Balloon and party decoration shop

Walk-in shoppers buying for birthdays and celebrations, plus event organisers, schools and local businesses ordering in bulk.

Sales of balloons, helium fills, decorations and custom arrangements, plus delivery and event decor fees. Busy seasons like graduations and holidays bring peaks.

• Retail and customer service
• Balloon design and decor
• Stock ordering and cash handling
• Managing seasonal peaks

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and what happens if you want to leave early
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules, which vary by city
• Helium cylinder storage and handling rules, so check with your supplier and fire authority
• Supply and price changes for helium
• Slow periods in winter and the summer months, so plan your cash flow
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff, with rules by province

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on the lease and deposit, shopfitting, stock and helium equipment. These are estimates, so get quotes on premises and fit-out before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on location, foot traffic and custom orders. Winter and summer months can be slow, so plan your cash flow for quieter periods.

Check commercial lease terms and early exit options, liability and contents insurance, and municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules. Also check helium cylinder storage rules with your supplier and fire authority, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff.