NEWSLETTER #21/2004
DECEMBER
2004
BUMPER EDITION
SUPPLIER OF QUALATEX BALLOONS TO THE GREAT MOSCOW CIRCUS!!
Yes – it is true! Balloon City is very proudly the supplier of
balloons to the Great Moscow Circus for the duration of their stay in
South Africa. Qualatex is a brand they know throughout the world and
trust for quality – so when you use Qualatex you’re in
good company J
NEW ADDITION TO THE BALLOON CITY TEAM
It is with great pleasure that I welcome Lewellen Cowie to the Balloon
City team. Lewellen has come to me from our sister company Airspace where
he was part of the design team. Lewellen has, in the past, been of assistance
to Debbi and Balloon City and hence is not totally new to the balloon
business.
Lewellen will be available at the office during office hours, which
means there will always be someone here at those times when I am not-
so no more voice mail……………...and
you will all sigh with relief J
BALLOON GLUE DOTS
A NEW PRODUCT added to the Balloon City stable. “Balloon Glue
Dots are a double-sided, NO MESS adhesive specially formulated for
use on latex balloons. Perfect for latex-to-latex bonding in sculptures
and other balloon decorations. Balloon Glue Dots are available in a
roll of 1000 dots packaged in a convenient dispenser box and only cost
R175.00 (excl VAT and postage).
Should you require additional information, please contact us.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER ….
10 New Stock Items
11. Qualatex WINTER Collection Fliers for 2004 – including Christmas
12. Qualatex WINTER Collection Price List
13. Images Magazine – for lucky qualifying customers
14. Christmas Ideas
15. Qualatex VALETINE’S Collection 2005
16. Qualatex VALETINE’S Collection Price List
NEW NEW NEW …
Many thanks to those of you who continue to feedback with information
about what customers are looking for and what we can supply to make
functions a little more exciting. In answer to these requests the following
NEW designs are available:
CHRISTMAS IDEAS …
Included are two new ideas – a really simple, easy to complete
Smiley Santa and a Majestic Christmas Tree. I hope these can help increase
the Christmas cheer.
IN THE IMAGES…
This quarter’s Images magazine includes a feature on all the winning
designs from IBAC 2004 including large sculptures, table centrepieces
and delivery ideas. I also found the feature on Adhesives on pg 25 extremely
informative – which includes mention of Glue Dots (our NEW product!)
For those of you who are fortunate to receive this magazine, I hope that
it fuels wonderful and creative ideas for your business. If you did not
receive the magazine, do not despair – there is always next quarter,
so get your Qualatex orders in…
YOUR TURN …
PHOTO REQUESTS
To date I have not received any stories or photographs to include in
the newsletter. Many of you have expressed your enthusiasm and I would
urge you to send me those pictures after the Christmas rush.
DON”T FORGET …
EMAIL ADDRESS REQUEST
In this new age of technology, we are fortunate to be able to communicate
with our customers more regularly. It has also become extremely expensive
to post price lists, special offers etc, etc. but we would not like to
lose contact with any of you, so if you are connected to an e-mail address,
please forward this to us so that you can be kept informed regularly.
We will still continue to mail out to those of you without email address,
but please allow time for the mailing service.
CREDIT CARD FACILITIES
Use your credit card to pay for your order. It’s so easy. By using
your credit card this allows you up to an additional 45 days credit before
you pay your bank.
SEASON TRADING HOURS …
Currently our new office hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm.
Balloon City will not be closing prior to Christmas, however we will
be running shorter hours on Friday 24 December, 8.30am to 2pm and from
Tuesday 28 December to 3 January 2005, 8.30am to 3pm.
Please ensure that your have made plans for the New Year rush.
It is also VITAL that you take the public holidays into account when
planning for overnight deliveries as we cannot guarantee services from
the Post Office at this time of year.
The past year has been wonderful and I have all of you to thank for your
enthusiasm. I have many plans for Balloon City over the coming year and
I hope you will all join me for the ride!
