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Umbrellas are one of the most ancient inventions in history. The primary purpose of the umbrella is to provide protection from adverse weather conditions like rain and strong sunlight. However, with a huge range of umbrella types available in the market, each is designed for a specific purpose and occasion, which can make one’s choice a daunting task. Broadly categorizing, they can be classified as:
Each type has its advantages and unique features. For instance, while personal umbrellas may be compact and portable for individual use during unexpected rain showers, commercial garden umbrellas are larger, more robust, and often equipped with features like a crank mechanism for easy opening and closing, catering to outdoor dining or patio settings.
On the other hand, specialty umbrellas, such as beach umbrellas, are specifically designed to shield against harmful UV rays at sandy coastal locations, while fishing umbrellas are tailored with pockets and rod holders to accommodate fishing poles during a leisurely day of fishing.
Some other ways to look at the types of umbrellas can be based on their ribs material, canopy material, size, and opening mechanism, which are as follows:
Ribs material
There are two commonly used materials for ribs in umbrellas, which include metal and fiberglass. The metal ribs are further divided into three categories: steel, aluminum, and nickel. Steel ribs are mostly used in heavy-duty umbrellas, while aluminum ones are used in lightweight travel umbrellas. Nickel, on the other hand, is used in fashion/event umbrellas. Fiberglass ribs are break-resistant and flexible, making them ideal for stormy weather conditions.
Wooden ribs are generally used in classical/regular umbrellas.
Canopy material
Umbrellas canopies are mostly made from polyester, nylon, or silk. Silk canopies are used in fashion/event umbrellas, while polyester and nylon are used in regular, garden, and beach umbrellas. The choice of material generally affects the durability, weight, and ability to repel water.
Size
Based on size, umbrellas can be categorized into an individual or personal umbrella and a commercial garden umbrella. The individual umbrellas are compact and portable, while the commercial ones are larger.
Opening mechanism
There are three major types of opening mechanisms used in umbrellas: manual, automatic, and crank. The manual opening mechanism requires one to stretch the canopy while pushing the handle upward. The automatic and crank mechanisms are further divided into two categories.
Automatic umbrellas can be further divided into auto-open and auto-open-and-close umbrellas. The auto-open umbrellas require pressing a button to open the canopy, while the handle needs to be pushed up in the auto-open-and-close umbrellas. The crank mechanism is mostly used in commercial garden umbrellas.
There are several designs and styles of umbrellas. Depending on the requirements, one can choose the right umbrella. Some of the common designs are as follows:
Regular umbrellas
These are the commonly used umbrellas. They are used for daily purposes. They have a strong canopy and ribs to protect against rain and sun. They come in various sizes and colors and can be held manually or automatically opened.
Beach umbrellas
These umbrellas are large and provide maximum coverage. They are lightweight and easy to carry. They provide protection against UV rays while enjoying the beach.
Patio umbrellas
These are large and provide coverage for outdoor furniture. They are of three types, namely, market, offset, and cantilever umbrellas.
Travel umbrellas
These are designed for convenience and portability. They are lightweight, compact, and can be easily stored in bags. They come in manual and automatic variants.
Golf umbrellas
As the name suggests, these umbrellas are used while playing golf. They are large and provide maximum coverage to the golfer and the equipment. They have a strong structure to withstand wind on the golf course.
Commercial umbrellas
These are used in commercial places like restaurants and cafes. They are large and provide maximum coverage to the outdoor space. They have a strong structure and come with various features like lighting and heating.
Festival umbrellas
These are used in festivals, events, and fairs. They come in various sizes, patterns, and colors. They are used as decorative elements and provide protection from sun and rain.
The purchase of umbrellas is not only for rainy days. It has various scenarios that can benefit from its usage like:
Outdoor Events
Various outdoor activities like fairs, festivals, or weddings need a purchase of umbrella to ensure that the guests and participants are protected from unexpected rain showers or extreme sunlight. In addition, it can also provide shade and cover for the event's seating areas or booths.
