Balloon Garland Pricing: How to Price by the Foot
How to price balloon garlands by the foot: balloons, add-ons, build time, delivery and setup, with three size examples.
In this guide
Balloon garlands are a staple of parties and events. Most decorators price by the foot, plus delivery and setup. This guide shows how to cost balloons and time, and set a price per foot.
- Garland price = balloons + add-ons + build time + delivery and setup + overhead, then profit.
- An 8 ft garland costs about $77.55 to make and sells for about $104.
- Many decorators use about 10 to 15 balloons per foot for organic garlands.
- Charge delivery and setup separately.
Why price per foot works
Garland length drives balloons and time. Price per foot is easy for clients to understand.
Add-ons like foil balloons and greenery raise the price.
The steps
1. Count balloons per foot
Mix of sizes.
2. Add add-ons
Foils, greenery and strips.
3. Track build time
Inflating and building.
4. Add delivery and setup
By distance and time.
5. Add overhead and profit
Use 10% overhead and 30% profit.
Worked example: 8, 12 and 20 ft garlands
$25 an hour, 10% overhead, 30% profit and 3% card fees. Delivery and setup are extra.
| 8 ft garland | 12 ft garland | 20 ft garland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balloons | $25.00 | $38.00 | $62.00 |
| Strip, glue dots and add-ons | $8.00 | $10.00 | $16.00 |
| Labor at $25.00/hr | 1.5 hr = $37.50 | 2.25 hr = $56.25 | 3.75 hr = $93.75 |
| Overhead (10%) | $7.05 | $10.43 | $17.18 |
| Cost to make | $77.55 | $114.67 | $188.93 |
| Plus 30% profit | $100.81 | $149.08 | $245.60 |
| Cover 3% selling fees (divide by 0.97) | $103.93 | $153.69 | $253.20 |
| Suggested price | $104 | $154 | $254 |
Longer garlands cost less per foot because setup is shared.
Price per foot
| Garland | Price | Per foot |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | $104.00 | $13.00 |
| 12 ft | $154.00 | $12.83 |
| 20 ft | $254.00 | $12.70 |
Pricing mistakes to avoid
- No delivery fee. Charge by distance.
- Cheap balloons. Low quality balloons pop and fade.
- No deposit. Take a deposit to hold the date.
- Ignoring heat. Outdoor heat pops balloons. Set expectations.
Garland checklist
- Balloons per foot.
- Add-ons.
- Build time.
- Delivery and setup.
- Overhead and profit.
- Deposit.
Price balloon garlands
Type your balloons, time and add-ons into the peach cells. The calculator shows cost and price per foot.
Get the Balloon Garland CalculatorCalculators that help
- Balloon arches: Price arches. Use the Balloon Arch Pricing Calculator Spreadsheet.
- Event quotes: Quote balloon events. Use the Balloon Event Quote Calculator Spreadsheet.
- Backdrops: Price balloon walls. Use the Balloon Wall & Backdrop Pricing Calculator Spreadsheet.
- Shopping list: Plan balloon supplies. Use the Balloon Inventory & Shopping List Spreadsheet.
Common questions
How much should I charge per foot for a balloon garland?
Many decorators charge about $10 to $35 per foot, depending on fullness and add-ons. See the table above for this example.
How many balloons per foot?
Often 10 to 15 for organic garlands.
Should I charge for setup?
Yes, setup and delivery are extra.
What about grab and go garlands?
Price them lower since no setup is needed.
How long do garlands last?
Indoors, often a few days to a week.
Should I take deposits?
Yes.
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