Hi Folks,

This month I thought we could discuss ways of ending queues/lines.
I know some people don't have lines, but most do.

So your time to finish is approaching.... How do you end your line?


All questions, comments and answers gratefully received. even if you are new to twisting or new to the forum please tap those keys and contribute!


best wishes for a busy August,

Danny

Hi Danny - I can see 2 Magic Bunnies have escaped from the hutch
I remember someone, somewhere saying that they had a laminated card with their available balloon-model choices on one side, and then some appropriate text, "Sorry, queue ends here, please come back in 30 minutes" (or similar) on the other side. The last person in the queue got to wear it like a "placard" hanging on their back.
Not that I ever have this many people, so not a problem, but it might be an idea.
Either that, or give the last person a balloon sword and get them to beat the bejeesus out of anyone who comes near
Bruce

When I'm getting close to 'time please', I hand out one balloon to the people in the queue (trying to choose a time when there are not too many, but still close to 'finishing') and explain to them that I am about to finish. They will be ok if they hold on to the balloon, but after that, I have to close/will be back in * minutes.
I have found that the people with balloons will tell any newcomers that I am finishing, before I get a chance to open my mouth.
I don't these that often, but so far, so good.
I got the idea from someone on Michael Floyds website, but, unfortunately cannot remember who. Safe to say, it is not my idea, but one that works for me ..... so far!

Dave

Hi Dave, That was exactly how I worked, and whoever came up with that idea was and is a lifesaver. It is a similar idea to how face painters work when they paint numbers on kids hands so they will only paint faces of those kids who are numbered

My main way of working now is busking, so I will now stay anywhere as long as people will part with money

When working as the question suggests, one way I dealt with the situation was saying " I am working for 'so and so ' to give away balloon models up to (finishing time) however I don't mind staying on after my finishing time, if you don't mind paying for the models I make

That allways sorted the wheat from the chaff !!!!!!!!!

At a couple of really busy events this Summer I have used 'punch ball' balloons to make my escape (literally)... they are the big round balloons with the elastic string attached to them.

At one event I had been twisting for 5 1/2 hours out of a 6 hour job, and with 1/2 an hour to go there were still about 40 people in the queue. With 15 minutes to go I produced a full bag of punch balls and announced that the twisting had finished but anyone who wanted a punch ball balloon could have one.

I then spent 15 minutes blowing them up and trying to give as many out un-inflated as possible ("there you go dad... you can blow that one up!" and then managed to walk away on time.

Another idea I am waiting to try out is to hold an impromptu balloon modelling workshop with those in the queue at the end. The way it will go is that I will announce I am finished but anyone who wants to make their own dog can have a go... give out inflated 260's... run through the model... escape.

Tried putting a sign up saying I finish at **pm 15 mins before the end as people joined I just point out the sign and mention they may not get a balloon. I

When the finished time arrived I would give away the demo models if there was anybody left.

Have tried giving them a balloon to hold as well, with limited success. Disliked getting the soggy balloon back after it has been in their mouth.

Had the idea of giving them a label so they could fill their name in & put it into the box. I would then pull a label out make the balloon & attach. When I had run out of labels I was finished.
New comers would have to ask for a label and I would say I'm finished giving them out.
Never tried though...

I find whatever I did there was always the pushy mum that would not accept I had finished... They kick off..the kid starts crying...My day is spoilt.

I have even told them to go complain the to organiser for not booking me long enough.

I prefer to sell them nowadays.

Fuzz

Great answers so far. Martin, I actually did the "impromptu modelling workshop" twice this summer at our street fair. It was a blast! Everyone had a really good time with it..the first time, out of about 45 people...only 5 ended up with a doggie...lol. Everyone else popped theirs, but they still had a really fun time.
The second time I did it because it started to rain and I wanted to be done quickly. I only had about 18 people as it started to rain...but they didn't want to leave so we all twisted a doggie while it rained harder and harder. We were all drenched and laughing by the time we were through.

Usually when I end my line, I hand out "glow sticks" to the 10-12 kids that will trade them in for a balloon sculpture. (I like using glow sticks as they are easily cleanable and reusable.). I then give the last person in line an inflated 350 with the words "I am the end" and explain to them that they have the most important job of the night. They get to let everyone know that they are the end of the line (so I'm not the bad guy), and then I tell them I will make them something extra special when it is their turn. I've actually had a few people volunteer to be my line ender so they get something a little more special

I have been pondering the "psychology" of a line... or more like the "end" of the line. I have noticed that it doesn't matter how politely you tell people that you are finished there is always... and I mean ALWAYS a "party pooper" at the end. You can tell 49 people that you are finishing up with the last 2 people and the 50th person (you can insert your own numbers here... they are figurative) just won't take "NO" for an answer. Well... I finally figured it out. The "psychology" of the end of the line... its that one (or more) person(s) that won't take "NO" is just dysfunctional. Its nothing personal... they just don't get it, won't get it, and they really don't care/notice that they are different.

After I figured it out... I didn't let their nasty comments bother me anymore. Well... I try not to )

I've used everything imaginable in my 20 years of mob twisting... you still get the whiners that won't take no.

I've decided that if you have a sandwich board, or a vest, or a balloon that says... END OF THE LINE... people are illiterate or choose not to read it, no matter what language its written in.

Patricia

That is very true Patricia...there are many people that either don't read it...or choose to ignore it.
There are always the people that my "line ender" has told they are the end, that stick around thinking I might change my mind. As the end of my line gets closer...I will remind people that the one holding the balloon is my last one, and that I have to leave because I have another event to go to (whether I do or not). I'm not actually fibbing...most of the time my event is doing something with my family or at home.

If it's in the evening...or getting close to dark (and I'm outside)...I tell people in a stage whisper that I have to go after the last person because I'm afraid of the dark...it usually gets a chuckle.

Total agreement with you ladies - some people just 'expect' you to deliver - you get I have been here all day and back many times you where busy! My answer 'sorry you decided to do other things!

I end the line with what takes y fancy at the time - sometimes I will give them a 5" round or heart shaped balloon - inflated (yes I got fed up getting sticky soggy 260's back) so I use it in the model they get. And YES I have a GOB and you can hear me saying balloon lady leaves in XX minutes only those with balloons left please dont join the queue. and I have been asked where do we get the balloons from? for me to say sorry none left.

If there are not many I will ask 'do you all wil to make 2 balloon models each?' and if they say yes promtly have a tutition of 3 twist 'giraffadog' which always leaves them amazed..

And Yes I have had tears, screams, slanderous and abusive remarks believe me and thats just from the Adults - I sometimes wonder what they would say if they took a step back and watched how they behave... My answer, you work past the clock in your job and not get paid? and all this happens when I have already gone past my time by 15-30 minutes..

Pam
xx