Best wishes to you and your loved ones over this festive season. Should
you travel, please do so safely and if not, be safe at home. Hope we
all have a wonderfully exciting 2005
Enjoy J
Suzanne
Previous newsletters
NEWSLETTER #20/2004 SEPTEMBER
2004
Hi Everyone
Well, you have probably wondered why Balloon City has been so quiet and
you have not received a newsletter in a while, we’ve been moving – literally
J
We have new premises and hence you will have received the new contact
details. Hopefully all the work will result in Balloon City being able
to supply an even more efficient and prompt service.
And now I want to try and change some perceptions out there………….
We are all so concerned about what our competition is doing and hiding
our “secrets”. Do you know that in America there is an open
interaction between decorators and entertainers who share their thoughts,
ideas, “recipes” of designs. I understand that there is a
level of sharing and one must try and keep a healthy competitive edge
but why can we not help each other? Think, if we shared our frustrations
and small shortcuts to make life easier, would that not contribute to
the enthusiasm we all feel about working with balloons. I think so!
So I would like to encourage you to share your experiences – please
see my suggestions below in this Newsletter. Just think how strong this
Balloon industry could be!
In this Newsletter ….
5. Qualatex Autumn Collection Fliers for 2004 – including Halloween
6. Qualatex Autumn Collection Price List
7. Images Magazine – for lucky qualifying customers
8. Halloween Ideas
9. IBAC 2004 News
NEW NEW NEW …
Qualatex Everyday Catalogues 2004 are available. Most of you should
have received this new catalogue already, however if you have not, please
let me know and we will gladly dispatch one to you.
HALLOWEEN IDEAS …
Included are two “recipes” for two simple Halloween ideas.
Never forget the power and value of the “WOW” factor so
go out and scare your customers with your novel ideas and not the price
J.
IBAC 2004 …
CONGRATULATIONS to Wesley and Mari of Balloon Memories in Port Elizabeth
who completed their practical exam at IBAC this year. They are now
the first two CBA’s (Certified Balloon Artists) in South Africa.
This is a great achievement and Balloon City is very proud.
The CBA course is done through QBN (Qualatex Balloon Network) and is
a series of 5 exams which are written here and sent to the USA to be
marked and the final exam (a practical) is done with a QBN examiner (Should
we have enough participants, Balloon City can arrange an examiner to
come to South Africa). These courses are all available and I would like
to urge those of you who have completed the 1st exam to continue and
add to the wonderful talent we have in this country.
It is great to know from the feedback that I’ve had from IBAC 2004
that we are not far behind the rest of the world.
Your turn …
I asked previously for your ideas about this newsletter and have received
no response as yet.
Again, I would like to urge you to give me your thoughts and ideas which
I can add to this to make it more beneficial for everyone.
Any funny stories, cartoons or anecdotes that you would like to share
with the rest of your balloon friends, please forward to me via email
bcity@iafrica.com or mail to PO Box 1052, Sun Valley, 7985. Every attempt
will be made to return any photographs that are received.
PHOTO REQUESTS
I would really love to see what everyone is up to and the kind of décor
and sculptures that are being done. If you would like to share your creative
work with me, please send me some pictures, and if you want to share
with other people through this newsletter – I’ll gladly put
a copy in the next edition.
Don’t Forget …
EMAIL ADDRESS REQUEST
In this new age of technology, we are fortunate to be able to communicate
with our customers more regularly. It has also become extremely expensive
to post price lists, special offers etc, etc. but would not like to
lose contact with any of you, so if you are connected to an e-mail
address, please forward this to us so that you can be kept informed
regularly.
We will still continue to mail out to those of you without email address,
but please allow time for the mailing service.
CREDIT CARD FACILITIES
Use your credit card to pay for your order. It’s so easy. By using
your credit card this allows you up to an additional 45 days credit before
you pay your bank.
Missionaries, Humanitarian Work
There are many groups of people that I am fortunate to interact with
that use balloons as a means of communication and therapy in many areas
of the country. One of my customers recently appeared on SABC TV News
for the work that is done in Hospital surgery rooms with children.
