Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for information about our company, products or their uses?We answer the most frequently asked questions here. If the answer isn't here yet, contact us
General Questions
Generally, we contact you by phone after receiving your email enquiry, which allows us to understand your needs and guide you towards the right product.
We then send you a quote for the desired product by email, and possibly a 3D visual of the product with your brand guidelines (if you have provided your logos during email exchanges).
Upon approval of the quote and the proof (artwork approval), we begin manufacturing.
Once the product is manufactured, we package it and ship it to your desired address.
The invoice is generally sent when manufacturing begins and/or upon delivery.
It depends on the type of product:
- For helium balloons (advertising balloons or blimps), allow 10 days.
- For air-blown structures: allow 15 days
- For sealed air structures, flags, and street marketing: 10-12 days
- For custom-made products, this depends on the complexity.
Generally, excluding large quantities, we can supply your advertising structure within 15 days.
Delivery times for overseas territories and outside Europe are dealt with on a case-by-case basis (parcel dimensions, transport method, etc.)
- For small parcels (> 30kg), we work with UPS
- For export and pallets, we work with local and national carriers
We prefer bank transfers at the time of ordering.
However, we also accept:
- Payment by cheque upon ordering
- Deposit upon ordering, with the balance on delivery
- Cash on delivery (via UPS)
If these payment methods are not possible (public institutions, outside Europe), please contact us to find alternative solutions.
We do not offer advertising products for hire. The graphics are most often printed directly onto the inflatable structure, so they cannot be easily changed (except in cases like arches where a removable Velcro banner solution is available).
Hiring is simply not our core business.
However, some of our clients and partners may offer certain communication tools for hire. Please contact us if you would like to be put in touch.
Product Selection
Helium Balloons
Helium is a gas seven times lighter than air.
So if a balloon is inflated with helium, it will naturally rise - we say it "flies" (provided, of course, that the weight/volume ratio of the balloon is properly maintained).
Sealed Air Structures
Sealed air inflatables are inflatable structures that are airtight without permanent blowers. You simply inflate them with air using an external inflator and close the valve, and they keep their shape for several days without re-inflating.
These are airtight structures, comparable to inflatable mattresses that we all know.
Air-Blown Structures
Air-blown inflatables are structures in which air is continuously blown, so they require a power supply. These structures are not airtight, which means their manufacturing cost is lower.
A well-known example of a permanently blown structure: bouncy castles for children.
Helium Balloon Specifics
Hydrogen and helium are both much lighter than air, but the similarities should stop there:
Hydrogen is extremely dangerous as it can ignite and/or explode at the slightest spark. It is generally used in aerospace and is not available for general sale.
Helium, on the other hand, is freely available because it is a "noble" gas - meaning it is inert! It is non-combustible (non-flammable) and even fire-retardant. It is also non-toxic (fortunately, as we all have it in our blood), colourless and odourless.
It is used in many sectors, such as diving, medicine, meteorology, palaeontology (helium dating), and of course inflatable advertising.
No, helium is not a dangerous gas
Helium is an inert gas with impressive characteristics - it is known as a "noble gas". It is:
- non-combustible (non-flammable)
- fire-retardant
- non-toxic
- colourless
- odourless
- the smallest of all molecules
- remains liquid down to absolute zero (unlike other gases)
- has the lowest boiling point of all known chemical elements
- the speed of sound travels much faster through it than through other gases (except hydrogen)
- the least water-soluble gas known to date
- plays no biological role
- the least chemically reactive element (along with neon)
- does not become radioactive when irradiated
- has a density lower than air
- and therefore lighter than air (it is 7 times lighter than air)
However, please note: never inhale helium directly from a balloon as this can cause asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen.
The flight duration of a balloon depends on several factors:
- Balloon quality: natural latex balloons typically fly between 8 and 12 hours, while Mylar (aluminium) balloons can fly for several days or even weeks
- Weather conditions: temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure affect flight duration
- Balloon size: the larger the balloon, the longer it tends to fly
- Hi-Float treatment: this product applied inside the balloon can multiply flight time by 3 or 4
For PVC advertising balloons like the ones we sell, the duration is approximately 10 days. For important events, we recommend inflating on the day itself or the day before at most.
First, you need to consider the volumes involved. Here we are talking about giant advertising balloons, which require "significant" helium volumes (from 3m3 to 21m3)! Buying small "helium canisters" online or from a general store is out of the question.
Small canisters hold only 0.25m3, so you would need at least 6 or 7 to inflate even our smallest balloon...
To obtain proper helium cylinders, you'll need to go through industrial gas distributors (Linde Gas, Air Liquide, Air Products) or possibly a professional retailer. You will often need to open a professional account to access these services.
To overcome this helium supply challenge, we have created a helium cylinder rental service at preferential rates negotiated on annual volume. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.
We also offer turnkey on-site installation services (see "Our Services").
For the installation and use of outdoor advertising balloons, you must notify the relevant civil aviation authority (in France: DGAC - Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile) of your balloon's presence.
Since your balloon is filled with helium, if it escapes for any reason, it will enter airspace. This is a simple authorisation that is granted almost automatically (we provide you with the contact details).
The aviation sector applies precautionary principles that are best adhered to.
We also recommend notifying local authorities (town hall) of your balloon's presence. This is not mandatory but is appreciated and avoids potential conflicts.
