Because the craft lacks directional control, the crew must follow the craft in the direction the wind takes it. The crew attempts to stay as close as roads permit to anticipate the pilot's landing site. When a site is selected, one person asks permission to go on the landowners property. Crew members are also responsible for crowd control. Then the envelope and all other parts of the balloon are packed away in the recovery vehicle.
Balloons are a lot tougher than they look.
The envelope is made of reinforced nylon fabric called rip-stop nylon or Dacron. It depends on the shape, size and equipment. The more artwork on a balloon, the higher the cost. Add to that the cost of an inflator fan, a trailer or vehicle to carry the balloon in, lessons, insurance, FAA inspections, etc. A licensed pilot has completed ground school and flight training with a certified hot air commercial pilot.