I'm fairly new at balloon art. I've learned the skill/techniques, just by watching UA-cam. Now I'm booking gigs, and pricing is a blur. This helps a lot!!
Wow that was the best explanation of how to price. Thank you for being so concise! People often think “it’s just balloons” and expect to pay basically nothing. They just don’t realize the time and effort it takes. I have wasted hours of my life planning and researching to create backdrops for people who ended up saying no thank you in the end which has taught me it’s also important to require a non refundable deposit before doing anything. Thanks for all the useful information!!!
Yes , non-refundable deposit cash is best. I did this with my balloon pick up for a long time. I made garlands at home and customers just came by and I took the garland out to their vehicle curbside! This saved me alot of time and sometimes anguish with how customers are out there. Lol . I made 6 to 8 foot creations and just charged extra for non standard colors and add ons like tropical leaves, flowers ans so on and they bought them. Yes you are correct . The public had no clue how much it takes mentally to create exactly what they want then they sometimes back out when they get a quote. Keep it up and keep on creating and always stick to prices. Get paid your value and give a quality product . People will refer and they will come back. Good luck
OMG, I have definitely been undercharging for my service. This is the best video I've come across on UA-cam... Thank you soooo much, we appreciate you 💜
Oh my gosh so glad to hear it!!! Thank you! Wishing you the best! I always recommend checking what other artists in your area charge, and for what quality, as this does vary! 💖 XOXO, Rach
A while back I had an idea...I created balloon arches /garlands up to 6-8 feet and had customers pick up curbside at my home and my idea worked! I took cash only and had a $10 non refundable deposit and charged extra for add ons like flowers, leaves or different than standard colors. On average for a 6-8 ft standard (no add ons) balloon garland my pay for approx 20 minutes of work was $30. So $60 an hour for working at home. My customers referred me and they had no problem just coming by to pick up. Know your worth and price your worth and stick to your quotes. Always plan out and price price . Stick to it and make your money enjoy your creativity and you will succeed. !! Good luck .
I am blown away with your pricing. I have been doing these for free for family and friends. I just started charging! My goodness this helps me so much. Blessings for you and your business
Have you considered rolling the backdrop onto a tube (like wrapping papper) instead of folding?? That would legitimately save you 2 hours. Truly just a thought. I absolutely love and appreciate your channel so much as a newbie!
Oh man that really would be amazing! This shipped to me folded, but I hope the manufacturer sees this comment lolol! Thanks for the kind words! XOXO, Rach
Thank you!!!!! This has helped a lot. Sometimes I feel like people look at me crazy for charging less than what you indicated on this video. This was a GREAT help.
I thank so much 🥰 for that explanation of how to price. I am very new to balloon art too and I think sometimes we charge under because we don't believe we are ready or able to charge the right amount like professionals such as yourself.
I completely know what you mean! I definitely have a lot of discounts in the early days, and that helped me build my portfolio and build my customer base and get off the ground, which I discuss in my first Q&A video, but there comes a time to know your worth and stick to it! 🥰😘 XOXO, Rach
I'm in the process of making a "garland" for a friend and I gave her a price of $240 she asked me to make her a 21 number balloon mosaic, a two tone backdrop with lights and the garland with gold, silver and black mind you I have to add other foil accents all for $240! I quickly realized that I'm not making shit. I asked her for an extra $60 for the backdrop materials and I'm up n arms. I really didn't think this through. Mind you I had to free draw my number mosaics and they came out good. People just don't wanna pay. And I'm an idiot because I never know how to charge
🙈🙈🙈🙈 it’s a total learning experience!! Honestly if you are able to see what others in your area are charging it’ll probably help! I undercharged until it hurt enough I learned my lesson 😅😅 you’ll find that sweet spot! XOXO, Rach
Do you mind explaining what you consider “a foot”. Is that (8) clusters? I have a hard time determining what a foot is. When a client shows you a picture of the size they want how can you determine how many feet it is?
Hey there! I measure linearly - so in a straight line, single width. Using 5, 11 & 17 inch balloons, one cluster of 8 usually comes out to about a foot and a half for me. Then when I add in 24 inch balloons, those obviously make it much bigger. As does adding in extra volume (adding in more clusters to widen it in certain areas, etc.) I started by measuring with a tape measure and over time developed the skill of being able to eyeball it. I also quote clients by size, and include a caveat that if they want it larger than that, the price will change accordingly. Hope that helps! XOXO, Rach
@@BubblyBalloonCo yes that is very helpful. When you add 24 inch balloons do you add it to the measurement at 2ft for pricing purposes? Thank you so much for your response
Hi i just start baloon busines but was wondering goot qualiti baloons I live in UK could you recomend a brand pls? The vid3o is awsome helps a lot for beginners.👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks for making these videos! You’re adorable and make it all so easy to understand. My question is: do you make sections at home and transport them to the job site? If so, how?
