Starting and Running a Balloon Decor Business
August 1, 2006 by Leo 9,994 Views
It is very easy to get into the balloon business, but the trick is staying in business! That takes dedication, talent, commitment to constant education and professionalism.
Business Decisions
You talk about the desire to get into the balloon business as a “retailer”, a “distributor”, and finally, as a balloon “decorator”. All 3 are quite different. Not often do all 3 operate successfully under the one roof. It is quite common to see an individual or partnership operate as retailers and decorators.
These 2 fields in the balloon business demand separate and special attention to each discipline. One can be a talented balloon artist and decorator, yet fall way short of cutting it as a clever retailer. Retailing demands much more than just putting stock on shelves and standing behind a cash register! Likewise, being a success at balloon decorating is much, much more than creating terrific garland designs and gorgeous centrepieces.
Starting Out
All of the old hands at the balloon business were once in the same predicament as you find yourself now. Where do I start? How much money will I need? Who are the Suppliers? Where
can I get trade information? Who can be trusted? What a mine field!
Start by asking yourself.” How much can I afford to invest?” Remember, you are not spending, you are investing in a business. You “spend” on hobbies. You “invest” in a business. Balloon decor has gone way beyond something you can do “part time”. Customers demand service to suit their time schedule, not yours.
Obviously, you will need a minimum level of stock and equipment. Electric inflator, helium, regulators, glue, board, latex, foils, heat sealers, and other balloon-related materials. Are you planning on being home based? In retail / commercial premises? You will need a fax machine, accounting software, dedicated business phone lines, work benches, shelving, ladder, framing rod, etc.
Please don’t be put off by this. The point I’m trying to make is that regardless of your “entry level” to the balloon industry, you need to do a lot of homework first. You don’t want to jump in too soon, only to find it will cost you a considerable amount more, simply to stay in and survive.
It’s easy to get excited about a business opportunity, but as with any business, research your market carefully. Drive around your town and notice how many stores/shops offer balloons. It’s like buying a car. You never realized how many of that brand were on the road until you had a specific interest, ya’ know? Suddenly they’re everywhere.
- How to market your business
- Dealing With your valued customers
- Determining what to charge
- Facing the competition
How Should I Advertise/ Promote Myself?
- Balloon Care Cards
- Business Cards
- Photographing and Filming Your Work
- Newspaper Ads
- Yellow Pages
- Reputation (others call it word of mouth)
- brochures, posters and flyers
- Showroom
- Parties and occasions
- Web Site
Balloon Decorators
- The tools of the trade – a collection of tips and tricks
- Balloon deliveries
- Classic balloon decor 101
- Classic balloon decor 102
- Large balloon sculptures
- Balloon care
- Making balloons last
- Using balloons outdoors
- Outdoor balloon releases
- Balloon special effects
- Balloons on holidays and special events
Balloon Twisting and Sculpture (copy/paste links)
- Blowing up a balloon
- Twisting balloons 101
- Twisting balloons 102
- Large scale twisting
- Using color to your advantage
- Decorating 260 balloon sculptures
- Download manual here
Workplaces for balloon twisters
Indoor Work:
- Restaurants
- Shopping Malls
- Stores
- Wedding Receptions
- Museums
- Company Events
- Movie Theatres
Outdoor Work:
- Festivals, Fairs, and Flea Markets
- Sporting Events
- Car Washes
- Theme Parks
- Zoos
- Parks
- Graduations
- Your Own Front Yard
This site is a great resources for ballon business: BalloonHQ
2009 · All Rights Reversed ·
Hello aspiring entrepreneurs and moms who want to try out DIY party decors!
We are a local supplier of US made, factory direct generic metallic balloons and mylar/foil balloons (uninflated).
Our metallic balloons have longer necks than the China/Malaysia made balloons often seen in Divi. Longer balloon necks mean easier tying for pillars, archs and other balloon arrangements. It can be helium filled too.
Our mylars/foil balloons are self sealing and you can deflate it for storage or future use. No more heat sealing our mylars.
Next time you will have a party, you can order materials from us and have DIY fab deco for business or just to wow your party guests.
We may be reached at golden_treasure_trading@yahoo.com.
Thanks.
Hi, I’m interested in putting up a balloon decor business. where could i possibly enrol or attend a seminar for this business? thank you
@Emer Chavez, check the following training centers for their next schedule:
http://www.mixph.com/2006/03/trainings-and-seminars-institutions.html
I am interested in starting to put up a balloon decoration business. Where could I possibly enroll or do you offer any seminar or training regarding
for the course. Please contact me thru my e-mail ad if you had classes for the course.
Thank you
@Lorgina Bagusto, check from the following training centers:
http://www.mixph.com/2006/03/trainings-and-seminars-institutions.html
hi i’m from la union do you have any seminars/training in making balloons near our province? because i want to start a business in balloons.and where can i buy materials? thank you very much
it’s very informative
@grace, check with TRC here:
http://www.mixph.com/2008/07/trc-training-schedule-august-2008.html
hi.. gusto ko lng po magtanong kung san pa meron seminar for balloon decorating and kung san din po merong mabibilhan ng helium tank..pls reply.. thanks
Dear sir/mam,
May I asked kung meron kayong alam na training para sa balloon business ns malapit sa Tondo, Manila.
I hope na ma e mail nyo sa akin kaagad.
Thank u.
@claire, check on the list of suppliers here if they have branches in your area:
http://www.filipinolinks.com/Business_and_Economy/Events_Planning__Parties__etc/index.html
Where can i purchase balloon supplies? I’m based in Mindanao – Koronadal City
Hello
Im informing those who asked that the new designs on the
peach cocktail invitations website found here
http://www.peachcocktail.co.uk are on site.
There is a discount in May also
on all designs featured, and i must say the designs are very good indeed.
Debonair is a civil favourite with its colour change shirt idea!
Thanks
Becky
meron po ba kayong training centers/ seminars for beginners in baloon business na malapit po sa vicinity ng muntinlupa? I am hoping for your imeediate response. Thank you..
jason, you can inquire at TRC when is the next schedule for balloon business training. Call (02) 727-6205. Other training institutions here: http://www.mixph.com/2006/03/trainings-and-seminars-institutions.html
Dear sir/madam,
I just wanted to ask you if your organization/company has
a course on how to start a balloon business. If any May I ask when and where
and how much for the said course. thank you very much.
Anonymous Says: 5/23/2007 04:12:00 AM
gusto kong magbenta ng balloon para sa birthday,wedding,christening atbp.ano ba ang dapat na gamitin na balloon para sa mga occasion na ganito at affordable.ano po ba yong ginagamit sa pag label yong gaya ng paglagay ng happy birthday na word.stamp ba yon na pinagagawa o may nabibili na ganon o computerized.sana po matulungan niyo ako dahil gusto kong magopen sa dec.thanks a lot and more poower to your site.
Eu-Leh Says: 5/23/2007 02:39:00 PM
Hi, TLRC is offering a comprehensive training in Ballon Trendy and Decor business. You can contact them at:
TLRC Building
#103 J. Abad Santos cor. Lopez Jaena Sts., Little Baguio, San Juan, Metro Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 727-6205
Web: http://www.tlrc.gov.ph