Beach Days
Beach umbrellas are essential for a comfortable and enjoyable day at the beach. It provides protection from the sun, as well as a relaxing place to sit in the shade.
Catering and Food Services
In outdoor catering services, purchase of patio umbrellas is essential to ensure that the food, equipment, and guests are protected from the natural elements. It is also a great way to provide a comfortable dining experience for the guests.
Market Stalls and Food Trucks
Those who sell products or food in market stalls and food trucks can use the purchase of umbrellas to create a shaded area for customers, as well as for the truck or stall. It can also be used to provide protection from the rain.
Gardening and Landscaping
For those who are working in the gardening and landscaping business, they can use the purchase of garden umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun or rain while working in the garden or field.
Construction and Outdoor Work
Construction workers and other outdoor workers can use the purchase of construction site umbrellas to provide protection for the tools and equipment they are using from getting wet due to unexpected rain. They can also use it to provide shade for themselves to ensure that they are not exposed to too much heat from the sun.
From the perspective of business buyers, the details below are factors they may consider when choosing a wholesale umbrella supplier.
Quality of Umbrellas
Business buyers will check the materials used to make the umbrellas. They will look for details about the canopy, ribs, and handle materials. They will choose suppliers whose umbrellas have strong frames and durable fabrics. They will also consider the supplier's umbrella testing process. They want to ensure that the supplier tests the umbrella for wind resistance, water protection, and overall durability.
Variety and Customization Options
Business buyers want to know the types of umbrellas the supplier offers. They want to know the styles, sizes, colors, and customization options. They seek suppliers who offer the option to print their brand name and logo on the umbrellas. They also want to know the minimum order quantity for custom-branded umbrellas.
Pricing and Payment Terms
Business buyers will request a price quote from the supplier. They will compare the prices across different suppliers. They will also inquire about discounts for bulk orders. Then, they will consider the payment terms and conditions. They want to ensure that the payment terms are favorable before choosing a supplier.
Lead Time and Shipping
Business buyers want to know how the supplier will deliver the umbrellas to them. They will ask about the shipping methods and costs. They will consider suppliers who provide affordable and timely delivery options. They also want to ensure that the supplier gives a reasonable production lead time. They want to ensure that the supplier can deliver their order quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Customer Support and Communication
Business buyers will evaluate the supplier's customer support and communication. They will choose a supplier who responds to their inquiries quickly. They will also want a supplier who can easily communicate with them about their orders. They will want to build a good relationship with such a supplier.
Reviews and Reputation
Before choosing a supplier, business buyers will check their reputation. They will seek suppliers with positive reviews from other customers. They will also consider suppliers who have won awards in the industry.
Q1: What types of umbrellas are there?
A1: There are two main categories of umbrellas based on usage. One is the stick or handheld umbrella, which one can carry around personally to provide individual protection against rain or strong sunlight. The other is the table or patio umbrella, which is a bigger-sized umbrella with a solid base and stand that can be placed on the ground. It usually comes with a table to provide shade to multiple people.
Q2: What should I look for when buying an umbrella?
A2: When purchasing umbrellas, people should pay attention to the fabric, ribs, and handle material of the umbrella, as well as its size and wind resistance. Considering these factors can help people find a durable umbrella that can withstand heavy rain and strong winds.
Q3: Why do people use umbrellas?
A3: Umbrellas are portable items that can be opened up quickly to provide instant protection against unexpected rainfall or harsh sunlight. They can keep one cool and shaded, as well as dry and warm, in changing weather conditions.
Q4: What are the benefits of purchasing a UV protection umbrella?
A4: UV protection umbrellas can shield the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. These rays can cause various skin problems, including sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer. Using UV protection umbrellas can help people enjoy outdoor activities while reducing the risk of UV-related skin damage.
Q5: How can people use umbrellas?
A5: Umbrellas are versatile items that can be used in various ways. They can be used as a portable shelter against sudden downpours to keep the body dry. They can also provide instant shade in the scorching sun to prevent heat strokes and stay cool. Additionally, closed umbrellas can be used as props to enhance the beauty of photos.