What's Up Wednesday, July 3, 2024 #127

This week on What's Up Wednesday. Happy Birthday America and what that means for your shopping plans, we'll address recent emails from you and we have a couple of new items as well.

We have been told by a few of you about a problem when proceeding to checkout online. Technically it’s a 414 error but basically it doesn't let you get to the check out page. We have talked to Shopify, our store software provider, and have reported the bug. We think the problem is that it's trying to log you in, when you are already logged in. While Shopify is investigating, we have discovered a workaround.

If you get this error, try clicking on the person in the upper right hand corner and Log Out of your account. You should then be able to click on the cart, proceed to checkout, which will take you to the login screen and then the payment screen. The problem seems to be more prevalent on Android phones and/or Chrome browsers. Do let us know if you continue to have problems with any part of our system. 

The other inquiry we've been getting a lot recently concerns collector's items. Whether it be pins, patches or posters, there comes a time when you might downsize and discover that your heirs don't have the same passion for balloon memorabilia that you have. So how do you reach those that DO have that passion? Unfortunately, there is no easy and solid answer. You can try the online sales outlets like eBay and Craig's list, but that's reaching out to a broad audience.

However, we have found a Facebook group that is geared toward balloon-related items. While we have no idea how successful that group is, at least it's a balloon-focused group that should increase your chances of connecting buyers and sellers. Search Facebook for the Hot-Air Balloon Collectables group.

Balloon Fiesta is not affiliated with this group and this information is presented only as information for our readers.

Speaking of posters, mark your calendar. The 2024 Official Balloon Fiesta poster will be released on July 17. More details coming in the next two weeks.

Available today, we have 2 new items to whet your shopping appetite. Just in time for summer, the Embrace The Sky T-shirt is available. It's navy blue with a white Balloon Fiesta logo on the left chest and a full color Embrace the Sky logo on the back. This crew neck, short sleeve tee matches up nicely with jeans, shorts, under a jacket or by itself.

And if you're planning ahead, we have a new turquoise applique hoodie. Soft and warm, this pull over is gray on the outside with a large Balloon Fiesta appliquéd to the front. The inside of the hood matches the color of the words. There's also a full pass thru hand warming pocket. This is an update of last year's purple hoodie. There are a few of that version still available. 

With American celebrating its 248th birthday tomorrow, our physical gift shop will be closed. And like many people our staff is making it a 4 day weekend. Thus our physical store will be closed on Friday, July 5th as well. Of course our online store is open 24/7. Orders placed after the close of business today will be processed on Monday, July 8.

Please enjoy the holiday and be safe out there.

Next week on What's Up Wednesday, a sneak peek at the 2024 Poster and more new items. Plus news of a "Last Chance" sale! 

As always, thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff.