Few items have retained their functionality and relevancy the way the umbrella has over the years. While advancements in technology have rendered other items obsolete, this water shield has kept consumers dry all over the world. So if you have elected to sell quality umbrellas at your retail establishment, you have made a very sound decision.
Your next move is figuring out what kind of umbrellas you will offer. Yes, there is in fact a variety of umbrella sizes, designs, materials and even functions. It is important to familiarize yourself with the options so you can make the best choices for your target markets.
Material
Nylon is perhaps the most commonly used material in umbrella construction, as it is both durable and affordable. The vast majority of umbrella canopies you see on the street are made from nylon.
Poly-pongee is a polyester and silk blend typically reserved for high-end quality umbrellas. It is more lightweight than nylon. However, if you are designing a promotional umbrella emblazoned with your company’s logo or other images, nylon is the best choice, as it holds prints better.
Automatic Versus Manual
For years, the only way to open and close an umbrella was to slide a ring up and down the shaft, a method that can prove cumbersome at times. Automatic umbrellas, on the other hand, can open and close in a snap when the user presses a button on the handle. A system consisting of springs makes this possible.
Automatic umbrellas are especially convenient for big city dwellers who spend a lot of time walking in the elements and dedicated golfers who tend to hit the links regardless of weather conditions. However, users should keep in mind that they are technically a machine and can malfunction at times. Taking good care of them should help prolong their lifespan.
Stick Versus Folding
The traditional umbrella includes a stick as its handle and does not fold. Stick versions offer certain advantages such as classic lines and strength. Folding umbrellas are excellent for those who carry them often. They collapse downward to compact sizes, typically a foot or less in length, to fit in bags of all sizes. Users can also grasp them easily if they them to be instantly accessible.
Twin Canopy
A major innovation for preventing umbrellas from turning inside out, the twin canopy redirects wind flow through overlapping slits in the canopy so that it does not get caught in the canopy. This feature can protect umbrellas in winds as fast as 50 mph.
Taking the aforementioned factors into account will help you choose quality umbrellas that will rate well with your customers and help further business growth.