☺️ why thank you! Yes I often do that, in an SUV, or multiple vehicles. Some artists rent (or purchase) something like a uhaul truck to fit the entire creation in. For me, if it’s too big for the car I’ll either bring part of it in sections or just do the whole thing on-site if time allows. XOXO, Rach
Does the customer keep the stuff besides the stand? Im just trying to figure that out before I start this. I feel like I would want to keep the items for my business as I could reuse them on a future order
Hi!! Absolutely great video! Very helpful. I wanted to make sure I understand, the materials cost is not included in the price because the cost per foot covers it?😊 If not how are you reimbursed for materials. Thank you!
Hi Dahlene! There are different ways to do it. If we are talking about charging by foot, that standard price would cover standard materials. More on that here: ua-cam.com/video/BXh7X5Zx7x8/v-deo.html XOXO, Rach
Hey there! So depends how I price it! If I’m doing the 3X the materials, that’s for them keeping it. If I’m renting the stand and props to them, I will charge a breakdown fee to go and pick those up after the event. Hope that helps!! XOXO, Rach
Thank god for this channel !! I’m just starting out and you have been so helpful to watch !! A quick question you generally would keep the background art correct . The client isn’t buying that . They would just keep the actual garland minus the greenery ? Everything else is a “ rental “ ?
Hey there, thanks for watching & leaving those kind words! In this example, the client would be purchasing the backdrop. If it were going to be used as a rental, I would cut the price back on that. Pretty much anything I am 3Xing would account for them keeping it. I'm sure there is a different but similar formula for pricing rentals! XOXO, Rach
You are very welcome! Feel free to ask your questions in the comments, I try to answer as many as I can or do videos on ones that get asked a lot! XOXO, Rach
Love your channel! I went to the Ellies Brand site and noticed they didn't have shades like aqua blue and spring green. Is this the only brand you use or is there another if you need more of a selection of colors? Thanks.
Hey Susan! I use a bunch of brands! Qualatex, Tuftex, Kalisan, Sempertex, Ellie's, Decomex... I have a video on where I buy them all too if you need help with that : ) This just happened to be a breakdown of a creation I did with Ellie's balloons. (They have some good hard-to-find neutrals mostly.) XOXO, Rach
Hello love watching your videos and they are always informative, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, I recently launched my business and I was wondering is there a discount you get on the balloons like a wholesale price? I currently use tuftex one of my favs and purchase from balloon vendors like balloons online and balloons fast but still seems really expensive was wondering am I missing out on a wholesale site or vendor? thanks in advance
Hey Robin! Honestly, they are expensive. I haven't found one to date... but I do sometimes buy in bulk to get discounts where I can. I share my favorite brands and places to buy from and some tips in this video: ua-cam.com/video/8Bq5Nygv8q0/v-deo.html Hope that helps! XOXO, Rach
I have a video on my tips to choose kits on Amazon as that can be super hit or miss... ua-cam.com/video/k84Vlc1GsNM/v-deo.html Hope that helps! XOXO, Rach
Check out some artists’ websites or IGs in your area and see for yourself! A lot have minimums of $1K or more, depending on the area, their quality of work and the demand! But there’s a sweet spot in there somewhere, especially when you’re starting out. I wouldn’t start with a top tier rate myself, but work up to it naturally. My two cents! ✨🎈 XOXO, Rach
But how do you charge when the average household income is just over $42k and the population of 10k people and surrounding areas is just as bad, if not worse. Small towns.
I think it depends on the rates in your market. A lot of people DIY it, but if they’re willing to hire a professional to do it, it’s worth seeing what the going rate is in your market and staying fair to all parties involved. My two cents. 😊 best of luck! XOXO, Rach
Fortunately, and unfortunately, there are no other balloon designers here. Great for me, but not so great on knowing what the market can handle.. You're great and I love watching your videos.
I'm fairly new at balloon art. I've learned the skill/techniques, just by watching UA-cam. Now I'm booking gigs, and pricing is a blur. This helps a lot!!
Oh that's so awesome Latonya, glad it's helpful!
XOXO,
Rach
Hello congratulations on your business
I'm very new to this business as well
Hello Latonya
I'm new to balloon design as well.
I'm starting my business and trying to figure out how to price my designs
This has helped me also!
