Part 1 of 3: Setting Up Your Balloon Business
Article by:
Steven Mayhew, CBA
Starting a business in balloons can be profitable and extremely rewarding. For decades, balloon decorators around the world have been successful in growing an maintaining a business; giving beginners hope and assurance that a career in balloons CAN succeed!
This three part article will cover the basics on:
• Setting up your balloon business
• Ideas on marketing yourself
• How to grow your business
So lets get started!
Creating a Road Map
Begin with creating a checklist to help you prioritize what you need to accomplish to officially open your company. Many of these steps can be found in the next section “Following the Rules”.
You’ll also need to decide on your mission and goals by developing a business plan. This is not only so you know what your objectives are but it is also an important tool if you are planning to approach investors or financial institutions to receive a loan. Click here to learn more about how to write an effective business plan, provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration. |
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Following the Rules
When starting a business you need to first check local regulations for small business operations. If you plan on operating the business from your home, be sure and check that the zoning ordinances in your area will allow you to use your home for business purposes. Since zoning ordinances vary between different cities or counties, you'll need to check with the Planning Department or Community Development Department of your regional government offices. They'll inform you of any permits or licenses you may need to operate either a home-based or storefront business.
If you are doing business under a name other than your legal name, you'll need to file a fictitious business name statement with the clerk's office of the county where your business will be based. Check with your local State Board of Equalization office to register for your sales tax license. You may even be able to speak with a small business assistance department provided by your state or city to make sure you are on track with setting up your business and abiding the law. Click here to learn more about starting up a business from the U.S. Small Business Administration. |
Know Your Market
Who are you trying to sell balloons to? It's important to know because you can't be all things to all people and do a good job. So, when your business is getting started, narrow your focus initially and concentrate on a smaller market. Be the best you can be to one specific type of client (e.g. brides, hotels, or sales agents). Once you have mastered that market, expand into another.
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What balloon equipment do I need?
Conwin’s line of balloon inflators varies from basic to digital regulators. We also offer safety equipment, balloon accessories, special effects and educational materials to help increase your efficiency and productivity.
For a beginner, the two facets you’ll need to consider first are helium inflators and air inflators. Both are crucial aspects to a balloon decorator to be able to offer a variety of decor.
As most decorators begin with a low budget to start their business, the most economical, yet most efficient options were selected below. To view all of Conwin's Inflators, click here.
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Helium Inflators
For: Arches, Bouquets, etc.
Conwin’s Precision Plus
Inflates all size latex balloons and inflates foils to the perfect pressure and size.
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Air Inflators
For:Columns, Swags, etc.
Conwin’s Air Force 4
Simultaneously inflates up to four air-filled balloons at once. 
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Where do I buy my materials?
Luckily you are starting a business in an industry with a very strong balloon distributor base. Whether you are located on the east coast, mid west, west coast or even internationally, there are distributors near by you can purchase your balloons, equipment, and accessories from. Find a distributor near you through Conwin’s Distributor Network:
Click here for Conwin’s U.S.A. Distributors
Click here for Conwin’s International Distributors
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Install a dedicated phone line
You may need to use your home phone initially, but invest in a separate business line as soon as possible. When clients call they are looking for a professional response. Be sure anyone who answers the phone is trained to answer questions or take a message. Also, by having a dedicated phone line, it allows you to install an answering machine to intercept any calls you are unable to answer. Keep your outgoing message short, upbeat and professional. When you install a business line you may be provided a 2-line yellow page listing at little or no cost. The first line is intended for your business name and the second for an address. If you are a home-based business you may want to avoid listing your home address and use this second line as a great form of advertising. It could read, "Specializing in corporate events" or "Balloons for all occasions." |
Keep good records and receipts
There are many advantages to owning your own business. Consult with an accountant regarding any specific regulations for your region.
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Set specific business hours
Your business hours don't have to be from 9 to 5, but set aside a specific time of the day you devote to your business on a consistent basis. It may be used for design time, paperwork and bookkeeping, or prospecting new clients. And on the flip side, take a break from business after hours. Burnout comes quickly if all you ever do is work, work, work! Taking time to relax and enjoy life feeds your creativity.
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In Starting a Balloon Business Part 2: How to Market Yourself
• Getting the word out
• Marketing materials
• Websites? Do you I need one?
• Marketing in the phone books
• Vehicle Advertising
• Taking care of the customer
• Charity work
• Marketing testimonials from decorators
• Capturing repeat business
• Cold calling 101
• and more!
To view Article 2 – “How to Market Yourself ” click here.
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Contact Us!
We are always interested in hearing about how you started off in the business and what tips you have found to help your business succeed. Email us at ContactConwin@ConwinOnline.com. We’re listening!
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