Balloon Basics Guide

Helium-filled Foil Balloons

INFLATION IN HIGH ALTITUDES Some foil balloons will not float in high altitudes. If you work in a high-altitude location, please consider the following when ordering foil balloons: w Balloons that are 21" or larger are more likely than standard (17"/18") to float in high altitudes. w Standard balloons that have detailed designs use more ink, which may cause the balloon to be heavier and less likely to float in a high altitude. This is also true for two-sided, standard (17"/18") balloons. w Standard, round-shaped balloons generally float better than heart, star, or other shaped balloons. w Also, balloon weights and ribbons attached to balloons can affect the float-ability in high altitudes. PROPER DISPOSAL Encourage customers to properly dispose of foil balloons by cutting them open to release helium and then discarding them in a trash container. Unlike latex balloons, foil balloons are not biodegradable. Never release foil balloons into the atmosphere. PACKAGED FOIL BALLOONS Many 17" balloon designs are individually pre-packaged. Packaged balloons can be displayed on a stationary or rotating rack. This form of merchandising allows your customers an interactive shopping experience.

BALLOON WEIGHTS Every helium balloon sold or

47200 72 Peg Floor Spinner

given away should have a weight attached. If a balloon arrangement is sold, each individual balloon should have a weight. Balloon weights are available in a multitude of sizes, shapes, styles, and colors, and are sure to please your budget. Be creative upselling your existing gift inventory with anything heavy enough; baskets, mugs, and plush make excellent weights while also allowing you to boost your sales. Altitude, atmospheric conditions, and other weather-related factors can affect the number of balloons that any given weight can “anchor.”

FLOAT TIMES FOR HELIUM-FILLED BALLOONS

Balloon Type Float Time

18" Clearly b + B ® Plastic

5 days

17"/18" Foil

3–4 weeks

14750 Balloon Weight Asst.

26" Foil

3–4 weeks

W50 Balloon Weights

36" Foil

Several months

TIME SAVERS + AHA! moments w Before inflating a self-sealing foil balloon, tie a balloon weight to one end of a ribbon and attach the other end of the ribbon to the balloon. It is important that the ribbon be tied below the seal-sealing valve of the foil balloon. Attaching ribbon above the valve can cause a slow leak. By attaching the ribbon and weight first, time is saved and balloons will not escape if accidentally released after inflation. w Never use a heat sealer on a self-sealing balloon. It could cause damage to the self-sealing valve.

931633 Curling Ribbon

931658 Curling Ribbon

5

Phone 800-241-2094 + Fax 800-880-9759