Straight answers about buying, flying and paying for a marketing blimp. If yours is not here, call 1-800-791-1445 and a person who has flown these for decades will pick up.
How much does a marketing blimp cost?
A blank helium advertising blimp runs $684 for 10 feet up to $6,772 for 30 feet. Standard lettering is a separate charge, from $421 to $1,449 depending on size. The most popular choice, a 13 ft blimp with lettering, is $975 + $537 = $1,512. Use the quote builder on this site for an exact number.
How high does an advertising blimp fly?
Outdoors, 120 feet above the ground. That is on purpose: the FAA only gets involved above 150 feet. Indoors at a trade show, any ceiling of 15 feet or more works.
How much helium does a blimp need and what does it cost?
A 13 ft blimp holds 170 cubic feet of helium. A 200 cu ft cylinder from a local welding-gas supplier is about $300, so a first fill is roughly $255. Loss is about 1% per day, so a top-off every 3 to 7 days keeps it tight.
Can I inflate it myself?
Yes. The first inflation takes a little reading. After that it is about 10 minutes for one person. There is a video walkthrough on the factory site and printed instructions in the box.
What is it made of?
Polyurethane, not PVC. Polyurethane holds helium far longer, stays flexible in cold weather, does not yellow in the sun, and is why customers are still flying the same balloon after 14 years.
How long does shipping take?
UPS Ground from the factory in North Carolina, 2 to 5 business days anywhere in the continental US. The carton for common sizes is 60 by 26 by 3 inches.
What happens in wind?
Winds forecast over 25 mph: bring it inside. Wind is what causes losses, not wear. Down for weather costs nothing when you own the blimp.
Do I need a permit?
Under 150 feet the FAA is not involved. Within 5 miles of a controlled airport, a quick call to the tower is the courteous move and has never been refused in 40 years. Check local sign codes for your city, they vary.
Is there a warranty?
Wear only. If it wears out, send it back for a replacement. Weather loss is not covered, which is why the wind rule above matters.
Can I rent instead of buy?
Full-service rental with helium, installation, weather watch and removal exists only in greater Phoenix and Tucson: balloon service $247.25 per day, blimp service $297.25 per day. Everywhere else, buying is the way and it pays for itself in a weekend or two.
How many letters fit on a blimp?
Standard lettering covers up to 13 letters per side. Each extra letter is $6.50. Short and loud wins: NEW HOMES, SALE, OPEN, GRAND OPENING.
Who makes these blimps?
Arizona Balloon Company in Glendale, Arizona, building polyurethane advertising blimps since 1979. Nevada Balloons is an independent Nevada guide that uses their factory prices and sizes. Everything ships UPS Ground to Las Vegas, Reno and every town between.