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Billie Bonkers New user 22 Posts |
I noticed in another part of this forum a performer saying he had a problem with a parent getting very angry because he stopped making balloons and his child didn't get one!!!! A familiar story for all of us I'm sure!
The way I deal with this is I have 10 balloons in a different pocket always waiting. when I've had just about all I can stand of making the little darlings balloons- I put my hand in my pocket and bring out 10 and I say in a loud voice that I only have 10 left... and each time I make one it goes down. So all the parents and children get used to the idea they are running out. I will act very sad BUT I will get away without ever having angry parents. This works for me! |
TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
I do the very same, and it works for me as well. It lets them down gently.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
Pokie-Poke Special user Bensalem, PA 883 Posts |
I used to use an electric pump that I made, I know how long I get on a batt. and when it dies it is dead and I'm done. If some one wants a balloon after that they need to blow it up them self.
Yes I can mouth inflate, but they don't know that. I have extra batt.'s also. I don't use this ploy any more, but you get the idea.
www.pokie-poke.com
The Adventure cont... |
Juliegel Loyal user 294 Posts |
When I want to end a line and avoid angry parents I try to shorten the line and reduce the number of new people coming into it by becoming smaller. Just stop talking as loud and work more for the person in front of you then the whole crowd. I do this until my line gets to around five people. Then, before I start making anything new I ask everyone what they want and pull out all the balloons necessary to complete the job. I then ask a friend of mine or perhaps someone working by me to take my balloon bag away and stash it under a table or if I know them well I have them put it in my car.
This way if anyone else wants a balloon I simply don't have them anymore. Sorry but luckily I happen to have a few business cards on me... As always, Dylan |
Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Deli ticket machine pull the machine and finish off the line.
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
Jay Ward Veteran user Flowery Branch, GA 328 Posts |
For my restaurants, I've been pre-making balloons. I make about 15 basic swords, and 8-10 sculptures that use 2 or 3 balloons. I carry them in in colorful laundry bags and put them close to the door. This way, I can guarantee every kid gets a balloon every night even if I don't make it to their table. It has worked great for me. I've also started carrying a bag of swords for line work. Kids don't have to wait to get the quickest balloon design in the world.
You can get a "Line is closed" vest for the last person in line to wear. Make sure you give it to an adult. Uncle Curt sells those with English on top, and Spanish below. |
Zakari Asiago Regular user Panhandle of Florida 183 Posts |
For lines, I cut it off when I know about how many more I can do before I am contracted to leave. I say... to the people in line, I have good news and I have bad news. the bad news is I am going to be leaving...(with sad face).. BUT the good news is...i will promise to make everyone in line now,a balloon before I leave. I pass out small plastic gold coins and say if you have one I will make you a balloon but anyone that come after will not get a coin and will not be able to get a balloon now. I then keep anouning you must have a gold coin to get a balloon. I have the kids in line raise the coins to show everyone. I tell everyone that this is the hardest part of my job... stopping.... because I really do love what I do for a living and hate to say no. if I get a persistant parent, I talk to their child and say, my mommy says I have to be home at a certain time... and you always listen to your mommy/daddy...right? if the parent says anything... it is like giving their child permission to not listen to what they tell the child to do. sometime if we cross paths at a jam... let's all trade the horror stories we have had....
Zakari Asiago
401 South Ave. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 |
Scruffy the Clown Loyal user Coldwater,MI 233 Posts |
I have my partner pass out roll tickets.When we run out, we are done. My fave is "I need several. she has six brothers that didn't get to come....."
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
I don't have lines in restaurants. I go to the table.
To finish a restaurant. 10minutes before hand or at the appointed time I stop doing the good stuff. As I walk up to the tables I m already making a small dog (ala Jeff Koons) explain that I leave at BLANK time.... and that I wanted everyone to get something, please come in earlier next time. Then again I can make a 3 second dog......
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
Leland Inner circle St Louis 1180 Posts |
If I am working a line event, I look at my line and cut it off by having the last person in line hold a round balloon on a 350 that say "Last One!" I keep my eyes on that person to make sure no one else gets in line. I always apoligize and say sorry that's the last one. I do get upset parents but that's the breaks!
Life of Magic!
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greatscott Special user 595 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-03-08 08:57, Bad to the Balloon wrote: Mark, how do you keep them from lining up? I go to tables, as well, at the restaurants I work. But, the kids always seem to start coming over to where I am, because they can't wait for me to get to them. Then, before you know it, other children have seen the 1 or 2 standing there, and they think it's a line, and fall in. I normally end up with a big line across the restaurant. |
Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-04-13 10:05, greatscott wrote: I am very firm with both parents and children who come to visit me while I am at someone's table. "Please have a seat I will come to your table soon..." I also follow a rule of Styrofoam, Dessert, Steak, Salad, Drinks, Menu. This means I look around the restaurant and gauge how long people have been waiting and attack in that order. Shouldn't have to explain this but I will .... Styrofoam - Done eating, paid the bill and ready to go!! Dessert - Done eating Steak - (meal time) Salad - (pre-meal) Drinks - (meal ordered or may be waiting to order a meal) Menu - just sat down waiting to order Common things that happen: Kid: "I want a balloon" ME: I am sure you do BUT I will come to your table and see you with your parents (This also increase the likelihood of a tip or a BETTER tip) Parent & Kid: "He wants a balloon NOW!" ME: how will you ever bribe him to eat. <wink> I'll see you after your meal. INSISTANT Parent!! "I know it doesn't look like it but I have an order I have to follow so I don't miss anyone here... you wouldn't want to mess that up now would you?" KID SCREAMING Heres a happy face balloon (2 seconds)
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-03-07 09:17, Jay Ward wrote: Jay I do the same exact thing at restaurants. I make 10 gray swords 12 two balloon flowers stick them in a fold up laundry basket and that's it. Take the stress off me. I don't do much line work so I have never tried that. |
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