Helium FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Our store have helium and we're ready to inflate balloons for your next celebration. We have several options for filling balloons:

  • You can purchase select Gonzales Party Store balloons in store and have them inflated before you leave.

  • You can purchase uninflated balloons online, then bring them to our store to have them inflated for free. (Just make sure your item says price includes helium and bring your receipt!)

  • You can also order inflated balloons online and pick-up in store or get them delivered straight to your door!

  • You can purchase balloons from other stores and have them filled at our store for a fee.

 

When you buy foil & latex balloons from our store, we fill them for free at the store.

If you purchase your balloons from another store, your local Party Store Gonzales Balloons can fill those with helium, too. Helium prices can vary depending on your location, so it's a good idea to visit our store ahead of time. You can expect the following price ranges to fill balloons purchased elsewhere:

  • Foil balloons: $1.99 to $15.99, depending on size.

  • Latex balloons: $1.25 to $27.99

 

Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, but you won't find it in the air. That's because this gas is so light that it quickly rises into space. Strangely enough, the helium we find on Earth is actually trapped underground along with natural gas! Helium production is a byproduct of the natural gas industry, but there are relatively few places where helium is concentrated enough to successfully extract it. About 75 percent of the world's supply comes from just three areas – one in Texas, one in Wyoming and one in the country of Qatar.

 

The helium shortage was the result of multiple factors. Production plant closures, an embargo in Qatar in 2017 and a gradual sell-off of America's strategic helium reserves have all put pressure on the industry. This, combined with increasing global demand and other factors, led to some of the issues with the helium market.

 

While helium is abundant throughout the universe, it is a finite resource on Earth. The helium shortage of 2019 doesn't mean that we've run out, though. New sources of helium have been discovered in Africa, and companies continue to search for additional places to mine the gas. It takes time to set up a new mining operation, however, so supplies may continue to be a bit tight.


Do you deliver? Yes, we service all 225 area and are willing to travel outside of the area as well.

What type of balloons do you use? 100% biodegradable latex balloons as well as mylar foil balloons. We use the highest quality balloon available. The latex balloons are coated with a glue that extends the life of the balloon from 18-48 hours, sometimes even multiple days. Balloon installations last anywhere from 1 day to 3 months depending on the conditions. Helium is very sensitive to extreme heat and cold, meaning that the lifespan of your balloons could be effected by the temperature of your house or the weather outside it really depends on your environment.

Can I leave my balloons outside and expect them to last forever? No. Balloons do not perform well under the Louisiana heat. I suggest to keep your balloons out of direct sunlight to be safe. Lighter colors do best in the direct sun.

Disclaimer: I cannot guarantee your balloons will last at all once they have been delivered or picked up. Toddlers, tree branches, brick walls, hot cars, and nails are just a few examples of things that can pop your helium balloons. Once delivered, Gonzales Balloons is not held responsible for any balloons that are popped, stolen, lost, poked or let go of. If WE pop your balloon, it will be replaced at no charge or a refund will be issued if we're unable to get a replacement in time.

Gender Reveals: Yes we do gender reveal balloons! I have a collection on there site labeled "Gender Reveal"  We can fill them with mini balloons as well as confetti. If your doctor has your results they can be emailed to Gonzalesballoons@gmail.com, or handed to an associate in store, and also If your doctor has given you login credentials for you to use to sign in and access your results, you can pass that on to us and I can retrieve the results for you.

Cancellations: All deposits made to hold the date of your event are non-refundable. In the event that your event is cancelled, a credit will be held on your account indefinitely and can be used in the future.

Do you come back and take down the installation? Once the event has ended, the taking down of your arrangement is the responsibility of the client. If you are interested in us coming back to remove the balloons and command hooks, this can be provided at an additional charge. Please mention this when you inquire.

What do you use to hang your garlands? I use wall friendly, 3M command hooks.

Do you offer DIY garland kits? Yes, we can arrange a bouquet upon request with instructions on installation.