The Great Balloon Shortage!
If you were running your business during the big balloon shortage, you know the feeling: refreshing distributor sites, buying whatever you could find and crossing your fingers your staple colors would magically reappear.
That’s why I loved sitting down with Joe from Havin’ a Party Wholesale in Brooklyn, New York, for episode 50 of The Bright Balloon Podcast. Joe has a unique view of the industry... not as a manufacturer, but as a distributor who watches supply chain issues hit from every angle.
Joe shared the backstory of Havin’ a Party, too, and I had no idea how much they’ve evolved. His dad started the business in 1984 as a retail party store (think costumes, rentals, and balloons). Over time, as retail shifted (hello, Amazon), they leaned harder into wholesale. They began stocking what balloon pros actually need and they built a reputation as a shop that understands the product, not just the numbers.
Then came the wildest timing: they moved into their new warehouse on March 16, 2020… the day the world shut down. Instead of celebrating a big grand opening, they had to pivot immediately... hard. Figuring out how to serve customers safely while inventory and shipping became a moving target.
So what caused the shortage from Joe’s perspective? A few things collided at once: manufacturing shutdowns, staffing shortages at factories when workers didn’t return and international shipping delays that affected everything from latex supply to finished balloon products. He even mentioned how major shipping disruptions caused ripple effects that delayed raw materials and seasonal inventory.
The practical takeaway I appreciated most: Joe encouraged balloon artists to stay flexible with brands and keep multiple options in mind so you don’t lose the job just because your first-choice balloon isn’t in stock. He called out brands that have stepped up with availability and quality, and shared that distributors are working hard to keep alternatives on the shelf so you can still deliver for your clients.
And on shipping timelines: while peak season was rough, Joe said they worked hard to get back to same-day or next-day order processing when possible... huge news for anyone juggling last-minute client requests.
If you’ve ever stressed about inventory swings, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone; and that having a strong distributor relationship (plus a willingness to adapt) can keep you moving forward, even when the industry gets unpredictable.
Listen to the full episode here!