So you see, balloons are not just latex, but more than that…………and
so much more to so many people.
Maybe some of you would also like to share
your experiences through this Newsletter……..
Let’s hope you can use a balloon today to bring a smile to someone’s
face.
Enjoy J
Suzanne
NEW NEWSLETTER #19/2004 JANUARY
2004
Hi Everyone
I hope that you all had a wonderful Holiday Season and are refreshed
and ready to take on the New Year.
The beginning of the year always brings hope, plans for the year ahead
and the NEW YEAR”S RESOLUTIONS….……….let’s hope that it includes a growing
business plan and lots of FUN!!!
In this Newsletter ….
1. Valentine’s Day Fliers for 2004
2. Images Magazine – for lucky qualifying customers
3. Valentine’s Day Ideas
4. Specials – 16” Latex Special Offer
“Love is in the Air…”
The best selling opportunity is on our doorstep. No sooner are we finished
with Christmas than we take a big breath for the next big event – Valentine’s
Day!
We all have to agree that this is time for something extra
special. Let’s
let our imaginations work for us…….
Our Valentine’s Day stock is in our warehouse, so don’t
delay in placing your order.
A Different Valentine’s Day Idea…
Stand-up Greetings
These greetings are quick and easy to assemble and so versatile! They
are sure to delight whoever receives them, whatever the occasion!
Lots
of Love
You will need:
1 X 18” Foil
16 X 6” Ruby Red Hearts
Ribbon
Monofilament (Fishing) Line
1 Cardboard circle (plate) covered with Paper
Doily / Cellophane
To Make:
Air fill the 18” Foil. Make two holes side-by-side in the middle
of the cardboard circle (plate). Tie the line through the holes. Wrap
4-balloon clusters sized to 6” onto the line to make a small garland.
Attached a 260Q balloon to the air filled foil and use this to fix the
foil to the base circle. The elasticity of the 260Q will keep it nice
and snug even after the 6” balloons lose some air. Attach your
selection of ribbon and curl
Viola!
By changing the foil and/or the 6” Hearts to 5” Rounds:
this idea can be used for Birthdays, Weddings, Baby Showers – only
your imagination is the limiting factor
Good Luck!
Email address request …
In this new age of technology, we are fortunate to be able to communicate
with our customers more regularly. It has also become extremely expensive
to post price lists, special offers etc, etc. but would not like to lose
contact with any of you, so if you are connected to an e-mail address,
please forward this to us so that you can be kept informed regularly.
We will still continue to mail out to those of you without an email
address, but please allow time for the mailing service.
Update …
Balloon City has a new identity, as you can see from our new logo.We
have also revamped our website and would love you all to go and have
a look and give your honest feedback. – Is it user friendly? Can
you find ideas?
You can find it at http:/www.ballooncity.co.za
Your turn …
As in past years we will continue to keep you up to date via our newsletter.
This newsletter serves as a means of letting you know what’s happening
in the business – what’s hot, what’s not……but
we need your help:
Is the newsletter useful or just another piece of mail which clutters
up the mail box?
What can we include in the future that you would like to know more about?
What do you like about the current newsletter and what don’t you
enjoy?
I would really appreciate your input in making a workable and eagerly
awaited document. Should you have any thoughts, pop them on email to
bcity@iafrica.com and I’ll try and use as many ideas as possible.
If you are not on the email system, then you can mail me at PO Box 1052,
Sun Valley, 7985 or fax to (021) 785 1052.
Enjoy
Suzanne
And Don’t Forget our Credit Card Facilities …
Use your credit card to pay for your order. It’s so easy. By using
your credit card this allows you up to an additional 45 days credit before
you pay your bank.
“HOT OFF THE PRESS”
I am extremely excited to announce that with effect 1 November 2003,
I became the new owner of Balloon City.
It is extremely exciting for me to own this wonderful business that I
have watched grow over the years under the skilled ownership of my sister,
Debbi.
Many of you have over the years come to know Debbi and will know that
it is more than just a Distributorship to her. She has been through the
good times and bad times with many Retail Stores, Decorators, Magicians,
Entertainers and Clowns.
