06/12/2026
I figured it’s time to revisit this conversation.
We are talking about money that is for me and my family.
The last time I spoke about unpaid accounts, some people weren’t happy. Some thought these issues should stay quiet. Some criticized me for making the situation public.
That’s your opinion!
My opinion is that small suppliers shouldn’t have to suffer in silence while carrying the financial burden of other people’s unpaid bills.
For years I’ve worked hard to keep inventory on the shelf, absorb freight increases, deal with tariffs, pay rent, pay employees and make sure showmen have the product they need when they need it.
Some accounts have been sitting unpaid for over a year. Not because they weren’t given a chance. They were given plenty. Calls, texts, reminders, payment plans, extensions, generous discounted payoff offers. I’ve driven 1200 miles, just so I can be handed $1000 towards a $12,000 bill!!
Every effort was made to work things out.
At some point, “I’ll send something next week” stops meaning anything. Another promise becomes just another promise.
I’m not a finance company. I’m not your bank. We pay for the inventory, freight, storage, labor, and overhead long before a single stuffed animal reaches your midway.
I carried the risk. When invoices go unpaid, the loss doesn’t disappear—it comes directly out of a small supplier's pocket.
I came dangerously close to shutting down because of situations like this. Not because I didn’t work hard. Not because there wasn’t demand.
But because money was tied up in accounts that should have been paid long ago.
These people thought paying their supplier was optional.
To my loyal customers who have always paid and continue to pay your bills (you know who you are - I appreciate you and respect you) THANK YOU!! You’re the reason this industry still works.
Parks, Culvert, Hennessy, Chapman, Buffum and of course the infamous Balliet, remember this business has always been built on trust, reputation, and keeping your word. Merchandise isn’t free. Freight isn’t free. Warehouses aren’t free. If you take the merchandise, pay for it. You can call me anytime, to discuss. I’m here. I’ve always been here.
A showmens word should still mean something in this business.
The carnival business is a small world. Suppliers shouldn’t have to learn who they can trust only after they’ve already been burned.
If speaking openly about the challenges facing suppliers makes some people uncomfortable, so be it. I’d rather have an uncomfortable conversation than watch another supplier (whatever they may sell) go through what I went through.
