Umbrella Manufacturers: How to Effectively Use Umbrellas for Promotion?

Umbrella manufacturers considered their products as the ultimate weapon against the rain or sun. Apart from that, an umbrella is also a good choice for brand promotion. As people can’t leave their homes without this item in their bags, it is an excellent opportunity to elevate brand exposure.

In this blog, we will discuss the umbrella’s parts that you can get the most out of and how you can use this product to promote your brand effectively. Let’s get started!

 

Umbrella Parts and Customisation

Each part of a promotional branded umbrella can be customised and embellished with companies’ identities and logos. Let’s talk about each of these parts and learn how you can use them in marketing according to umbrella manufacturers.

1. Canopy

A typical canopy has eight panels; however, it depends on the customisation or design of the umbrella. It is the largest part that keeps you dry and sheltered from the rain or the heat of the sun. Plastics and waterproof pongee fabric are some of the materials used in making canopies.

 

Don’t let other brands in the market overpower your business. Use this umbrella to stand out! Being the most exposed area, you can use a canopy to stand out.

You can print your brand’s signature graphics or logo on it. You can also modify the images with your brand ambassadors, famous destinations in your area, or engaging designs. Indeed, there are so many ways to publicise your company with this umbrella part.

 

However, if you want to make it a unique one, you can also try designing the canopy’s inner side and leaving the outside a plain one. Moreover, you can also consider adding LED lights to your umbrella’s canopy. Doing these two techniques would definitely add a different character to your umbrella!

 

If you are wondering how designs are printed in an umbrella canopy, here’s an article to enlighten you! 

Dye-sublimation or heat transfer printing is used to print creative designs on branded umbrellas. The right combination of heat, pressure and time makes perfect visuals for the item.

 

2. Ribs, Tips, and Ferrule

Umbrella ribs give the canopy its structure and shape. It is the web-like joints that you can see on the upper part of the umbrella. Umbrella ribs are commonly made from fibreglass or metals. Ensuring that these parts are made from quality materials will make your promotional umbrella a lasting one.

 

Meanwhile, the tips are the ends of the ribs. Some chose to leave them bare while others also prefer to modify their design and materials. Others are glued, whilst others put end caps on them.

Alternatively, ferrule refers to the top part of the umbrella. It comes in a flat design but is usually pointed to the case of telescopic umbrellas.

 

3. Shaft and Runner

The shaft is the centre stalk that holds the panel upright. The Umbrella shaft was once made from cane or whalebone. And as time went by, umbrella manufacturers learned to innovate and use fibreglass, wood, steel or aluminium for their products.

Of course, the quality of your umbrella shaft affects the quality of your brand. Thus, it is crucial to choose sturdy ones that can withstand the ever-changing weather. For optimal strength, manufacturers recommend steel material. Moreover, it is versatile, complementing most colour palettes and umbrella styles exceptionally well.

 

If you opt for the traditional look, a wooden shaft is advisable. A timber shaft is the best to consider. Its classic and nostalgic appeal makes it a good fit for conventional umbrellas.

On the other hand, the runner is the piece that moves along the shaft. It allows the users to open and close the umbrella. This part is commonly made from fibreglass and metal.

 

4. Handle

An umbrella wouldn’t be complete without a handle. It also plays a significant role in styling the item. This part is commonly made from plastic or wood material. Whilst other umbrella manufacturers utilise EVA foam, rubber acrylic and aluminium.

 

As a brand, you have to be keen on choosing your umbrella handles. Aside from practicality, you have to consider the comfortable ones for your customers — something ergonomic to avoid strain on the hand.

There are two types of handles you can choose from: manual and automatic. The manual handle needs the user’s effort to open the umbrella and is more cost-effective. On the other, the automatic handle has an auto-open mechanism that provides comfort for the users.

 

Moreover, to make your custom-branded umbrellas set apart from the others, you can customise the design of their handles. For instance, you can tailor them with a torch, a cup holder, your brand logo, or the brand’s character. Umbrella manufacturers can turn them into multi-functional promotional items like the ones below.