I love your videos
Wow that was the best explanation of how to price. Thank you for being so concise! People often think “it’s just balloons” and expect to pay basically nothing. They just don’t realize the time and effort it takes. I have wasted hours of my life planning and researching to create backdrops for people who ended up saying no thank you in the end which has taught me it’s also important to require a non refundable deposit before doing anything. Thanks for all the useful information!!!
I feel your pain on this! So glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching + commenting 🎈✨
XOXO,
Rach
Yes , non-refundable deposit cash is best. I did this with my balloon pick up for a long time. I made garlands at home and customers just came by and I took the garland out to their vehicle curbside! This saved me alot of time and sometimes anguish with how customers are out there. Lol . I made 6 to 8 foot creations and just charged extra for non standard colors and add ons like tropical leaves, flowers ans so on and they bought them. Yes you are correct . The public had no clue how much it takes mentally to create exactly what they want then they sometimes back out when they get a quote. Keep it up and keep on creating and always stick to prices. Get paid your value and give a quality product . People will refer and they will come back. Good luck
OMG, I have definitely been undercharging for my service.
This is the best video I've come across on UA-cam...
Thank you soooo much, we appreciate you 💜
Oh my gosh so glad to hear it!!! Thank you! Wishing you the best! I always recommend checking what other artists in your area charge, and for what quality, as this does vary! 💖
XOXO,
Rach
A while back I had an idea...I created balloon arches /garlands up to 6-8 feet and had customers pick up curbside at my home and my idea worked! I took cash only and had a $10 non refundable deposit and charged extra for add ons like flowers, leaves or different than standard colors. On average for a 6-8 ft standard (no add ons) balloon garland my pay for approx 20 minutes of work was $30. So $60 an hour for working at home. My customers referred me and they had no problem just coming by to pick up. Know your worth and price your worth and stick to your quotes. Always plan out and price price . Stick to it and make your money enjoy your creativity and you will succeed. !! Good luck .
That's fantastic Dolores!! Thanks for sharing these great tips!
XOXO,
Rach
I am blown away with your pricing. I have been doing these for free for family and friends. I just started charging! My goodness this helps me so much. Blessings for you and your business
So glad Cheryl! Good luck to you!
XOXO,
Rach
Have you considered rolling the backdrop onto a tube (like wrapping papper) instead of folding?? That would legitimately save you 2 hours. Truly just a thought. I absolutely love and appreciate your channel so much as a newbie!
Oh man that really would be amazing! This shipped to me folded, but I hope the manufacturer sees this comment lolol! Thanks for the kind words!
XOXO,
Rach
This was the best breakdown of that method and very detailed. Thank you
I’m so glad! You’re welcome!
XOXO,
Rach
hands down best price breakdown 🙌 👏 👌
Thank you!!!!! This has helped a lot. Sometimes I feel like people look at me crazy for charging less than what you indicated on this video. This was a GREAT help.
Oh I’m so glad to hear it! 😍
XOXO,
Rach
Know your value and stick to it. Get paid for what others cant create.
I truly appreciate you sharing this because I have really have been under pricing myself. 😮🤦🏾♀️
😂 I know the feeling! Obviously it all depends on the market, so do a little research but yeah… 😅
I am Soo glad I came across your channel. I am learning so much from you! 😊🙌
Yay! I'm so glad too, Arly!
XOXO,
Rach
I thank so much 🥰 for that explanation of how to price. I am very new to balloon art too and I think sometimes we charge under because we don't believe we are ready or able to charge the right amount like professionals such as yourself.
I completely know what you mean! I definitely have a lot of discounts in the early days, and that helped me build my portfolio and build my customer base and get off the ground, which I discuss in my first Q&A video, but there comes a time to know your worth and stick to it! 🥰😘
XOXO,
Rach
This was so clear to understand. Thanks for the clarity. Great video.
Most helpful for my DD's small balloon biz. Thank You!!!
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
XOXO,
Rach
Such a detailed breakdown! & the backdrop is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing!
Aww yay thank you! ✨
XOXO,
Rach
You're welcome
I'm in the process of making a "garland" for a friend and I gave her a price of $240 she asked me to make her a 21 number balloon mosaic, a two tone backdrop with lights and the garland with gold, silver and black mind you I have to add other foil accents all for $240! I quickly realized that I'm not making shit. I asked her for an extra $60 for the backdrop materials and I'm up n arms.
I really didn't think this through. Mind you I had to free draw my number mosaics and they came out good. People just don't wanna pay. And I'm an idiot because I never know how to charge
🙈🙈🙈🙈 it’s a total learning experience!! Honestly if you are able to see what others in your area are charging it’ll probably help! I undercharged until it hurt enough I learned my lesson 😅😅 you’ll find that sweet spot!
