5 Things I Don’t Do as a Balloon Decorator

As a balloon decorator, there are certain things I’ve learned to avoid in order to keep my business running smoothly and ensure my clients are happy. There are a few common practices in the industry that I don’t adhere to, and today I’m sharing the top 5 things I don’t do as a balloon decorator. These decisions have helped me stay focused, save time, and, ultimately, grow my business. Let’s dive in:

1. Mockups for Every Order

While mockups are often seen as a crucial part of balloon décor, I rarely do them - even for my large corporate clients. Mockups can be time-consuming and often unnecessary. In most cases, clients trust that I understand their vision based on the details they’ve provided. Instead of spending hours designing mockups, I prefer to focus on providing them with the best possible service, using my experience and creativity to bring their event to life. If a client really needs to see a visual representation, I’ll provide it, but I don't make it a standard practice. For the most part, they’re happy with the ideas I suggest and the finished product!

2. Charge Wildly High Prices

I’ve seen some decorators charge astronomical prices for their services, and while there’s a time and place for premium pricing, I don’t believe in gouging my clients. I aim for fair pricing that reflects the quality of my work, the time it takes, and the cost of supplies. It’s about finding the right balance and providing value to clients without overcharging. I’d rather build long-lasting relationships and get repeat business by offering reasonable prices, rather than inflating costs to make a quick buck.

3. Spend Hours Trying to Find the Perfect Color

I get it—color matching is important, but spending hours searching for the perfect shade of balloon is a major time-sink. I offer a specific selection of colors, and I give my clients those options upfront. When it comes to color, most clients are more than happy to pick from my pre-selected color chart. In fact, decorators can waste an incredible amount of time hunting down that one elusive shade when in reality, the client is perfectly satisfied with the options you’ve already presented. My advice? Stick to your color offerings and let your clients choose from what’s available. It’s simple, efficient, and keeps the process moving!

4. Balloon Mosaics

I’ll admit it – I’m just not a fan of balloon mosaics. While some decorators may love making them, I absolutely loathe them. I can’t justify the time and effort it takes to create a balloon mosaic based on the price I would need to charge for it. The process is time-consuming and requires a lot of meticulous work, and honestly, it just doesn’t bring me the joy or profit I’m looking for. I’d rather focus on other balloon décor options that I enjoy more and that fit better into my business model.

5. Doing Things for Free 

As much as I love helping my clients and contributing to their events, I don’t usually do things for free unless it’s for a specific cause or occasion that is special to us and we can accommodate. I understand the joy that balloon décor can bring, but this is a business. Giving away services for free devalues my work and the balloon décor industry as a whole. That being said, I occasionally donate to charitable events or offer my services for something that aligns with my values, but I make it clear that my time and skills are valuable, and I run a business that needs to be sustained.

Final Thoughts

As a balloon decorator, it’s important to set boundaries and make decisions that align with your goals and values. These five things I don’t do in my business have helped me stay focused, efficient, and fair to my clients. Everyone has their own style and approach, but these practices are what work for me. I encourage you to figure out what works best for you too, and don’t be afraid to set your own standards. After all, running a business is about finding balance and doing what feels right!

What are some things you don’t do in your balloon décor business? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your thoughts!