For years, balloons have been used to decorate all types of parties and special events. Bright balloons inflated with helium, or sometimes simply filled with air, are a staple for party stores. Colorful clusters of balloons brighten children's parties and other family gatherings, and are popular at school dances, weddings and club events. They can be used both indoors and out.
Balloons also are used in the world of business to decorate large corporate parties; for open house and anniversary celebrations; by individual retail stores and shopping centers to promote special sales or just to attract the attention of potential customers; at auto dealerships; by exhibitors at trade shows; and at holiday festivals and fairs.
A.R.A. member Aero Rental & Party Shoppe, Iowa City, Iowa, is a primary source for balloons in its trade area.
Becky Boerjan, buyer-manager for the party department, said Aero offers 5-inch air-filled balloons and 11-, 16-, and 36-inch helium-filled balloons. In-store balloon displays draw the attention of customers any time they are in the party area.
"Thirty-six-inch balloons often are used by business customers for grand openings and at anniversary events," she said. "They are very popular at school graduations. Some customers use hundreds of balloons at a single event."
For small parties, counter personnel inflate balloons and customers take them from the store. When a large number of balloons is involved, Aero often delivers. Most customers can't transport scores of inflated balloons, since 36-inch balloons will not fit in most cars.
Much larger balloons, sometimes designed in the shape of hot-air balloons, are popular for outdoor use to call attention to a variety of businesses. Replaceable banners are available in several sizes and with commercial messages attached to the sides. They are inflated with helium, tethered with rope and then allowed to rise high enough to be seen from a distance.
Other types of display balloons are inflated by air with electrically powered blowers that keep the proper amount of air in the balloon. Blowers can operate off standard household current or portable generators.
Always caution customers not to allow such balloons or tether ropes to come in contact with overhead utility lines; electricity can be conducted down the rope and cause serious injury or electrocution. Such balloons should not be used in high winds.
Trailer-mounted advertising balloon packages are towed to events. They also are inflated by electrical blowers.
"When they are not out on rental, balloons with 'Rent Me' can be parked in front of the rental store to attract the attention of customers," suggested Hilton Glass of A.R.A. associate member Balloon on Wheels, Biloxi, Miss. Glass said customers should be advised to park trailers only on level surfaces and to block wheels before unhooking from the towing vehicle.
Large inflatables are available in many sizes and shapes, including arches, animals and cartoon-like creatures. Many - such as Santas, pumpkins and rabbits - fit traditional holiday themes.
Inflatable fun centers provide various children's games. Children can go in, crawl through, slide down and play games in these large inflatable structures. They are made of tough, lightweight fabric, and are stored and transported in carrying bags. Electric blowers inflate them and keep structures filled with air during use.
It is important to follow setup instructions, to place such inflatables only on surfaces recommended by the manufacturer, and to properly secure them in accordance with the
in-structions. An adult attendant must sup-ervise the use of in-flatable fun items. These inflatables are popular at fund-raising events, where admission is charged to play on them.
"A rental store can even become a game operator by taking inflatable games to festivals and special events and operating them on a 'pay for play' basis," said Ken Murphy of A.R.A. associate member Leisure Activities Unlimited, Aurora, Ontario, Canada.
Whether purchasing a few inflated latex balloons or renting large inflatable items, there is an almost unlimited customer base for inflatable products. And all are prospects for other party item rentals and disposable goods carried by party rental stores.