Whether you are just starting out with your gift basket business or are looking to grow, it is important that you buy the right gift basket supplies at an affordable price. Buying the wrong supplies can mean that your basement, shop, or warehouse are filled with items that you can't move. If you buy the wrong items or buy at the wrong prices, your money will be tied up and you'll be unable to advertise or replenish your more popular stock. Here are some tips to help you find the right gift basket supplies at the best prices.

Start with the basics. You'll need a sharp pair of scissors, some clear tape, a pair of wire cutters, and a glue gun. You can buy this essential equipment at a craft store or an office supply store, but you should do comparison shopping online to make sure you get the best price. If you have a home based business, you might be tempted to use what you already have in the house. This is fine if you have a glue gun that you won't be needing for other projects, but make sure that you keep a dedicated pair of scissors and rolls of tape in your working space at all time.

Next think about the items that every completed project will need. This includes cellophane, which you will wrap the basket in, and ribbon to tie a bow around the top. You'll also want shredded paper to go in the box or hamper to nest the items in. It can be hard to gauge how much you will need of these items. For ribbons and shredded paper, don't try to buy every color in the beginning. You'll probably find some of it that is rarely, if ever, used. So focus on colors such as gold and silver for the ribbons and white and green shredded paper. If a holiday is coming up, be sure to stock up on the right colors for that, such as red and green for Christmas and red and pink for Valentine's Day. Decorated boxes, hampers, and baskets are also important. Baskets can take up a lot of room, so only order a few in different sizes until you are familiar with demand.

Now that you have the most essential gift basket supplies, it is time to look for the items that you place in the baskets. You'll want things such as lotion, cookies, cocoa, tea, and teddy bears. Here is where you can easily overspend if you are not careful. Look for a good wholesale supplier for the items that are popular, but don't buy too much at one time. You can often find good deals at dollar stores and pick up things on clearance after the holidays. Make a list of things you are always looking for, such as cute golf items that are popular on Father's Day.

Gift basket supplies will tie up a lot of your cash flow, especially if you are a home based business and not paying rent on a retail or warehouse location. Because of this, finding the best items at the cheapest prices is essential if you want your business to succeed. Start small and you won't end up with expensive regrets down the road.