Premium Pickups: How Loretta Built a Full-Time Balloon Business Without Installs

If you’re feeling tired just thinking about another weekend install, I promise you, you’re not alone. At the Sempertex International Balloon Convention, I finally got to sit down in person with Loretta of Perfectly Popped Balloons, and she’s proof you can build a thriving business around premium balloon bouquets (or, in her case, pickups) instead of always being on-site.

Loretta is based in Essex, England (near London) and built her business on what she calls premium bouquets: the stacked, transportable balloon “wow pieces” many of us also sell as marquee-style bouquets (or stacks). Instead of trying to offer everything, she’s a big believer in staying in your lane and becoming known for one thing you do exceptionally well.

Here’s what I love: Loretta says you can absolutely make a full-time income with deliverables, if you price correctly and offer a strong product suite. Think premium bouquets, grab-and-go garlands, helium and a menu of options that lets you serve different budgets without re-inventing the wheel every time.

Loretta shared that her minimum bouquet spend is £100, with many premium bouquets sitting around £150 depending on the design and time involved. She also mentioned students charging closer to $280 for premium bouquets in the U.S., and the key is that these pieces are efficient: you build ahead of time, deliver (or have the client collect), and you’re done.

And here’s a twist: Loretta doesn’t actually deliver at all... clients pick up from her home during scheduled time slots. She gives very clear instructions for how to prep the car, how to carry the piece and how to unload it. It’s structured, repeatable and it protects her time and energy.

We also talked about elevating bouquets so they feel truly “premium.” Loretta’s go-to upgrades: a strong base (she says it matters most), distorted flowers, 260 details, vinyl, helium accents, faux florals and even small printed props where appropriate. Her philosophy is basically: if you want it to look high-end, more is more.

Finally, photography. Loretta’s images are so clean because she keeps it simple: plain background, natural light (never at night) and minimal editing so balloon colors stay true and are exactly what her clients expect.

If you want a balloon business model that’s less physically draining and easier to schedule (but still profitable)... this is your sign to consider a model like Loretta's.

Hear the whole conversation in episode 401 of The Bright Balloon Podcast!