Building a Profitable Grab-and-Go Balloon Model
In episode 48 of The Bright Balloon Podcast, I sat down for part two of my conversation with Ali from Charming Garlands to talk about creating scalable offers with grab-and-go balloon garlands, plus, building genuine relationships with other balloon professionals.
We jumped right into Ali’s grab-and-go garland model, which gave some reframed ways to think about time, pricing and accessibility in a balloon business.
Why Grab-and-Go Garlands Work
Ali originally resisted offering grab-and-go garlands because she didn’t have a storefront. Like many of us, she was running her business out of her home and was focused on keeping overhead low. But once she introduced a pickup option, it quickly became a major revenue stream.
Her goal was simple: offer balloons at every budget without undervaluing her work.
Grab-and-go garlands allow her to serve clients who aren’t ready to meet a full-service minimum, while still delivering something that feels substantial and professional. A four-foot garland may sound small, but once it’s installed at home and paired with a birthday kid or backdrop, it packs a big visual punch.
Just as important: they’re efficient. Compared to installs that require travel, setup and breakdown, grab-and-gos let her sell more work without adding more hours.
Make It Easy (and Professional)
One thing I loved about Ali’s approach is how much thought she put into the client experience.
Her grab-and-go garlands come fully assembled, with hanging materials and clear instructions included. She even added QR codes that link directly to hanging tutorials on her website. This removes friction, builds confidence for clients and drastically reduces follow-up questions.
As demand increased, she also upgraded her packaging! She ditched plastic baggies for branded pouches that look polished and intentional. It’s a great reminder that small upgrades can significantly improve perceived value.
Boundaries That Support Growth
Ali only offers pickups on weekdays, with clearly defined time windows that work for her family and install schedule. That boundary-setting is a big part of why the model works.
She’s also learned to cap grab-and-go sizes to avoid transportation issues (yes, people will show up in a convertible).
The result? A scalable offer that supports her lifestyle instead of taking it over.
Collaboration Over Competition
The second half of our conversation focused on relationships in the balloon industry.
Ali made a point to personally reach out to other balloon professionals in her region, not to compete, but to connect. They share resources, refer clients when overbooked and support each other instead of undercutting on price.
That mindset builds trust not only within the industry, but with clients too! When people feel genuinely cared for they remember it.
Listen to the Full Episode
If you’d like to hear all of the details about her grab-and-go process, listen to this episode here!
