When you’re making a supply purchase for your bar or nightclub, getting the best price is important. In general, that usually means you want to buy in bulk so you can pay wholesale prices. This mainly applies to cups, napkins, and toilet paper, but it also applies ordering bottle sparklers in bulk. However, one of the most common questions I get before an order is “how long do bottle sparklers last?” Nobody wants to be left with expired items on their shelf, so this is a totally reasonable query.
Additionally, some people are asking this question more topically; meaning they want to know how long do bottle sparklers last from a performance perspective. To clear up any confusion, I’ve put together this guide on the subject to cover every angle. Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Do Bottle Sparklers Last in Storage
Before ordering our products in a large quantity, you need to know how many you’ll through before they expire on your shelf. Unlike storing regular sparklers properly, versions made for bottles are a little bit more temperamental. Nevertheless, if stored in a dry place, they can easily last for a few years. Here are a few of the most important tips t help you maximize their shelf life.
Keep Them Away from Moisture
The most important factor to combat during storage is moisture contamination. If you allow your gold bottle sparklers to get wet, there is almost no chance that they’ll ever recover. This is particularly true for battery-powered versions. Of course, if you properly dry them out, you may be able to salvage them. However, the best option is to keep them dry the entire time. To do this, there are a few ways to go about it. Here are the three most effective solutions.
Store the Boxes on a Shelf
The most common way that bottle sparklers get wet is by leaving the boxes on the ground. If you’ve ever knocked over a mop bucket, you already know how uncontrollable the mess can be. By storing them off the ground, you have the best chance of avoiding accidental contamination. Additionally, bottle sparklers arrive in small plastic bags inside the cases. Though they aren’t 100% waterproof, leaving them in the bags adds another layer of protection. This is the first step to avoiding an early expiration date.
Transfer the Sparklers into Storage Containers
Another good idea is to transfer them out of the cardboard boxes they arrive in. It’s far better to place them in plastic storage containers with locking lids. Cardboard inherently absorbs moisture, so it can drastically shorten the shelf life. How long do bottle sparklers last in storage in plastic totes versus cardboard? In my experience, it’s roughly twice as long overall. Though you’ll have to buy the containers, it will end up saving you a lot of money over time.
Vacuum Seal Them into Portioned Bags
Lastly, the best protection you can provide for your sparklers is to vacuum seal them. This provides 100% protection from moisture unless they are punctured. The downfall is that you’ll need vacuum sealing equipment and it can be quite time-consuming. Additionally, you’ll want to do them in portioned bags so you can restock periodically. However, if you want your bottle sparklers to last for the longest time possible, this is by far the best method.
Keep Them Away from Heat and Sunlight
Another factor that can reduce the shelf life bottle sparklers is exposure to heat or sunlight. This isn’t quite as detrimental as moisture, but over time it will make your items much less impressive; and eventually render them completely useless. To combat this, make sure you store them far away from any sources of heat within your establishment. Additionally, keep them away from doors, windows, or any other sources of sunlight. I suggest a dark store room or on the top shelf of a closet. If you keep them in a cool and dark location, you will get the greatest longevity out of your purchase.
Rotate Your Stock
Lastly, it’s really important to rotate your stock of bottle sparklers so you can maximize their shelf life. Like any other perishable item, I suggest the FIFO method so you are always using the oldest ones first. Of course, this won’t be useful if you ordered way too many. So, it’s important to order the appropriate amount for your venue. However, if you know what you’re doing, this will give you the best chance at making them last a long time.
How Long Do Bottle Sparklers Last During their Performance?
Beyond shelf life, I’m frequently asked about how long the performance will last. Assuming they aren’t too old and have been stored properly, you can expect performance duration of around 45 seconds. However, if they have been sitting for a year or two, this can be reduced to 35-40 seconds. Moreover, the performance will be much less spectacular as they age. In summary, the fresher your supply is the longer they will last and the better the show will be.
In a Nutshell, How Long Do Bottle Sparklers Last Realistically?
To sum it all up, you can expect a minimum of two years for the shelf life of a bottle sparkler. Of course, that assumes you store them correctly. In fact, even LED bottle sparklers will eventually expire because the batteries inside will rupture over time. However, as long as you follow all of these tips, you shouldn’t have any issues keeping them around for at least a couple of years.
Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into ordering the right amount for your business. By planning on a two year supply, you can get the best price without having to toss out expired product. However, make sure you size up your storage capabilities before you settle on an order size. By carefully weighing all of these factors, you can get the best results for your bottle service program. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be sure to help you make the right decision.
