Balloon and party decor storefront

Walk-in shoppers buying last-minute balloons, parents, schools, churches, businesses and event planners.

Retail sales of balloons and party goods, plus higher-priced custom decor and event setups. Helium fills and delivery add extra income.

• Balloon design and display
• Retail basics and stock control
• Customer service and local marketing

• Check your city or county for a business license, certificate of occupancy and signage rules
• Register with your state for sales tax and check what you must collect
• Rent is a fixed cost, so test demand with a home-based setup or pop-up first
• Sales are seasonal and peak around graduations, holidays and spring, so plan cash flow
• Helium cylinders need safe storage, and you need general liability and property insurance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your rent and deposit, shop fit-out, stock and helium equipment. The size and location of your space will have a big effect on where you land in that range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on walk-in traffic, custom orders and event decor work. Sales can be seasonal, so earnings may vary from month to month. The idea assumes about 35 hours a week or more.

Check your city or county for a business license, certificate of occupancy and signage rules, and register with your state for sales tax. Check safe storage for helium cylinders and get insurance. Consider testing demand from home or a pop-up first.