 

5. Handle Strap and Tie Wrap

This part is designed to fit around the user’s wrist to carry the umbrella when not in use. PU leather and polyester are the most recommended materials for umbrella straps.

 

Conversely, a tie wrap is a small strip of fabric that wraps around the closed umbrella. Popper is typically used to close the wrap and keep the canopy closed.

In addition, a pongee fabric is a material used for this umbrella part. But you should never underestimate this tiny strip. The thing is, you can weave your print your company name to it, thus allowing you to market your brand to the public.

 

6. Sleeve

This is the case where you keep your umbrella when not in use. The sleeve protects an umbrella from. It can be made with the same material used in the canopy. It can be printed, dyed and embroidered.

 

Aside from fabric, sleeves can also be made of ABS plastic. Waterproof, you can still slip your wet umbrella into your bag, knowing that it is inside this plastic casing.

 

The best thing about umbrella sleeves is that are very customisable, allowing you to print your company design, logo, and even the URL of your website on them. They are a very effective part of your umbrella promotion as people will first see the casing before they see the umbrella inside. An umbrella sleeve is a great medium to include subtle branding!

 

Are you amazed by how even the smallest part of an umbrella can help in your brand promotion? You can also consider these innovative and extraordinary umbrella designs in your next marketing campaign.

Want to protect your customers from the bad weather? This storm umbrella is what you need! It is specifically designed to withstand wind and even storms. Using it as your promotional item will surely make people turn their heads to your brand.

 

This bizarre umbrella design would turn the market upside down. Its distinctive design originated in Japan. Thus, if you want some novelty promotional merchandise, this umbrella is one of the best tools to consider.

 

Let this changing colour umbrella bring colour to your dull marketing. Umbrella manufacturers use specific hydrochromatic inks for printing this unique product. This type of ink has the ability to change colour when coming into contact with liquid.

 

Putting It All Together…

Being said all this, you would definitely agree that the umbrella is the ultimate promotional product for all seasons. Rain or shine, they would always be a surefire in the market! After knowing all its parts, maybe you’re now thinking of adapting all the customisation ideas mentioned above.

But most importantly, before you ask umbrella manufacturers to design and make your own promotional umbrellas, you have to consider first the kind of marketing you are going to conduct, your customers,  the size of the item, the materials you want to use, and of course, your budget.

 

What Can ODM Offer You?

If you are planning to use umbrellas for your next marketing, this is the sign. We at the ODM Group are here to help you! All the umbrella designs featured above are initially from our company. You can send us an email and use the product code of the umbrella design you prefer.

Aside from these custom umbrellas, we also manufacture office merchandise, virtual event swag ideas, gift with purchase ideas, and POS displays units. Moreover, we also produce different F&B promotional items such as bottle glorifiers, branded wine gifts, and many more.

We at the ODM Group, and design agency, Mindsparkz, would be glad to assist you in your marketing needs! Feel free to connect with us or visit our website to learn more about our products and services. We would love to hear from you!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a promotional umbrella manufacturer?

When selecting a promotional umbrella manufacturer, it's important to consider factors such as quality, customization options, pricing, and production capacity. Look for manufacturers with a strong reputation for producing high-quality umbrellas that are durable and withstand various weather conditions. Ensure they offer customization options to align with your branding needs. Additionally, assess their pricing structure to ensure it fits your budget, and inquire about their production capacity to ensure they can meet your order requirements within the desired timeframe.

Can promotional umbrella manufacturers accommodate specific design or branding requirements?

Yes, reputable promotional umbrella manufacturers often offer customization options to align with your specific design or branding requirements. They can typically incorporate your logo, brand colors, and any other desired graphics onto the umbrella panels. It's essential to communicate your design specifications clearly and provide any necessary artwork files to ensure the manufacturer can meet your customization needs.

What is the typical production lead time for promotional umbrellas?

The production lead time for promotional umbrellas can vary depending on factors such as order quantity, customization complexity, and the manufacturer's production schedule. Generally, it's recommended to allow several weeks for production, which includes the manufacturing process, customization, and shipping. It's advisable to discuss the estimated lead time with the manufacturer upfront and plan accordingly to ensure your promotional umbrellas are ready within your desired timeline.

 

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