Bringing bubbles to parties

I'm thinking of adding a bubble machine to my party packages. It would attract attention at festivals and booths, and would be a great add-on for private parties. Does anyone have a bubble machine? Which model do you have, and how do you like it? I want a professional grade machine, but need it to be affordable (-$100) and it needs to be battery AND 120v operational since I never know if I'll have electricity available.

That is a fab idea! Let us know how you make out.

I am looking for one as well. I can use it for my fairy parties and for when I am facepainting.

I was looking around a few months ago, I will see if I can dig up the info I found.

I don't personally own one, but I've heard from a few people that have and they recommended checking lots of reviews on the model and videos of it in operation (if available) beforehand. Some of them are great and some of them are garbage, so shop carefully.

I've been looking at a lot of reviews today, and some youtube videos, and seem to be no farther along than I was before. They all have mixed reviews, but the biggest concern seems to be that the ground or floor gets slippery with bubble soap after a little while, causing people to potentially fall. I finally purchased a Chauvet B-250, which definitely puts out the most bubbles and seems to be high quality. Some say it's messy, but I have a feeling that all of them are. It has to be plugged in, so I'll just have to ask about a power source before agreeing to bring it for parties. I'll let you know how it goes!

What a great idea to attract people at festivals/booths!

Update:

Well, I bought a Chauvet bubble machine on eBay for a great price, and it works really well. The motor isn't loud, and it makes nice bubbles. My main fear was the ground getting slippery in front of it, but so far it's not that messy. I've reorganized my "rates" page on my website to list party options and add-ons, and have bubbles listed at $20 extra per hour. Does that sound reasonable? I want to make money from it, but I also want to be able to use it, so I don't want it to be cost prohibitive.

OR...you can throw it in free if they do the "Supreme" package. Or if they book so many hours.

Great idea Jessica!

I think that sounds perfectly reasonable considering both the bubble juice and the upkeep on the machine should anything break from long term use.

I assume this is all for outdoor use only? And does the stuff leave marks on the neighbours house, car, tent, products....? For festivals best to check with the vendors down wind before setting up!

I specified "outdoor" on my website, though I've seen where people used them inside, particularly in nightclubs and dance halls. I've kept it running on my back porch for a while and there isn't any residue on the house or even the windows. Most of the bubbles rise up into the air and disperse. I'd definitely ask before setting it up at a a festival, and keep an eye on whether or not it's bothering anyone. Most of the pay-per-face events I do have the entertainers spread out a bit anyway. I plan to attach it to the top of my tent (hanging from the "rafter" so the bubbles will mostly be over people's heads. I'm going to test it out at my daughter's BD party soon and see how it goes.

I was thinking of doing this as well.... any updates, Angie? Have you had any trouble with it at festivals?

There's a bubble machine outside the entrance to our children's nursery at church. They have it up high so the bubbles fall in front of the door. There's no residue, or slippery tile & no spill. The toddlers spin & play everytime & it's so inviting!

We haven't heard from Angie in ages.... sigh... I miss her.