Know What to Ask For
'I want custom balloons' is not specific enough for an accurate quotation. Balloon factories in China produce dozens of distinct types across multiple materials, shapes, and size ranges. Specifying exactly what you need in your first RFQ saves a week of back-and-forth clarification. This reference catalog covers what's available.
Latex Balloons: Size Reference
| Size | Inflated Diameter | Common Use | Print Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 inch | ~13 cm | Garland filler, small decor | Limited — small surface |
| 9 inch | ~23 cm | Standard party, bouquets | Good for simple logos |
| 11 inch | ~28 cm | Standard party, most common size | Best for full-wrap printing |
| 12 inch | ~30 cm | Premium party, events | Excellent for full-wrap 360° |
| 16 inch | ~41 cm | Statement decor, centerpieces | Large printable surface |
| 18 inch | ~46 cm | Large decor, photo backdrops | Very large surface |
| 24 inch | ~61 cm | Giant decor, retail display | Maximum latex size |
| 36 inch | ~91 cm | Jumbo, arch, special events | Extra large (limited print) |
Note: Full-wrap (360°) printing is typically available on 11–12 inch balloons. Smaller balloons have limited print area due to curvature. Larger balloons (16"+) are usually printed in panels, not full-wrap.
Latex Balloons: Finish Options
- Standard: Solid color, moderate sheen. Most common, lowest cost.
- Metallic: Pearlescent/metallic sheen. Premium look, 10–20% cost premium over standard.
- Pastel: Soft, muted colors. Popular for baby showers, weddings, spring events.
- Agate/Marble: Swirled multi-color effect — each balloon is slightly unique. Premium, trending for organic garland arrangements.
- Crystal/Clear: Transparent latex — used for confetti balloons and layered decor.
- Chrome: Mirror-like metallic finish. Premium, highest cost among latex finishes.
Foil/Mylar Balloons: Shape Catalog
Standard Shapes
- Round: 18 inch diameter — most common foil shape. Available in solid metallic colors and printed designs.
- Heart: 18 inch — wedding, Valentine's, anniversary.
- Star: 18–24 inch — celebration, patriotic, achievement.
- Circle (flat): 18 inch — alternative to round, lays flat for printing.
Number and Letter Balloons
- Numbers (foil): 16 inch and 32 inch — 0 through 9. 32 inch is the statement size for ages and years. 16 inch is the standard retail size.
- Letters (foil): 16 inch — A through Z. Used for names, initials, and short words.
- Number balloons (latex): Shaped latex balloons for numbers — less common, mostly for large decor.
Custom Die-Cut Shapes
Any shape can be produced as a custom foil balloon with a custom cutting die. Common custom shapes: animals, characters, products, logos, mascots. Requires die tooling ($100–300, 7–14 day lead time for die production) and minimum order quantity typically 5,000–10,000 pieces to amortize the tooling. This is the highest-MOQ balloon category.
Specialty Balloons
- Confetti Balloons: Clear latex (11–12 inch) pre-filled with tissue or mylar confetti. Custom confetti shapes and colors available. Premium retail pack item — high perceived value for moderate cost premium.
- LED Balloons: Latex balloon (11–12 inch) with a factory-inserted LED unit powered by replaceable button-cell batteries. Constant-on or flashing modes. Night event item with strong seasonal demand. Requires careful quality control on LED battery life and activation reliability.
- Bobo/Bubble Balloons: Stretch PVC, 18–24 inch. Clear, can contain smaller balloons, confetti, feathers, or LED lights inside. Premium event item with high Instagram appeal. Heavier than latex — shipping cost is a meaningful factor.
- Garland Kits: Assorted-size latex balloon packs (typically 5"–18" mixed) with balloon tape, glue dots, and assembly instructions. The fastest-growing balloon product category driven by social media balloon garland trends.
- Orb Balloons: Spherical clear plastic balloons, 12–24 inch. Similar to bobo but round. Used for floral arrangements and premium decor.
How to Specify Balloons in an RFQ
A complete balloon specification includes: material (latex/foil/PVC), shape/size, finish (standard/metallic/pastel/etc.), print method and color count, print placement (one side/two sides/full-wrap), quantity per design, packaging format, and destination market compliance requirements. Example:
11-inch standard latex balloons, metallic gold finish, 2-color screen print (logo in black + text in white), printed on two sides, 5,000 pieces, polybag bulk pack, EN71 and ASTM F963 test reports required for EU and US market.
A specification this specific gets an accurate quote in one round. A vague request gets clarifying questions.