XOXO,
Rach
Awww well it's a learning experience.
Ok I have a question. How do you transport balloons to the client’s location? Do assemble there or at home first and then transport?
I’ve definitely been underpaying myself. Great video and very informative ☺️
Hey CeCe! I know the feeling, haha! Glad it was helpful : )
XOXO,
Rach
Get paid your value because others can't create the way you can. Set prices and stick to it. Good luck.
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. It's a great help!
Thank you Sheryl, I’m so glad to hear that!
XOXO,
Rach
Do you mind explaining what you consider “a foot”. Is that (8) clusters? I have a hard time determining what a foot is. When a client shows you a picture of the size they want how can you determine how many feet it is?
Hey there! I measure linearly - so in a straight line, single width. Using 5, 11 & 17 inch balloons, one cluster of 8 usually comes out to about a foot and a half for me. Then when I add in 24 inch balloons, those obviously make it much bigger. As does adding in extra volume (adding in more clusters to widen it in certain areas, etc.) I started by measuring with a tape measure and over time developed the skill of being able to eyeball it. I also quote clients by size, and include a caveat that if they want it larger than that, the price will change accordingly. Hope that helps!
XOXO,
Rach
@@BubblyBalloonCo yes that is very helpful. When you add 24 inch balloons do you add it to the measurement at 2ft for pricing purposes? Thank you so much for your response
Hi i just start baloon busines but was wondering goot qualiti baloons I live in UK could you recomend a brand pls? The vid3o is awsome helps a lot for beginners.👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you for this video it has lots of great information 🖤
You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!
XOXO,
Rach
Thanks for making these videos! You’re adorable and make it all so easy to understand. My question is: do you make sections at home and transport them to the job site? If so, how?
☺️ why thank you! Yes I often do that, in an SUV, or multiple vehicles. Some artists rent (or purchase) something like a uhaul truck to fit the entire creation in. For me, if it’s too big for the car I’ll either bring part of it in sections or just do the whole thing on-site if time allows.
XOXO,
Rach
In regards to breakdown, do u disassemble the garland for the client and they keep it? Do u take back the fake greenery?
Hey Lori, depends on the client/job, and I would price accordingly if I were keeping the greenery vs if they were.
XOXO,
Rach
Does the customer keep the stuff besides the stand? Im just trying to figure that out before I start this. I feel like I would want to keep the items for my business as I could reuse them on a future order
When the event is over what do you do with the balloons?
Hi!! Absolutely great video! Very helpful.
I wanted to make sure I understand, the materials cost is not included in the price because the cost per foot covers it?😊
If not how are you reimbursed for materials. Thank you!
Hi Dahlene! There are different ways to do it. If we are talking about charging by foot, that standard price would cover standard materials. More on that here: ua-cam.com/video/BXh7X5Zx7x8/v-deo.html
XOXO,
Rach
So I’m this scenario what did your client get to “keep” and what did you get to reuse? I have some idea but don’t want to make any assumptions
Hey there! So depends how I price it! If I’m doing the 3X the materials, that’s for them keeping it. If I’m renting the stand and props to them, I will charge a breakdown fee to go and pick those up after the event. Hope that helps!!
XOXO,
Rach
You are so great woman súper inteligente! Thank you for shearing All your knowledge🤗
Thank you so much! So glad you're enjoying! ✨
XOXO,
Rach
By the way, LOVE ur videos!!! Super helpful!
thanks Lori!!
XOXO,
Rach
Thank god for this channel !! I’m just starting out and you have been so helpful to watch !! A quick question you generally would keep the background art correct . The client isn’t buying that . They would just keep the actual garland minus the greenery ? Everything else is a “ rental “ ?
Hey there, thanks for watching & leaving those kind words! In this example, the client would be purchasing the backdrop. If it were going to be used as a rental, I would cut the price back on that. Pretty much anything I am 3Xing would account for them keeping it. I'm sure there is a different but similar formula for pricing rentals!
XOXO,
Rach
Wow! Thank you for your invaluable advice! I have so many questions to ask,
You are very welcome! Feel free to ask your questions in the comments, I try to answer as many as I can or do videos on ones that get asked a lot!
XOXO,
Rach
Omg you speak so fast. My English understanding is not very good I had to slow to 0.75x. but is very important all you explained thank you so much
Glad you were able to slow it down and get value from it!
XOXO,
Rach
Love your channel! I went to the Ellies Brand site and noticed they didn't have shades like aqua blue and spring green. Is this the only brand you use or is there another if you need more of a selection of colors? Thanks.