Fortunately Debbi is close at hand with her many years of experience,
but will be putting her focus and energy into Airspace, the Inflatable
business.
Two successful businesses is an achievement to be proud of and Balloon
City is on a great footing.
Thanks & Good Luck DebbiJ
In this Newsletter ….
1 Christmas
Fliersfor 2003, which include designs for New Year 2004 – the
flier is highlighted for easy reference.
2 Christmas
and New Year Stock Price List
3 Season
Trading hours
4 New
Items available
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way …
Wow! It’s here again!
The biggest trading period is upon us again and let’s truly hope
that it is a great one.
Enclosed, you will find the Christmas flyer which has been highlighted
for your convenience. There are many new designs for Christmas and
New Year this year.
Please place your orders promptly to avoid disappointment, as stock is
already moving fast……
Season Trading Hours …
Currently our new office hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm.
During the Christmas period, Balloon City will not be closing prior to
Christmas, however we will only be running a skeleton staff from Monday
29 December to 2 January 2004.
Please ensure that your have made plans for the New Year rush and stock
up because due to Public holidays and the weekend, we only have one day
to dispatch priority postage between Christmas and New Year.
E-mail address request …
In this new age of technology, we are fortunate to be able to communicate
with our customers more regularly. It has also become extremely expensive
to post price lists, special offers etc, etc. but would not like to lose
contact with all of you, so if you are connected to an e-mail address,
please forward this to us so that you can be kept informed regularly.
We will still continue to mail out to those of you without email address,
but please allow time for the mailing service.
NEW NEW NEW …
Some of you have been letting us know what your customers are asking
for and working closely with us, and we heard you requests. Hence we
are delighted to offer you the following new designs
Please highlight them in your catalogue – so you don’t forget
them in your next order …
Code •••••••••••••• Description
86436 11” Polka
Dots •Page 14
43782 11” Pearl
Peach •Page 7
76238 11” Butterflies & Dragonflies-a-around •Page 29
90395 11” White
and Rose Glitter Princess (Not featured in the catalogue – White
and Rose assortment with Glitter print- “Princess” with a
crown….ideal for little
girls parties, Barbie parties, etc. etc.)
80249 36” Palm
Frond – Green •Page 65
And some designs are back in stock …
39208 11” Just
Married Flowers-a-rnd – Diamond Clear •Page 22
73994 11” Glow
Stars-around •Page 30
78168 18” Heavenly
Baby Shower •Page 50
25930 36” Smile
Faces •Page 59
86784 646Q
Birthday Banner •Page 17
47039 Balloon
Ribbon – Burgandy •Page
19428 Balloon
Drop Kit
80229 Ultra
Hi-float
PartyMate …
Just a reminder to you all, that PartyMate is now available. This range
offers a selection of 36 colours and the pricing is extremely competitive.
The Colour range is as follows:
Colour Range #1 (Standard) – White, Pink, Red, Yellow, Orange,
Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue
Colour Range #2 (Fashion & Crystal) - Butterscotch, Periwinkle Blue,
Island Blue, Lilac, Dark Pink, Magenta, Turquoise, Burgandy, Crystal
Red, Crystal Blue, Crystal Yellow, Crystal Purple, Crystal Green, Crystal
Black
Colour Range #3 (Metallic) - Metallic White, Metallic Ivory, Metallic
Yellow Metallic Mint Green, Metallic Light Blue, Metallic Pale Pink,
Metallic Red, Metallic Lilac, Metallic Purple, Metallic Navy, Metallic
Forest Green, Metallic Raspberry, Silver, Gold
Update …
Balloon City has a new identity, as you can see from our new logo.
We have also revamped our website and would love you all to go and have
a look and give your honest feedback. – Is it user friendly? Can
you find ideas?
You can find it at http:/www.ballooncity.co.za.
Well, all that is left for me to do ….. is wish you and your loved
ones a wonderful Christmas and peaceful New Year. After the sales have
been made, targets exceeded……it’ll be time to rest.