After manufacturing, we often put talcum powder on the balloon logos. This prevents the fresh print from "sticking" to other parts of the balloon. It also prevents moisture in your package.
After inflating the balloon, you can use a soft cloth to remove any talc residue.
If your balloon is black or dark-coloured, we recommend slightly dampening your cloth before cleaning.
There are 2 types of advertising balloon installations: indoor installation (at a trade show, for example) and outdoor installation (for an open day event, for example).
Indoor giant balloon installation
Indoor helium balloon installation is very simple:
- Carry out the operation in a clear area, both on the ground and above you
- Unfold the balloon on a clean floor to avoid any snags (placing it on a blanket is a good idea)
- Before any inflation, remember to attach the balloon with the supplied rope
- Check that both caps and valves are properly closed
- Place the wider end of the tube on the helium cylinder, and the narrower end in the cap
- Gently open the helium cylinder - the balloon inflates...
- The balloon is inflated when no creases or wrinkles appear
- You can close the valve cap and position the balloon wherever you wish
Outdoor giant balloon installation
Outdoor installation of a balloon (or blimp) is not particularly complex, but you need to carefully prepare the ropes and attachments and follow the instructions provided by your supplier. We recommend having an installer help you for the first installation - they can answer all your questions.
For outdoor use, the basics are:
- Only install if aviation authority approval has been granted (see the "authorisations" section)
- Weather conditions must be favourable
- It will be a short-duration operation, generally 1 to 3 weeks, which can be repeated
- Nothing should obstruct the balloon's flight: power lines, signs, lights...
- The balloon (or blimp) must be secured to three separate anchor points
- Use the supplied ropes (polyamide ropes)
- The inflation procedure is the same as for indoor installation (see above)
Outdoor installation may have specific constraints (rooftop installation, public spaces...). Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.
We offer advertising balloon installation services for trade shows and outdoor events.
To maximise the lifespan of your balloon, it should be stored in a dry place away from daylight.
We recommend rolling it into a ball and storing it in a plastic bag. Avoid folding it sharply to prevent cracking.
For extended storage, we recommend putting talcum powder on the balloon to remove any traces of moisture.
Yes, depending on the size of the hole, the balloon can be repaired. Simply use the glue and repair patch kit supplied with the balloon.
If the hole is not sealed, your balloon will be unusable with helium. Since helium is 7 times lighter than air, your helium-filled balloon will deflate 7 times faster.
Sometimes leaks cannot be found because they are microscopic. In this case, you can send us the balloon so we can investigate and carry out the repair.
Manufacturing Questions
Manufacturing Lead Times
Generally, we can deliver within 10 to 15 days from quote and artwork approval.
Don't hesitate to let us know your desired use date during our email or phone exchanges.
Vector Files? .AI and .EPS?
For good quality printing on your POS display, it is essential to provide us with a vector graphic file.
This is why we ask you to provide files with .AI or .EPS extensions.
We invite you to visit our "Logo Printing" section for full details...
Customisation & Colours
We recommend printing your logo and advertising message on a white background POS display (particularly for advertising balloons used at trade shows).
The memorability rate of the advertising message is much higher on a neutral background colour.
It is possible to print your logo on a coloured background (see our Pantone colours) or to print an image across the entire surface of the balloon (see total covering).
For inflatable signage, we offer 12 base Pantone colours:
It is possible to print a specific colour or image across the entire surface of the POS display.
We offer different levels of customisation:
- Background colour: a solid-coloured POS display without branding
- Your logos on background colour: a POS display with your logos (multiple depending on product and your needs)
- Total Covering: the POS display is entirely covered with your visual
For certain products, such as arches, it is possible to print removable Velcro banners with your logos...
It is possible to brand the entire surface of a POS display with your visual, regardless of its shape - this is called total branding or total covering.
This option works on most of our products. Don't hesitate to request a 3D simulation to validate the concept.
Materials Used
- Helium advertising balloons: 0.18mm PVC
- Air balloons, hanging or tripod-mounted: 0.18mm or 0.35mm PVC
- Crowd, LED or street marketing balloons: 0.18mm or 0.35mm PVC
- Mirror balloons: 0.35mm PVC + metallic effect
- Light-up or illuminating balloons: Nylon
- Skydancers: Nylon
- Mascots, giant replicas: Polyester with PVC coating (330 g/m2) + PVC envelope
- Arches, tents, columns (air-blown): Polyester with PVC coating (330 g/m2)
- Arches, tents, columns (sealed air): TPU for the airtight part + Polyester Twill + coated Oxford fabric
- Aluminium tents: aluminium + polyester (265 g/m2)
- Flags: polyester mesh, carbon mast
- Stand display: varies by product: aluminium frame, PVC, polyester, twill...
Maintenance Questions
Your inflatable structure will most often come with a carry bag. Simply fold and roll it (similar to an inflatable mattress) and store it in the supplied bag.
Important: to prevent mould, the structure must be stored dry.
With a soft cloth and soapy water (do not use detergent or cleaning products).
Only store your structure when it is completely dry.
Inflatable structures sometimes sustain damage. If you cannot repair it yourself, don't hesitate to send us photos of the damage so we can guide you through the repair.
In some cases, it may be better to return the structure to us for workshop repair.
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