Playing It Safe: A Checklist for Choosing An Inflatable Vendor
Let’s face it: Inflatables are an investment, not an impulse buy. That's why it only makes sense to purchase inflatables from long-standing companies that have proven track records with design quality, on-time delivery, customer service, and more. But honestly, how would you know? If you contacted an inflatables company (or they contacted you), how could you determine with a fair amount of certainty that your project would turn out exactly the way you wanted?
Based on years of hearing tales from clients who came to Landmark after using the other guys, we've compiled a checklist of things to consider, things to make sure of and things to avoid like the plague. Using our inside knowledge, you'll be able to make a more confident decision on the vendor that's right for you.
Things To Consider:
While answering "no" to any of these is no cause to sound an alarm, you would do better to work with a vendor who does/offers everything below.
- Has the company asked about the factors of your campaign or the primary use of the inflatable? This could have a profound effect on how the balloon performs, its size, shape, and more.
- Do you like the concept illustration (quote sketch) the vendor provided?
- Is the sketch from the same company that will build your inflatable? If not, what assurances do you have that you'll get the same caliber of creativity?
- Does your point of contact have a long history with the company? How long has your contact been employed and what position do they hold? Being forced to change representatives in the middle of a project isn't the end of the world, but having your rep quit or be fired mid-stream certainly can complicate and delay matters.
- Are all needed accessories provided? Do UL-approved blowers, 4000# rated nylon tethers and other needed accessories come with the inflatable or do those cost extra?
- Are they trying to sell you what they want you to buy? Don't be pushed around. You're paying for your inflatable and it should be exactly what you want and need, not what the vendor is trying to get rid of.
Things To Make Sure Of:
If you find yourself answering "no" to one or more of these, you'll want to tread carefully. Each of these questions will show you the level of quality provided by the vendor as well as their ability to stand behind their products.
- Do you like the inflatables pictured on their site? What you see on the company's website should be a representation of the best they have to offer. If you aren't pleased with what you find online, chances are good you won't be pleased with the final product they deliver.
- Do they offer a warranty? How long is the warranty? What does it cover?
- Is the company's location stated on its website? Will you be able to reach them when needed?
- Has the business been operational for a significant amount of time? Can they prove it? Isn't it awful that you even need to worry about that? Unfortunately, we've heard some horror stories from clients that now cause us to advise you to ask. Can the vendor provide customer testimonials or media coverage that shows they've been in business as long as they claim?
- Do they use top-quality construction practices? Without double-stitched seams and internal tethering, you run a serious risk of incurring damage to your inflatable, even with normal wear and tear.
Things To Avoid Like the Plague:
If even one of these questions has a "no" answer, run like the wind! These are warning signs that almost always lead to a poor-performing inflatable and an overall bad experience.
- Does the vendor provide referrals? If they are unable to offer a minimum of three recent referrals, don't bother working with them. If they do offer referrals, be sure you call each one.
- Do the images on their site belong to them? Again, it's a shame you even have to ask, but you really should. There have been numerous cases of vendors who copy images from other websites. If the vendor can't verify the images on their site are from projects they created, end your conversation right there.
- Do their claims seem realistic? There are certain factors that come into play with every inflatables project. Lead times that are far faster than others or pricing that is exceptionally lower than competitors' bids should send up a red flag.
- Are their salespeople professional? Using hard-sell tactics and bashing competitors to try and gain business is not only unprofessional, it is oftentimes dishonest. Companies that participate in these sales practices usually carry that behavior over into other areas of their business, too. This should be a deal-breaker.
Download a hard copy of our Choosing An Inflatable Vendor checklist to keep as a handy reference for your future marketing projects.
What Others Say About Landmark Creations
“This has created tremendous buzz around town and we have received a great deal of compliments on the Big Tire. Exposure is my goal, and the inflatable does that better than anyone, including me, can do at these events. The Big Tire never takes a break, gets tired or has to take a call. It just keeps shining bright and the kids love it.”
- Ed Chaney, Ed Chaney Tire Center Inc.
"[The logo] helped us create a better presence, improved foot traffic, became a photo backdrop and helped us have the best-looking booth at the events,"
- Laura Repreza, KTLM Telemundo 40
"Simply put, the bobbleheads were a real hit at TwinsFest. Over 21,000 fans attended the two-day event raising more than $100,000 for the Twins Community Fund charities."
- Heidi Sammon, Minnesota Twins
“The huge cereal bag could be seen from anywhere and was a nice draw to gather people to the tents we had set up.”
- Anika Hage, WatersMolitor
"The inflatables have been a great success at shows, seminars and especially at pet shops where they help us to coordinate Iams Co. weekends that allow us to promote and increase sales of our products."
-The IAMS Company
"Landmark worked with us to make sure our client was satisfied with the product. They provided great customer service and got us answers when we needed them."
- April Lo, SKA Events