Hello

Wondering if anyone here is a memer of QBN - is it worth it for training and support? I'm disturbed by the "code of ethics" which require you to only use qualatex balloons though I don't want to be forced to only use one brand, coz I like sempertex

Nikki

QBN is advertised for people who choose to use mainly Qualatex balloons as it is run by Pioneer Balloon Company, the manufacturer of Qualatex balloons

Pam

Oh, okay. Thanks. I thought it was part of becoming a CBA - does it relate to CBA? Is it an independent designation or is it also brand dependent?

Nicki the QBN is what you have to do to become a CBA. To be a CBA they prefer you to strive to use only Qualatex balloons but to be fair on the decor side I find there is not the range in sempertex they are much better for modelling balloons. To do the QBN you don't even need to inflate a balloon to pass - all you do is watch the 3 dvd's in conjunction with the booklet they send you and do a series of on line tests and if you acheive a score of over 80% you pass. The cba is the practical exam which tests if you can put the theory into practice and you have to use Q balloons for the test (which again I suppose is fair enough).

The only thing I believe you have to use only Q balloons for is if you use the images off the QBN resource page which I suppose is fair enough.

I just had a quick look at the sempertex site, http://www.sempertex.com for how many colours they have for decor and stopped counting after 80. I think the problem arises as not the full range is stocked by many wholesalers but I'm more than happy to get it in for you.

Do they have all the printed balloons too? You are right though Graham most retailers stock only the twisting balloons and a few of the rounds (if that) but thier selections are usually very limited. Having said that I shall stick to Sempertex for twisting as I find them so much better.

Printed balloons are also on the website with more in the catalogue which you can download using the pdf file.
It has lots of designs ideas inside that are worth a look including my heart and flower

The postings didnt really answer the OP-is QBN worth the money? Is there anyone out there who has done it? And if so is it recommended? I'm desperate to get to a Care & Share Day, but until then, is QBN a good alternative?

There is a care & share day next Friday 30th which is completely free to attend, more details; special-jam-day-friday-30th-july-t2851.html
Have 20 booked in at the moment so still a few spaces left.

Hi Paul, I have the QBN and I am a CBA, I think that the QBN is vaulable as it takes you through many aspects of Balloon Decor - nothing to do with twisting - if you are looking to go forward with the QBN then I think it would be worth it.

One thing it does drum into you are the costing aspects of balloon decor - I found myself going through the DVD's, pausing , rewinding etc etc, until I had replied back to all the questions, the way the DVD's are geared up do help you think and I think were worth the money - you may take a 1 days course for say £55 or £95.00 ( I have ) and you may have some hands on but with the DVD's you have them for reference. Its very American and some parts of the DVD will make you smile. I did learn from the QBN and from taking the CBA exam.

Its another form of education and if you take the CBA exam then its another certificate for your portfolio.

With regards to using Qualatex products, from the decorators point of view I would only use their latex as I know that every thing I do will be uniform int their shape and they do not pop, well you get the odd one.

Twisting, then Sempertex are that bit longer and I use these as well as the Qualatex modelling balloons.

I hope this helps you. Debbie - wow balloons