FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

General Stock FAQ

Which Size do I need?

Sizing will vary from each supplier, so it is best to check the measurements in the description to find your perfect size. Please be aware that costume sizes come up differently to everyday clothing. If you are still unsure, you can visit the store and see the costume out of the packet, and even try it on before purchasing.

Do You Hire out Costumes?

No, we no longer provide this service. We instead offer a wider range of packet costumes and accessories that you don't need to worry about damaging after purchase or bringing back.

What is your refund policy?

In store Purchases:

Our policy: In addition to your legal rights, we also allow you to return goods for an exchange or credit note, if you purchased the incorrect size or simply change your mind. Please return the unused goods, featuring all original tags and packaging, to us with the till receipt within 14 days. Unopened goods may be refunded in full if they are returned on the same day of purchase.

We cannot accept returned underwear, tights or wigs for hygiene reasons.

Your legal rights: When you buy goods from a business, in law you have a number of rights as a consumer. These include the right to claim a refund, replacement, repair and/or compensation where the goods are faulty or mis-described.

A business does not have to refund a customer if they:

  • knew an item was faulty when they bought it
  • damaged an item by trying to repair it themselves or getting someone else to do it (though they may still have the right to a repair, replacement or partial refund)
  • no longer want an item (for example because it’s the wrong size or colour) unless they bought it without seeing it

Website and Telephone Purchases:

Online, mail and telephone order customers have the right to cancel their order for a limited time even if the goods are not faulty. The Business must offer a refund to customers if they’ve told you within 14 days of receiving their goods that they want to cancel. They have another 14 days to return the undamaged goods once they’ve told you.

The customer is responsible for the cost of the return postage.

Can I order online and collect from the shop?

Yes, we offer a collection option on our website, when you select your delivery option. Please wait for our e-mail to inform you when your items are ready to collect.

Can I make a Bulk Order?

You can order in bulk, but not from our website. It is best to phone us or send us an email, as we are likely to have to order the items in from our supplier, depending on the quantity that is required.

Do you offer any Discounts?

We can offer discounts on in store purchases for certain industries and regular customers. Ask us in store if you are able to claim. We will often require some form of identifier before giving a discount.

 

Balloon FAQ

How long will my balloons last?

Helium filled standard 11 inch latex balloons last approx 12 hours, confetti filled balloons have a slightly shorter float time. We can offer an option to prolong the life of latex balloons. These should then last 24 - 48 hours (again confetti filled will have a shorter lifespan).

Foil Balloons can last up to a week, though are at their best for the first 2-3 days.

Air filled balloons should last a week, but often last months.

All balloons should be stored indoors at room temperature at all times to achieve their best lifespan. Avoid any cold or warm locations, such as cars, conservatories and garages, for long periods of time. The lifespan will be affected by how you store them.

Can I purchase inflated balloons on the spot?

Yes, you can. However, we strongly recommend that you pre order your balloons.

Perks of pre ordering;

  • You don't have to wait! If we are busy, you may be in for a longer wait for on-the-spot balloons. We prioritise those who have already booked, so you may be required to wait until those orders are complete, before we can start yours.
  • We have more time to add bells and whistles! If you have pre ordered your balloons, we have time to add our extra embellishments. Some cannot be made on the spot.
  • Your Foil Balloons are checked for faults! We always inflate foil balloons that are ordered in advance, at least the day before use. This does not reduce their life, but enables us to detect any faults in the balloon, as these do not always appear when you inflate on the spot.
  • Stock is reserved for you! Avoid the disappointment of missing out on the colour or style you wanted, because it was just sold to the person before you. Any stock required for your pre order is reserved upon payment.
  • More choice! We cannot offer our full range of balloon displays on the spot. Some take too much time, or need extra supplies and materials ordered in.
  • All pre orders are subject to our terms and conditions.

How far in advance should I order?

We usually suggest at least a week in advance, but the earlier, the better. Some of our displays or services do require a minimum notice time. These can be found below.

Personalisation: Minimum of 3 days.

Larger Arches: Minimum of 2 weeks.

Delivery: Minimum of 7 days.

Ordering special stock: Varies depending on supplier – 2 weeks ideally.

Will you inflate balloons that have not been bought from you?

We can offer this service for officially branded balloons. Being a small shop, it is hard to stock all of the balloons in the world, so we understand that we may not have your desired theme available. If you come to us early, we can order in most themes from our suppliers.

There are a few important things to note, if you would like to provide the balloons yourself.

  • We are not responsible for the quality of your balloons. If your balloons burst or have a fault, we will not replace the item and will still charge for the helium that has been used and time taken to inflate in air filled.
  • We may not always be able to offer this with helium inflation, due to the global helium shortage.
  • We can make them into displays for an extra fee or can be mixed with our stock in some arrangements. Your latex balloons cannot be used in our air filled displays.
  • Personalisation is not available on your own balloons.
  • If your balloons are deemed too low quality, we may refuse to inflate them at all.

Do you offer a Delivery service?

Yes, we can deliver your balloons. Generally we offer delivery to locations up to 15 miles away; however quotes can be obtained for locations just over this limit. We currently can only deliver in the afternoon on weekdays, but can deliver within our opening hours on Saturdays. Fees start from £5. Advanced notice of at least 7 days must be made for any requested delivery.

How do I dispose of my Balloons?

All balloons should be disposed of responsibly, and avoid releasing any balloons into the sky.

Although it may be tempting, you should not inhale the helium from your balloons. This practise can be life threatening.

Whilst latex balloons are biodegradable, they must still be disposed of with household or commercial waste where they will decompose in landfill.

Foil Balloons can be deflated and reused by inserting a straw into the valve and gently squeezing the air/helium out. If you can no longer reuse them, deflate and cut the balloons and ribbons into small pieces and put in the bin or reuse as gift bag fill or for crafting.

Any plastic disc or pyramid weights can be saved and reused, or bring these back to the shop for us to use again. You can get a small amount off of your purchase for each undamaged pyramid weight you return to us!

Why do you cost more than the card shops (etc) on the high street?

There are many factors as to why we cannot achieve the low prices of these balloons providers.

  • Firstly, you are paying for our experience, quality products/materials and the time and care taken by our staff to make your balloons perfect.
  • Secondly, we use 100% helium in our balloons! Many budget providers may use an air and helium mix, this means that the life of your balloons is considerably less than if you use all helium. This can also apply to the some disposable helium canisters, even though it may not be clearly advertised.
  • Thirdly, we are a small business. These chains can buy products in bulk, which usually incurs a better discount from their wholesalers. When you spend your money with a small independent retailer, this goes back into your local community, via taxes, and local resident's wages, instead of the pockets a large company's higher up's!