The store, which sells party balloons to both individuals and firms, is a victim of a global shortage in helium that has seen prices for the gas surge. It's not just celebrations suffering.
The gas is also essential in medicine, electronics and deep-sea diving. For example, it's crucial in the magnetic resonance imaging MRI scans that doctors use to get detailed images from inside patients.
It's also important in deep sea diving and in scientific research, as well as for the production of computer chips and liquid crystal displays such as TV screens. There's no central wholesale price for the gas, because it is not traded on global markets. Phil Kornbluth, the founder of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, which advises clients on commercial aspects of the global helium business, says the "price has gone up an awful lot in a short space of time". The price of helium varies quite a bit around the world, depending on where you are in the supply chain and whether you're buying at source and how you're buying it as a liquid or as a gas, for example," he says.
Mr Kornbluth says the catalyst for the latest rise in price was a US government auction of crude helium in August last year. The national helium reserve is now one of the biggest suppliers of helium.
It was originally set up as a strategic store for supplying gas to US airships, but has auctioned its supplies annually to private industry since However, this was the last such auction until To buy latex, helium-quality balloons unfilled typically costs 7 cents to 30 cents per balloon.
The typical helium cost was 20 cents to 55 cents per balloon filled. 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:. For helium tank buyers, it is considered unsafe to have the tank sitting on the ground.
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 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. CostHelper News. The balloon can be latex or Mylar foil. As mentioned above, helium-filled balloons can be latex or Mylar. The bigger the helium-balloon of your choice is, the more expensive it usually costs. What makes Mylar balloons a better option at times is the fact that they come in various shapes.
They can be shaped like a car, a cartoon character, or just about anything else. Number of balloons. The number of helium balloons in one order can greatly affect prices.
Most party supply stores give a discount for bulk orders. Some party supply stores even charge per dozen. The cost of helium-filled balloons varies per store as well. This can be true because of the quality of the balloons they use, their local competitions, and a lot of other factors. To keep arrangements tied together on the ground for decorating purposes, balloon weights are oftentimes necessary.
Instead of purchasing helium-filled balloons, it is possible for you to make your very own helium balloons. You simply have to rent or buy a helium tank and purchase latex or foil balloons. However, you must take note that this is only a practical approach when you need a lot of helium balloons at once or you intend to need a lot of helium balloons every now and then. Here are the costs involved in making your own helium-filled balloons:.
Check out different party supply stores and compare prices on helium-filled balloons. Check out the availability of colors, sizes, and shapes of balloons as well.
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