?

It's really very simple! The products of most all of our Members are uploaded to appear in their city's product page on our website so you simply go to www.onlinegiftbaskets.com and select the country, then state or province and lastly, the city where the basket is to be delivered. Choose either from the products of our local Members for their preparation and delivery or from those designs that are available for 2-4 or 5-7 business day shipping arrival to the city. Once you have selected your basket design, you need only follow through the purchase process on our secure shopping cart, taking care to enter the required password (we will provide that to you) in the discount coupon so as to permit deduction of your referral commission and upon order submission, you will receive a confirming invoice for your records. OGB then places the order with the operator, whose design was chosen, for preparation and delivery in the destination city. Your referral orders can also be conveyed to OGB by email, fax or telephone, although ordering by these methods will not result in an automatic confirming invoice for your records but rather a receipt at a later day will be provided, manually, by administration.

#7. What must I do to receive orders from OGB for preparation and delivery in my city?

First, and because only gift basket operators who are Members of OGB can receive orders, you will need to complete an application for Membership and we encourage you to follow the link to our application form at the end of these FAQs. For the benefit of existing Members, theirs and OGB's customers and corporate clients, every applicant needs be juried to determine if they meet the requirements for acceptance into, and ongoing participation in, the OGB system.

Upon OGB's approval, we will come to you for graphics, descriptions and prices of your products to upload for display and purchase on your own city's product web page, and in the country-wide shipping catalogue,. This way the customer knows what they are getting and the operator knows the design requirements. Member operators choose which of their designs they wish to offer on their city's product page and set their own prices, as well.

Members having an internet website are required to link from their website homepage to their city page(s) on the OGB website.

#8. What can I expect from Membership with OGB?

Usually more business! New business! Business you wouldn't likely receive otherwise nor would have received previously! Plus more customer loyalty by offering our international service to your customers and clients and receiving our Ba$ket Buck$™.

You also enjoy a host of other benefits too, beyond the 10% referral commission, the accumulating Ba$ket Buck$™ and the "order for an order" for each order you refer. For example, OGB's "Business Tips" that can bring you as much as up to 50% more business (OGB's "Top Ten" beats Letterman's every time!)! Alerts about what "scams" to watch out for! "Software Reviews and Trials" to help you stay on top of today's technology, take advantage of the best programs for your business, keep your computer running smoothly, fight viruses, spam, and all that bad stuff! "Sourcing Products and Suppliers" to find that unusual container, specialty ingredient or design technique! Plus, optional benefits and bargains, as well as services, you can pursue at very reasonable costs, such as economical website hosting at "bargain" prices (as little as $8.35/month for hosting your website)! And, we've got even more yet to come!!!

#9. Where does this business come from?

It comes from being "networked" with OGB and from you making it known locally!

Business comes from within your home city, from new and existing customers and corporate clients when you constantly make them aware you have a "wire service" to serve their immediate needs just like florists have been for so long! Now they have a choice . . . flowers or gift baskets!

Business through OGB, from across the country, from other gift basket operators, OGB Members, theirs and OGB's corporate clients and individual consumers who require a gift basket for delivery in your city or trading area!

Business through OGB, from across the world, from other gift basket operators, OGB Members, theirs and OGB's corporate clients, and individual consumers who require a gift basket for delivery in your city or trading area!

#10. When accepted, will I be the only Member in my city?

Yes, if your home city (We call it your "Primary" location) has a population UNDER 10,000 and currently has no Member, you will indeed be the only Member. That said, however, the number of members in each city depends on the city's population. Cities of a population exceeding 10,000 people are permitted two (2) members. Those of 200,000-500,000 population have 3 and thereafter one more per 500,000 of population. There are good reasons for that and one is that we must assure supply and delivery ability in order to be of reliable service to our members, clients and customers. Apply quickly because once we reach our maximums in a city, that's it until an opening occurs!

#11. When accepted, can my products appear on other city pages too?

