Where Do Balloon Artists Get Their Balloons?

As a balloon decorator, I get asked all the time, "Where do you get your balloons?" "Do you use special balloons?" "What’s the difference in the balloons you use?" If you’re wondering about the same thing, let me fill you in!

The Secret to Sourcing the Best Balloons

Finding high-quality balloons is an important part of being a successful balloon artist, and over time, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to help make sure I’m getting the best balloons for my events. The goal is always to find balloons that meet my high standards, with the best delivery fees and the quickest shipping time. And if you’re like me (and some of my clients, you know who you are!), you're likely dealing with last-minute projects. That’s why choosing a distributor that’s geographically close to you can make a huge difference.

Step 1: Choose Your Balloon Brand

Start by figuring out what brand of balloons you want to buy. The most popular brands in the industry in the United States are Tuftex, and Sempertex. However, not all distributors carry all the lines, which can be frustrating when you're trying to stock up on balloons for an event. It can also get expensive if you end up shopping around at multiple sites, so my advice is to do your research and stick to the distributors that you trust. Over time, you'll find your go-to places.

Pro Tip: Stay Organized!

It might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s really not hard once you’re organized. I actually use a spreadsheet for everything—from keeping track of orders to storing contact info for each distributor. I’ve made a spreadsheet with all of the distributors for each balloon brand, including their websites, minimum order requirements, free shipping (if applicable), and any other important details. Having this information at my fingertips is a total game-changer, especially when I need to quickly order balloons for an event.

The Difference Between Decorator-Quality Balloons and Generic Balloons

One of the biggest differences between decorator-quality balloons and the generic ones you might find at big box stores or online retailers is the quality. Brands like Tuftex and Sempertex are superior in several ways, including:

• Color consistency: No more surprises when you open a bag to find balloons that don’t quite match your expectations.
• Shape: Decorator-quality balloons hold their shape better and are less likely to sag or deflate prematurely.
• Breakage: High-quality balloons are less likely to pop unexpectedly during inflation or installation.
• Overall consistency: These brands are known for maintaining high standards, so you know exactly what you’re getting each time.

I’ve tried almost every brand out there, and the difference is obvious. If you’re using lower-quality balloons, chances are you’ll find yourself having to double-stuff balloons just to get decent color and texture. But with high-quality balloons, you don’t need to worry about that!

That said, I do occasionally double-stuff balloons for custom colors or to achieve a certain look, but it’s not a regular practice when working with great balloons like Tuftex or Sempertex.

Amazon: A Last-Minute Solution (But Beware of Price Markups)

Let’s be honest—sometimes we all end up using Amazon for last-minute orders. While I try not to buy off-brand balloons, I’ll admit that I’ve purchased balloons from Amazon for their fast shipping. But here’s the thing: while Amazon can be convenient, just because they're a cheaper quality balloon, doesn't mean they're actually cheaper. So, while it’s great for urgent situations, I’d recommend sticking to your regular distributors whenever possible.

Wrapping It Up: Quality Matters

In the end, finding a trusted balloon distributor that works for you is key to getting the best results for your events. Whether you prefer Sempertex, Tuftex, or another brand, the most important thing is that you’re using high-quality balloons that are consistent, durable, and have a wide variety of sizes and colors to choose from.

Do your research, get organized, and trust the best in the industry to bring your balloon creations to life! Have any questions about balloon sourcing or a favorite supplier? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!