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 |  | Latex Balloons (Filled): 50 cents-$1 each |  | Mylar Balloons (Filled): $1-13 each |
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Helium balloons are a popular decoration for parties, weddings and special events. Inflated latex and Mylar (or foil) balloons can be purchased at party stores or some grocery stores. Party stores sell small helium tanks and unfilled latex or foil balloons for do-it-yourself party decorations. Frequent buyers sometimes find it convenient to rent a helium tank or even buy a large tank and have it refilled monthly.
Typical costs: | - Latex balloons filled with helium typically cost between 50 cents and $1 at party stores. Filled Mylar or foil balloons typically cost $1 to $4 for normal-size balloons, 18-inches in diameter and smaller, or $7 to $15 for oversized or jumbo balloons, which may be 20- to 50-inches in their longest measurement. For example, Party City[1] , a nationwide party supply chain, sells filled latex balloons for 89 cents each or $9 per dozen. Mylar balloons cost $1 to $4 and oversized Mylar balloons, like the Mickey Mouse car balloon[2] , cost $7 to $13.
- To buy a small, disposable helium tank to fill 50 latex balloons or 20 standard Mylar balloons typically costs $30 to $70. Oriental Trading[3] in Omaha, NE, sells a helium tank for $50 with free shipping. Sealed properly, small helium tanks should not have any leakage problems.
- To buy latex, helium-quality balloons (unfilled) typically costs 7 cents to 30 cents per balloon. Printed or personalized latex balloons cost 50 cents to $1.40 each. Unfilled Mylar balloons typically range from 50 cents to $9 depending on the size. For instance, Giant Party Store[4] , an online retailer, sells unfilled latex balloons for about 25 cents each and Mylar balloons for about $1.50 each.
- To rent a large helium tank that fills 100 to 500 latex balloons typically costs $35 to $190. The typical helium cost was 20 cents to 55 cents per balloon filled. For example, Balloon Haven[5] in Chino, California rents a 125 cubic foot tank (that fills 200 11" balloons) for $59, and Balloon Place[6] in New York rents a 95 cubic foot tank (that fills 190 11" balloons) for $130.
- To buy a large helium tank typically ranges from $145 (55 balloons) to $400 (275 balloons). Helium tank owners may save $5 to $25 off the cost of a helium refill versus those who rent tanks from the same company. Arizona-based Kernel Pops refill helium tanks for at least $5 less than the cost of rental units.
Related articles: Balloon Twisting, Bounce House, Cake, Party Clown, Magician
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What should be included: | - A rental helium tank should come with an inflator, or regulator, to help regulate the air and fill up balloons.
- Typical helium tank rental is either three or 30 days. Some clients rent helium tanks year-round and have a monthly-refill contract.
Additional costs: | - Mylar-wrapped balloon weights, used to keep arrangements tied together on the ground, typically cost $1 at party stores.
- Helium tank rentals normally require a $50 to $200 deposit. Expect a fee of $25 to full replacement costs if the cap is lost or if the valve is broken. Some companies charge an extra $4 to $5 for a hazardous material handling fee.
- When buying a large helium tank, an inflator or regulator attachment must be purchased, which typically costs $20 to $225. It's a Gas[7] in Southern California sells an economy valve for $60 and two mid-range options for $95 and $125. Their dual-speed valve sells for $225 and fills balloons twice as fast.
- For helium tank buyers, it is considered unsafe to have the tank sitting on the ground. A wall mount, stand or dolly is an additional purchase to consider, which may cost $45 to $190.
Discounts: | - Look for bulk packages of latex balloons at Amazon[8] for 7 cents per balloon. Mylar balloons are available at Bargain Balloons[9] for 38 to 65 cents each.
Shopping for helium balloons: | - When renting or buying a helium tank, ask how many balloons the tank will fill. Be aware that balloons come in all shapes and sizes, and the standard measurement is an 11-inch latex balloon.
- To find a local helium tank rental company, call a nearby party store and ask if they can recommend a company. Often, party stores rent helium tanks from the same provider and can refer you to this company.
- Stores specializing in party equipment rentals may or may not rent helium tanks. Party supply stores generally do not rent helium tanks, but they often sell the small, disposable tanks.
- Helium is a potentially hazardous material that should not be inhaled. Transport a helium tank in a pickup truck or open-top vehicle and follow all safety regulations provided. If transporting it in the trunk of a car, the next safest option according to Balloon Place[10] , secure tightly and open at least one car window.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Mar_raddles in San Antonio, TX. | Posted: July 26th, 2023 12:07AM |
| Type of Balloon: Large Foil | Seller: H‑E‑B |
$16 - 1 large foil (purchased in store)
$8 - 3 small latex (brought from home to be filled in store)
=$24
*I also brought in 2 large foil balloons to be filled in store (purchased elsewhere), but was told each would cost $25 to fill ($50 for 2 balloons!!!) so I only filled a few of my small ones and purchased a large foil from the store. |
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External Resources: | - www.partycity.com/category/balloons.do
- www.partycity.com/product/mickey+mouse+car+balloon+28in.do?sortby=ourPicks&pp=20&s...
- www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?requestURI=processProductsCata...
- www.mnpartystore.com
- www.balloonhaven.com/helium/index.html
- www.balloonplace.com/helium.html
- www.balloonsandhelium.net/Valves2.html
- www.amazon.com/US-Toy-Assorted-Helium-Balloons/dp/B00362TTQ0/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=U...
- www.bargainballoons.com
- www.balloonplace.com/helium.html
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