Yes, if your Primary location has a population OVER 10,000, you can represent additional locations (we call them your "Secondary" locations), but there are, however, a few considerations. First, and just as with your Primary location, you must be able to "hand deliver" to the Secondary "same" business day and second, you must be willing to promote your business and the network in the Secondary, as well. Additionally, whether there are already existing members there and if including you would exceed the upper limits of numbers of members, as they apply to that city, as previously described above.

We are also anxious to have as much local exposure of our "wire service" to consumers and corporations in as many communities as possible, so we reserve the right to substitute an operator in "Secondary" locations, should at some future time, a gift basket business operator, already in business within that community (it would be their "Primary" location), apply and be approved for membership. Otherwise, your representation there will quite probably continue for a long time as any new gift basket operators must have been in business at least one year to apply for OGB Membership.

#12. Who gets those orders that are not of a Member's design?

In addition to Members' products appearing in their Primary and Secondary City pages, there are several OGB "generic" designs such as a "fruit" basket, "baby" basket, "gourmet" basket, etc. that appear also. These serve to offer other considerations for visitors to the pages, and as available selections for those pages yet to have the Member's products uploaded.

Very often, OGB receives orders for these "generic" designs and, of course, for "custom" designs. Because such orders are not for a Member's specific design, OGB chooses the operator with whom to place those orders on an "order due" basis. Based on the principle that those Members who contribute most to OGB should enjoy the most from OGB, these orders will go to a Member in the destination city who has yet to receive an order for each order they have referred to OGB. Should all orders due have been satisfied, then orders are awarded on a rotation based on each Members' date of joining. Naturally, should there be only one Member, as in those cities under 10,000 population, then that Member will automatically receive the generic orders.

#13. What does it cost for me to join and participate with OGB?

Because we're all about orders, not advertising, there are presently NO charges or fees that apply to joining OGB. NO joining fee, NO production charges for your products to appear on your Primary city page, or your chosen Secondary cities, and NO production charges for your products to appear in our regional and country-wide shipping catalogues, even though we do all of that for you.

The only real cost for participating is the 15% referral commission, meaning that just like having a commissioned salesperson, in our case a world-wide one, you only pay when you get the business ( you pay only when we perform). This fee is deducted, from OGB's Visa card payment to you, when placing each order with you for your preparation and delivery/shipping. This commission actually applies only on the first $500.00 of an order and then reduces to 10% on that amount exceeding $500.00, so that you net even more on larger orders, as you should!

*Of particular note is that although OGB operates internationally, it banks in Canada so all orders to Canadian destinations depending on the province of delivery, are subject to either the Canadian Goods & Services Taxes of 5% or, Canada's Harmonized Goods & Services Taxes, as they apply in specific provinces which can vary from 12 - 15%. If you are in a country other than Canada, all orders you receive from OGB, however, will be of, and paid in, the currency of your own country so no Canadian taxes apply.

#14. What kind of order volume can I expect?

As much as we want very much to give you the right answer to this question, in all honesty, it's almost impossible to answer! The reasons are several: first, we can't begin to predict, or even estimate, OGB's own future orders let alone volumes. Also, it will vary depending on your city, its size and economic composition, the number of other members with whom you will share orders is also a factor as is how many orders you and the other Member(s) refer to OGB. Other factors such as how many purchasers select your designs from the product web page versus those of others; does the product web page reflect those of your designs appropriate to a current event (i.e. Valentine's Day); and so on, will also enter into it.

As you can see, it's very difficult to predict but we know one thing for sure . . . the OGB system really works for those who participate in it by sending referral orders rather than just sitting back expecting orders to fall off the OGB tree into their laps. Orders begat orders! Our system provides for rewards, such as Ba$ket Buck$™ to those who contribute most. Also, it's been proven time and time again that promoting your ability to deliver elsewhere will reward you with orders, be they for your own shipping or for referral to OGB.

#15. Can I add or change my designs, on the product pages, for the various events like Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc.?

For sure, we recommend it actually! Just as when you first join with us, you provide, or make available for copying, the graphics, descriptions and prices and we do it all for you without charge!

#16. What if I already belong to a referral group?

