16/06/2026
Here goes!
A rant that I felt needed to be said, something that should not have to be said! but to clear confusion… (it’s a long one apologies in advance)
The theme in my inbox (& has been for the longest time) is to insult when I quote a price…
“wow that’s expensive”, “no thank you not at that ridiculous price”, “well iv been quoted much less elsewhere”, or the most recent “good luck in your business at those prices”!
It makes me wonder how often said people would approach high street stores, big chain shopping stores, or email their fave celebs brand when online shopping, if they are met with the same attitude or responses I’m met with far too many times to count! The answer is you WOULDN’T! Why? because their price is their price. Even when those stores, brands, celebs make millions you do not try to reduce them so why should this be different for a very small fry business which my children depend on like myself?
For those who consistently tell me they can get it much cheaper down the road. There is normally reasons why…
1. For nearly 3 years now I have invested HEAVILY in consistent training to produce the best possible results that I can for my customers, as well as hold a membership to have access to training on the go when ever I need it. All of this comes at a cost.
2. I use the best balloons on the market which go through vigorous testing to meet industry standards & compliance. Temu & Amazon balloons are VERY harmful, they do not go through the testing that branded products do & a recent report was published proving the chemicals within those balloons cause cancer & other health issues. But often used by people because they are significantly less to buy. Branded balloons are MUCH more expensive but SAFE.
3. I am a legitimate registered, tax paying business who is fully insured.
4. I continually invest in new inventory & ensure the inventory I have is kept in immaculate condition.
5. I can spend hours each day managing the business admin, messages, emails, phone calls, stock ordering, rotation, back & forth to venues to measure & price jobs, collect props all of which is unpaid.
6. I have a commercial van for the business. The usual boring stuff- road tax, insurance, fuel & maintenance. Without this I am unable to do the job I do.
These are all things that are always over looked because Susan down the road does it as a hobby with no overheads due to not being a legitimate business. & uses the cheapest possible products which enables her prices to “seem” attractive.
I work really hard to bring people the best possible results that I can. I care deeply about my business & the customers who continually support it. Whilst I have the most amazing customer base & lots of returning customers who value what I do & appreciate the end product, to have to deal with the comments that I do on such a regular basis it is SO disheartening & upsetting. However! It certainly will not make me match peoples budgets. Not everyone can afford what I quote which is perfectly ok, but it’s also perfectly ok to say this politely & go about your day like a decent human being.
The contrast between people blows my mind! An appreciative customer will say I need to increase my prices (thank you 🥹🩷) whilst a low baller will abuse the quote then insult me & my business!
Support your local small businesses instead of tearing them down people!
Supporting doesn’t always mean buying, it’s sharing a post, recommending them, even a quick like! I can guarantee they care about you & your custom SO much more than a multimillion pound high street chain who you will pay full price for no questions asked, & who doesn’t even know you exist!
And breathe 🧘♀️🙏