EnjoyJ
Suzanne
And Don’t Forget our Credit Card Facilities …
Use your credit card to pay for your order. It’s so easy. By using
your credit card this allows you up to an additional 45 days credit before
you pay your bank.
Dear All
Important New Information for all ...
1. REDUCED QUALATEX PRICE LIST.
As at 1st October 2003 we have introduced a new pricing structure. Taking
into effect the strengthening of the SA Rand against the US Dollar we
have structured (as best as possible) a one price price list. This effects
as a Reduction in all prices across the board. As much of our stock is
priced according to codes we have decided not to hassle you, our valued
customer, with the coded pricing. Please be advised that with the new
pricing structure no additional discounts will be applicable. So the
7% discount on bulk orders is NO longer available.
There is now just one price for everyone.
Our Qualatex Price List is now very competitive to the other balloon
suppliers in South Africa except that our service is still exceptitional
as we, at Balloon City Cape Town, offer a 24 hour turn around time on
regular (available) stock despatch. That is to say that if you place
your order and pay for it before 12 noon on the same day, it will be
dispatched that day for next day delivery (via speed services ie the
post office).
Please contact us for the latest price list or it will be included
with your next order.
2. NEW PARTYMATE BALLOONS (36 balloon colour range).
We at Balloon City do listen to what our customers are saying, and just
for you we have introduced a new range of economy balloons called PartyMate.
This range offers an additional 13 colours making up a total of 36 colours
against the Funsational range of 23 colours, particularly increasing
in the Metallic colours. With the new PartyMate pricing structure - the
more that you order, the cheaper it becomes. The second attachment is
the new stock PartyMate Price list, which includes a new more competitive
Balloon City stock house design balloon printing price list.
We have also listened to your requests for small runs of personalised
balloon printing and we are now able to offer 1 colour specialised balloon
printing - single sided, double sided or all around (ie 4 sides). This
price list is shown on a second page to the PartyMate Price list file.
3. STOCK CLEARANCE OFFER.
We are in the process of phasing out the Funsational range of balloons
so as to avoid mixing of colours and balloon shapes. The third attachment
is our Final Funsational Stock clearance offer. Once these stocks are
sold these items will be discontinued. This offer is available until
10 October or whilst stocks last. The stock is moving fast at these really
low prices so don't delay - the early bird catches the discount worm
!! (PS - There is absolutely nothing wrong with these balloons. We are
only discontinuing the range because the PartyMate range offers a much
wider choice of colours.)
4. NEW STOCK - JUST ARRIVED (includes 260Qs).
And, we saved the best news for last ....
Our new shipment has finally arrived and will be delivered
to the warehouse on Friday morning (3rd). The 260Q Traditional
assortments are now back in stock as well as the 11" Polka Dot (special assortment), 16" A
Smile & A Kiss, and selected stock for Halloween 2003 (31st October).
The Sealand Express has not yet released it's cargo but we are hoping
that it will do soon because the bulk of our Halloween stock is on board.
The bulk of our Halloween fliers are also on board. Once we receive our
cargo we will highlight (with the available stock) nd post out the Halloween
fliers just as soon as humanly possible.
Should you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact
us on (021) 783-5218. Our phone is often extremely busy (particularly
in the morning), so if you can't get through to the office then please
send us a fax to (021) 783-1052 with your request and contact tel number
and we will return your call as soon as possible (handwritten messages
on a piece of paper are just fine - they don't need to be typed). We
welcome new ideas and if you have problems, then we need to know about
those too. Remember that all Qualatex balloons carry a 100% Satisfaction
Guarantee. Talk to us about your requirements and the things that you
would like us to stock. We are only a phone call or e-mail away.
And Finally ... Thank you to all of you who have supported us through
this difficult time regarding the Sealand Express. We really do appreciate
your prayers and the support that you have given to us.
Best regards
Debbi and Suzanne
Balloon City
Cape Town, South Africa
Tel: (+27) (021) 783-5218
Fax: (+27) (021) 783-1052
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