We understand that many gift basket operators have prior working relationships with operators, in other cities, when they start with us and we fully respect how they wish to keep that intact. Indeed, we’re structured to include any existing groups for that very reason. To assure that your orders go directly to them, in their respective cities, you first want to make sure they are participating in our system so that you can simply select from one of their designs on their city's product web page, and it will automatically go to them. Naturally, of course, it will be necessary that they have their product web page established first. And, as always, your order still counts for Ba$ket Buck$™ and for placement to you when next we have a generic or custom order for your city too! This means you can win all ways with OGB!

#17. Is a list of members available?

No. OGB does not publish a membership list, in part because there would be no benefit to anyone when you consider everything that the OGB network offers, we can’t see how it could be improved upon, should a list of its members be made available!. Another good reason has come from our Members themselves who wish their participation to be “commercially confidential”. Of course, if you want your competition to know how and where you get your business, that’s up to you. We tend to agree with those Members though, that it's your business and really none of theirs!

#18. Can I keep shipping my baskets?

Of course! And keep in mind, many of your customers will insist on only your designs, so for sure you’ll want to continue to ship those! However, for those who don't, and certainly for those orders of either such short a notice as to be too expensive, or perhaps just too sensitive, to ship, you'll find OGB is just ideal! You not only enjoy Ba$ket Buck$™ but more importantly, you can you still satisfy your customer's needs which only reinforces your already positive relationship with them. And remember, in cities of over 10,000 population, having multiple Member representation, the more orders you refer, the more you can receive, in return!

As well, remember too that your designs will appear in the gift basket industry's largest selection of gift baskets available for country-wide shipping, so if your designs are appealing, you can probably expect to be shipping even more!

On the other hand, many members have decided to stop most all shipping and use OGB's local hand delivery exclusively. Others use OGB simply for those orders destined out of state/province. Almost all use OGB for those next business day, or international cross-border, orders. It’s entirely up to you but One thing is for sure, referring your orders to OGB means . . .

#1 No more packing hassles!
#2 No more carrier forms and labels!
#3 No long, advance shipping deadlines!
#4 No lost, late or damaged shipments!
#5 No customs/brokerage issues or delays on cross-border international orders!
#6 Not having to spend the time it takes, and the wages it costs, especially at the busiest of times!
#7 The recipients receive a beautiful gift basket instead of a boxed shipping container!

and, best of all, you receive OGB Ba$ket Buck$™ equal to every order you refer and redeemable for so much!

#19. Can I be sure the delivered baskets will be as good as mine?

Few baskets are as good as yours, as far as your customer is concerned, or they wouldn’t keep coming back to you!

However, because we jury our members, their products, designs and operation, we know that our members are similar in quality and we know they’re reliable. We know that you have your customers at stake and that we have ours at stake too, (that’s you, when you bring us an order from your customer, as well as consumers and our corporate clients, who order from us directly) with every order we handle. It’s as much a concern to us as it is to you. In fact, that is the one concern members most often have before they come with us and that says something in itself because if they’re concerned, then they’re most likely to serve us all very well.

Additionally, to assist in ordering, our website’s focus is on the many different communities we serve and we're constantly in the process of introducing or revising Members' designs to each city's product web pages (PWPs), so visitors, be they Members, Affiliates, their customers, individual public consumers or corporate purchasers, can simply "click" the city their gift basket order is going to, and view the available gift basket selections of our Members there. This way they can actually select a specific design to their liking, even custom order. Now, you, your customer and our destination Member, all know what the basket should contain, even look like!

At last, the only ones surprised with the basket on delivery will be the recipients . . . and that's just as it should be!

#20. What if a problem arises with a basket order?

