I love that response Cash Magic

I'd love to be faster - I'm not good at managing expectations of balloons arriving in seconds - not sure how they expect me to do that while keeping my arms attached though  :lol:

The only reason I make my stuff at a swift pace is because most of my work is selling balloons.

When I have a big crowd, I don't like to keep people waiting too long or they will go and spend their money somewhere else, and with families that are at an event with only a certain amount of cash to spend, I would rather it went to me, than the ice cream seller  

Quote from: "phoenix"The only reason I make my stuff at a swift pace is because most of my work is selling balloons.

Kevin, I can understand that, a good point made.

One thing to keep in mind is is it better to spend 20 mins on one balloon and make £10 on street or one balloon every 3 to 4 mins and make £2 to £3 which would get you more work ?

I don't go for speed but I am naturally quite quick
I tried the speed thing for a bit of fun.
Generally I like to take a steady pace as my work is better quality.

How about when someone is booking a party, what guide would you give them (if any) of how many balloons you can expect to make in an hour or 2 hours? (obviously would depend on designs, but lets just say an average). I'm going to try the penguin challenge later just out of interest.

When I worked at adventure Island a couple of summers ago I checked how many models an hour I made and it was very low,
just eight but they were elaborate and we laughed about with the punters.

when I get ask about a party/event booking, I advice if more than 15 children , to book me for 2 hours , that way I can make a balloon model for everyone ( avg 4 mins each, inc interacting with kids ), and have a menu to stick too.
I feel it important, and enjoy events where I can interact with the kids , and not just be a balloon factory.. as an entertainer.

I agree though, when on the street, and you suddenly get a Que , speed up..!!, I have seen some walk away than wait. I try to engage with all so they know I have seen them. a simple smile and say will be with you as quick as I can . lets them feel valued and not ignored.

Ali has got it spot on.

If I was on the street or at a mainstream event no one would wait 20 mins for a balloon, and certainly would not pay £10 for it, and more importantly I would not get any paid party bookings, as in theory, I would only make 3 balloons in an hour !!!!

This is my balloon menu  http://www.facebook.com/balloonatic.kev ... 971&type=3

As Ali says, a menu board is good to have, and I can make about 10 or 12 of them in an hour, ideal for a small party, any more, book me longer. People want to know how many you can make when they are booking you

One tip while working the crowd, is to pass out a couple of portfolio books (I have 6"x4" photo albums) with these sort of pic in http://www.facebook.com/balloonatic.kev ... 971&type=3

This gives people ideas to think about, so you get the commission pieces

PS Graham says he only does 8 models an hour could be taken a little out of context. Graham is not booked in a Shopping centre to churn out balloons, If you get a chance to see him work it is a great lesson in showmanship. He is a master entertainer  

I have been paid £10 for a top hat on street before

Ok, so I finally got round to trying Kevin's method for speeding up. I managed 2 minutes 6 seconds without art work.
The first 30 seconds was inflating and tying!