A 16 year old's business plan - balloons

[forces_roy]

Dear Entrepreneurs,

I am 16 years old, and currently attending high school. I am also part of the reserves, the Armed Forces in the 700 Squad located in Base Borden. I have an idea that seems typical enough to do, because I've heard this idea has worked for others as well.

I want to sell balloons. Buy the balloons in a bulk, with tank(s) of hellium to bring to my basement.
I will need:
- a source to get good quality balooons in a bulk for a low price wheather it is bought online or from a store near by
- a tank of hellium
- the vechile to move the hellium from place to place, in a beach or park
- and business cards

My targets are the following:
- car dealerships
- anyone with cars for sale
- children at the park
- children at the beach
- city events that are outside, like fairs(I am not sure if i would need a permit at that point or not)

I live in Ontario, Canada. If anyone has any suggestions for me, please advise me. Thank you for your time.

- Private Roy

[SerialEntrepreneurs.]

for biz cards and printing for mailers definately checkout OvernightPrints.com -

I also did a quick search for wholesale ballons in Canada and got the following
Canadian questions on wholesale mylar balloons.

WHen your website is up and you need traffic, checkout TrafficVault.com

[crackah]

Selling balloons? Seriously?

Edit -

Okay before I shut it down,
There are alot of people in my city who do this, no idea on their success.

How much do you believe that you would be making per balloon?

If the margin is enough, i guess its a cheap start up for a 16yo to do.

[Mega B]

I guess the profits could be easily inflated or the the business could go pop at any time,it sounds a unusual business to be in but it could take off,it depends if it has string attached to it

[N.V.Wells]

I'll get your coat Mega B lol!

[forces_roy]

well if balloons aren't the way to go, what else could i try really :S

[cocaine]

Selling balloons? Seriously?

Edit -

Okay before I shut it down,
There are alot of people in my city who do this, no idea on their success.

How much do you believe that you would be making per balloon?

If the margin is enough, i guess its a cheap start up for a 16yo to do.

the margins mean nothing, you don't need a big margin to run a successful business, running a balloon company you expect not to have a high margin, just make sure the demand is there before you start, all good and well you saying your going to start this business up but if you cannot find the customers!

your going to need alot of customers to make this work i think, and local business may not be suitable - IDK! or you could start one up online start shipping balloons out to pplz

[Lambo]

do it....this is a small venture that you will learn from and use your knowledge when you get older....never too early to start!

[paul2145r]

Try talking to party planners in your area. Give them your rates, and let them know that you're available within (X) amount of days' notice.

If you don't have any party planners in your area, then you could think about partnering up with someone creative and becoming party planners. You'll save on using your balloons, and will also be able to recommend "More Balloons" to all of your clients.

With your age, it might be tough, but you could also try selling a "balloon night" to the nightclubs in your area. They can cordon off an area in the club with netting, fill it with balloons, and ppl can dance in there. As long as you under-inflate them, and use a combo of oxygen/helium for the fill, you'll be able to make a safe and clean alternative to foam parties!

[myfayt]

I believe most people sell balloons for $1 a piece, on a good day you'd make $20 - $25 but then the travel and gas and time. I would focus on something else a little more expensive.

[myfayt]

for biz cards and printing for mailers definately checkout OvernightPrints.com -

I also did a quick search for wholesale ballons in Canada and got the following
Canadian questions on wholesale mylar balloons.

WHen your website is up and you need traffic, checkout TrafficVault.com

Those business cards are HIGHLY expensive. Seems like a rip off, I get 250 color single sided business cards for $5.45 free shipping, or 500 for $9.95

[bananaman]

I like your idea - very entrepreneurial.

I think kids are your main customers. Maybe approach daycare centres and ask to be their exclusive balloon supplier, for parties or birthdays.

Even approach churches, sporting clubs etc. Any group of people celebrating could be potential customers.

Good luck!

[Moneymaka]

Don't just sell balloons, sell unique balloons.
Brainstorm with friends and add something original to the balloons that'll make your balloons stand out from the rest.

[dalex]

"do it....this is a small venture that you will learn from and use your knowledge when you get older....never too early to start!"

I will vouch for this comment, at 16, you dont really want to get in over your head and you want to take it as a learning experience just as high school.

I think, it is never to early to learn from your experiences, if you are not willing to put in the time for the amount that can be earned estimated $20 per day "I am unsure though" look into affiliate marketing.

Some ideas however to add to the balloons can include:

Custom Gift Baskets

Gift and Balloon Supplies "probably a better option if you want to do fairly well for what you want to do.

I will however say to really look at your market, who would be best to cater to, if your personality or skills can cater to that niche market and more research.

However, as stated earlier, take this as a learning expirence, dont expect to become self employed with this venture, however a fairly decent salary to supplement your job or school life.

[LSnyder]

I think if you were to become very creative with this idea, you may be successful. Instead of just stating you sell "balloons", what about balloon sculptures such as Balloon Archways for parties, etc.
I used to work part-time for a party coordinator and we used sculpted balloons quite often.

Good luck