Having been in the business since 1999, and notwithstanding our member product pages, we both know that every one is human and that sometimes things can go wrong with an order. No doubt, you've already had that experience! Above all, you must realize that you are not dealing directly with some gift basket operator, at the other end, that you picked out of a list or off the internet, who might care less, knowing they will likely never see an order from you again. Instead, you are dealing with OGB, and our gift basket Member at the destination end, who does care and not just because they want to continue to receive orders from us again, although no doubt that's a factor. In truth though, it is also because they are responsible, business professionals! Happily, and despite our substantial order volumes, we don't often experience a problem, however, when one occurs we want you to know that the bottom line, for us, is your customer's satisfaction and that we stand good for full replacement if the gift basket was other than ordered, or in cases of a late delivery for such date sensitive events as a birthday, anniversary, etc., we refund both the handling and delivery charges. Above all, we don't need to be reminded that the business starts . . . and can end . . . with your customer!

#21. What are the requirments to join and remain a Member in good standing?

First, you must have been in the gift basket business, in your city, for a minimum of one year and operate your gift basket business, full-time, all year around, being open for business at least Monday through Friday of each week (major holidays excluded).

Additionally, you must agree to:

a) Enable OGB to jury your gift basket designs, either by sending photos and descriptive information or authorizing the downloading of such information from your internet website (these will also be of use in including your product in your city's product web page) and . . .

b) Participate in a brief telephone interview should it be necessary and . . .

Also that upon your approval for membership that you understand and agree thereafter . . .

c) To accept, or arrange to accept, at least Visa & MasterCard credit cards directly, or any other such payment arrangement as may be authorized by OGB, such as PayPal (click here to learn more about PayPal), and . . .

d) To be accessible by telephone and either e-mail, or fax, so as to respond promptly to any communications received from us before, during and after your business day.

e) To assure delivery of gift baskets:

For same business day (at least, Monday - Friday, major holidays excluded) when
so ordered before noon of that day, your time.

Most often not in a shipping container

Usually at such a delivery cost consistent with your information as provided at the time of your application or as you have subsequently updated with us, in such a timely manner as to be reflected in your product page information and/or the shipping catalogue, whichever should apply.

g) To produce the gift basket to its full purchase value as specified in the OGB purchase order, notwithstanding deduction of any referral fee.

h) That once you have accepted an order, should it be delivered on a day other than the delivery day specified or should it be significantly different in composition than as ordered, you will waive acceptance of any and/or all payment for same, from OGB, or, replace and/or redeliver the ordered gift basket(s) without charge, as may be requested by OGB, so as to permit full compliance with any guarantees as may be offered by OGB to the order sender and/or gift basket operator acting on behalf of the order sender, unless, in either case, you have received prior written approval from OGB to proceed accordingly with the change of delivery day and/or composition of the order.

Members complying with the above requirements are deemed to be in "good standing" with OGB and can promote themselves as a "Juried Member" of the OGB system by prominently displaying the CREATIVE COMPLIMENTS "Juried Member" LOGO wherever appropriate as it reflects that they are unlike their competition in that they have been juried and approved by an independent, and third party, body of gift basket operators! We employ the LOGO of our parent company, Creative Compliments, rather than that of OGB, so that your customers don't go around you to us directly, when ordering. After all, we're here to make you money, not take it away!

#22. How do I get started?

Simply complete and submit the “Member” application form (click to it below). Upon its receipt, we will communicate back with you promptly to complete the above requirements. If you have any questions not addressed clearly above, or to your satisfaction, we encourage you to call us toll-free at 877-228-5855 as we are anxious to address them for you. Final approval of your application usually follows within 24-72 business hours of having received your application. Most often, we can have new Members approved, in our system and online active, in as few as five (5) business days from receipt of their application.

Membership Application

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All Members of Online Gift Baskets are independent gift basket business retailers, each of whom, and their products as they appear on www.onlinegiftbaskets.com have been juried by Online Gift Baskets so as to assure our customers, clients, Affiliates & Members of consistently reliable service and quality of product. Accordingly, Online Gift Baskets is both proud and pleased to stand behind its Members, and their products, with our Customer Satisfaction Guarantee.

No part of this website may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means including print, electronic and mechanical without written permission from the owner. All images and photos on www.onlinegiftbaskets.com are the property of the respective Gift Basket Members and are prohibited from use in any format, including print, electronic and mechanical, without their express written permission and that of Online Gift Baskets.