From: "John Michael Stevens" <joyfulnoise@uswest.net>
To: "Balloon List" <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: balloon-d Digest V00 #197
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000 06:12:07 -0700

Only 3-4 bad balloons per bag?  That's pretty good, less than 5%...BTW, what
do you think they do, have a bin full of "bad" balloons, that they sprinkle
in a few into every bag???  No manufacturer--whether it be of balloons or of
automobiles, ever wants a "bad" one to get through.  This is why they have
quality control in every factory in this country.  Anyway, with balloons,
how can you tell it's "bad" in the first place, until you inflate it and
begin twisting?

 Ever since Pioneer announced the change-over to 100-count bags, there have
been people on this list (and others) who have been quick with the
"conspiracy theory," that they were up to something sinister, or with some
ulterior motive.  In any manufacturing process, or packaging thereof,
changes are not easy to make.  They take months of planning and many
thousands of dollars, (or millions) invested.  One person ranted long and
vehemently that it was just a plan to raise the price of balloons, until it
was pointed out that this was not the case (BTW, prices go up on everything
all the time, why should we be surprised if the price of balloons goes up
also?).

I realize that Pioneer doesn't need me to defend them, but come on people,
let's wake up and smell the latex here.  260's are still under a nickel
each, and in my book, that's a pretty good deal.  (If you can't get at least
ten-times that for them, you've got work to do.  In any business, that would
be considered a great mark-up!)  I still can go through a bag or two without
popping one, and for me, that's pretty darn-good quality!

Just my opinion, and I'm entitled to it.
----- Original Message -----
To: <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 7:46 PM
Subject: Re: balloon-d Digest V00 #197


> Hey all I don't speak out much I like to keep to myself mainly, but I
don't
> like the 100 count bags at all. I think it is Qualtex's way of alowing
more
> bad balloons to pass..... I used to have about 3-4 "BAD" ballons per 144
bag
> and I still have the same number since they have switched. Also I am upset
at
> their buying out BSA and discontinuing their line. It make you wonder if
they
> buy out the rest what's to keep them from lowering their quality even
more.
> (The balloons these past few months have seemed thinner to me and makes
> twisting in the heat more difficult and less durable to the child) If they
> want they should make a thinner run (at a lower cost) and have the thicker
> ones. I fogot who used to do the ballons in the 3 thicknesses. I always
find
> it disterbing when you have to depend on the work of others (Qualtex) in
> order for your work to stand up. Last but not least, I have sources from
> working at a magic shop a few years back for the contact juggling spheres.
I
> uses them myself anyone who might be interested E-mail me and I'll see if
> there is enough call for me to order some they should run about $15 plus
> shipping or if your interested in more I'll see what i can work on the
price.
>
>