Hey Susan! I use a bunch of brands! Qualatex, Tuftex, Kalisan, Sempertex, Ellie's, Decomex... I have a video on where I buy them all too if you need help with that : ) This just happened to be a breakdown of a creation I did with Ellie's balloons. (They have some good hard-to-find neutrals mostly.)
XOXO,
Rach
@@BubblyBalloonCo I just watched that one lol thank you!
Lll
so helpful! thanks for sharing!
Yay! You’re so welcome!
XOXO,
Rach
Thanks for this video, it was very informative huni. 🙂
You're so welcome, I'm glad to hear it!
XOXO,
Rach
hiiiiii, are there a basic set of questions you ask during the booking process?
Hi Brittany! That's a good question - probably, lol! Let me see if I can do a video on this topic : )
XOXO,
Rach
@@BubblyBalloonCo Plsssss
Thus video has been so helpful ☺️
I’m so glad to hear it Alejandra!
XOXO,
Rach
Hello love watching your videos and they are always informative, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, I recently launched my business and I was wondering is there a discount you get on the balloons like a wholesale price? I currently use tuftex one of my favs and purchase from balloon vendors like balloons online and balloons fast but still seems really expensive was wondering am I missing out on a wholesale site or vendor? thanks in advance
Hey Robin! Honestly, they are expensive. I haven't found one to date... but I do sometimes buy in bulk to get discounts where I can. I share my favorite brands and places to buy from and some tips in this video: ua-cam.com/video/8Bq5Nygv8q0/v-deo.html Hope that helps!
XOXO,
Rach
And usually clients want me to make kits they're seeing off of Amazon... Do those companies sell kits as well?
I have a video on my tips to choose kits on Amazon as that can be super hit or miss... ua-cam.com/video/k84Vlc1GsNM/v-deo.html Hope that helps!
XOXO,
Rach
Hello! Love the video. Im definitely new to the balloon art. I cant click on the video you were talking about. Theb1 about prices.
Thank you for the information. Do you let the client keep the backdrop?
Hey Tonya, you're so welcome! At that price, I would, yes. If it were a rental, I would use a different pricing structure : )
XOXO,
Rach
How much would you charge for a 15 foot Christmas tree?
Do you set up for your clients or do they pick up and set up by themselves?
Hi there! I offer both. Generally, I do the installs, but I have offered "grab and go" options as well.
XOXO,
Rach
I love your videos!! Where do you buy your balloons in bulk?
Thank you! Great information!
Oh awesome, you're welcome Cynthia! Thanks for watching : )
XOXO,
Rach
Thank you😊
You're welcome Tameka!
XOXO,
Rach
Is that real or fake eucalyptus? It’s gorgeous! If you got them online, where did you get them??
hey there! these stems are fake, got 'em on Amazon - link is in video description
XOXO,
Rach
@@BubblyBalloonCo omg I got them. So excited
Awwww yay!!! They’re pretty cute! It took a lot of steaming though, be warned! 😅
Where do you purchase balloons?
Hi Lizzie! I share my fave places to buy balloons in this video: ua-cam.com/video/8Bq5Nygv8q0/v-deo.html
XOXO,
Rach
Im loving learning how to do balloons buts I can't imagine anyone paying so much for balloon anything. Do they really?
Check out some artists’ websites or IGs in your area and see for yourself! A lot have minimums of $1K or more, depending on the area, their quality of work and the demand! But there’s a sweet spot in there somewhere, especially when you’re starting out. I wouldn’t start with a top tier rate myself, but work up to it naturally. My two cents! ✨🎈
XOXO,
Rach
Awesome
: )
XOXO,
Rach
Can someone help me understand why you multiply by 3?
It’s just a way to price. You don’t have to! You can do whatever works for you 🫶🏻
XOXO,
Rach
Thank you your awesome
I just don't know how to charge for my balloon
Did this video help? I do have one more on pricing that may help too. 💖
XOXO,
Rach
Woooow I hve been under costing my new business....am a newbie in the industry so there's alot to learn
Hey there! I understand 🙂 Check out my other video on pricing for more on how to gauge the right price for your services 🎈
XOXO,
Rach
I hve been following you and you have been of great help
So glad to hear it!
XOXO,
Rach
But how do you charge when the average household income is just over $42k and the population of 10k people and surrounding areas is just as bad, if not worse. Small towns.
I think it depends on the rates in your market. A lot of people DIY it, but if they’re willing to hire a professional to do it, it’s worth seeing what the going rate is in your market and staying fair to all parties involved. My two cents. 😊 best of luck!
XOXO,
Rach
Fortunately, and unfortunately, there are no other balloon designers here. Great for me, but not so great on knowing what the market can handle.. You're great and I love watching your videos.