I've come up against a brick wall trying to find balloons (namely 260Q's) that I can buy just a few bags of, at sensible prices. Mainly is the shipping prices that push them over the top.

I did find this website who ship via snail mail for free (http://www.click4balloons.co.uk/) but never heard of them before so reluctant to buy.

I know Graham is a great retailer but I just can order in the numbers needed.

This is and nge resting post and a dilemma I have had many times.
I use Graham but have also used Funtime faces who offer free delivery over £50.
This sounds great and is only 8-10 bags. That said, compare the prices more carefully as I have been doing when placing what I consider to be my small orders.
Graham's prices actually are often cheaper than most and whilst the postage is more for the occasional buyer, if split between each bag, there is little difference in overall price. His service is great and fast (as is Funtime faces). I have generally switched to Graham for the simple fact that he is a balloon specialist and stock is rotated regularly as a result so should be fresher.(whilst Funtime faces do face paints with the addition of balloons - and I still use them for face paint and will order balloons at the same time)
So, after my ramblings, it is sometimes not just about delivery cost. Look at the whole picture but ultimately you decide.

On the retail site they would be £4.99 and £3.99 shipping up to 4 bags, I like to think that is a pretty good price, royal mail charge £3.20 for shipping and then we have to supply the box, tape and then walk to the post office and sometimes wait for 20 minutes to post out. There are a lot of people selling on ebay now and if you get stuck behind one of them    You then get a complimentary bag of balloons to make a model with full instructions on balloon chat and if you then post it a chance to win the prize draw for April of a Mark Byrne DVD. With me you also get the chance on the forum to ask where is the best place to buy balloons and anyone and everyone can join in if they wish and promote other companies, I have never deleted posts like that.

I just looked at the other site and they are charging the same £4.99

We do not have a minimum order, you can order one bag and sometimes we have had people just order from our buy to try 10 count bags.

As a hobbyist, starting out, cost was always mega important. I have come to realise that there is more to it and as I said, the bigger picture is important. This is why I have switched to Graham. Faultless service and I do enjoy the bonus balloons. Still thinking of what to do with the hearts I got last time.
Another way to look at things is to cost out price per balloon and what you make per model. Sometimes debating over a penny or less per balloon is simply not worth it.

Quote from: "Areyouhappydad"Still thinking of what to do with the hearts I got last time.

This is why we thought it might be better to put balloons in with a link to some instructions so people can have a go at making a model
rather than just some random balloons. For April if you post the Elephant you go into the prize draw to win a Mark Byrne DVD.
This is the link for posting, april-comp-balloons-t9757.html

And thanks for the order tonight Stuart, it is appreciated.

Thanks for the great replies and I do appreciate your honesty Graham (for the record I have ordered from you and the service was fantastic).


The reasons behind asking is that I drove 20-odd miles to a 'local' shop yesterday and left empty handed because I refused to pay the retail price over the wholsale price.

Thanks Graham, you'll be receiving my order (albiet small) shortly