I have a problem when I make balloons, I don't like making the easy dog or the easy sword as I know I can make better models with a little more time. Problem is time does pass by very quickly and soon you have a big queue which never seems to go down. How do you guys tackle this issue. Should I go back to the quick and easy dog or should I stay with quality ?

Maybe try and simplify slightly, instead of doing a 5 balloon dog, do a two balloon dog etc.

I do a lot of weddings and I try to persuade my clients to let me attend during the wedding meal so that I can circulate round the tables.  I get a little bit of resistance sometimes.  Sometimes my clients say ok and sometimes they stick to their guns and have me for the time between the meal and the evening celebrations.  A gap filler. If a client initially wanted me for the gap but was persuaded to have me during the meal I always have the same comment. "I am so happy you did the tables, all of my guests were blown away"  I like to watch for reactions of the adult guests when I get my balloons out.  There is a roll of the eyes and you can see them thinking "Oh no not balloons"  But then I make one and it all changes.  They rolled their eyes because they were thinking I was going to come to their table and make a sausage dog or some such thing.  They are not interested in that.  Ok usually I am there initially to make the balloons for the children but the adults still don't want sausage dog making at their table during a wedding meal.  When I make my first model the attitude changes from cringe to expectation.  The guests all want me to come to their table next, children or no children.  For adults I would not worry so much about making a balloon for everyone at each table you visit. Keep your quality up and do one at each table to start.  I look on each table as a shop window.  Make a nice memorable balloon and leave your card, or more than one.  Promise to come back if you have time after you have made a model for all the other tables.  

It is a little different if you are making balloons for children attending a ball.  You can't very well do one child a balloon and not others.  Check out how many children are there first.  If there are not many you can go to town and impress.  If there are a lot of children work faster but keep to a higher level than they expect.  Always exceed expectations - its not hard to do.  I love twisters who refuse to make anything other than the basics.  There are a lot out there.  I have nothing against you people.  You make anyone prepared to put a little bit more effort into their work look good.  

Remember, if you resort to simple stuff you won't be remembered.  Shine.  Make people remember you.  Make them want to take your card.  And enjoy your work.

Finally one other problem you should address in these situations are the babies in highchairs, obviously too young, but they are attached to parents who absolutely must have a balloon!!!!! Don't do it.  But do.   I tell the parents that I don't make balloons for under 3's  I tell them "Of course as a responsible parent you know its not safe to give a child a balloon because of the choking risk.  That's why a lot of toys say unsuitable for under 3's and I'm sure you wouldn't ignore that.  But I will make a balloon for you instead because I know its you who wants one really" (Smile)  I make something that can stand, like my duck in a pond and say that the baby will enjoy looking at it too but its not for the baby.   Of course occasionally people just give it to the child as soon as I move on.  What can I say...........

A lesson learned, thanks Thelma. :-)

Thanks Thelma, a very detailed and informative response. I will take your words of wisdom and use them.

Steve

Yes I found this of use too so thanks.

Very informative. Thank you!