You may not realise it, but choosing the right supplier for your custom umbrella could be the difference between a smart marketing move and a consistent logistical headache.
You pick the right one and you get quality umbrellas, an easy process, and reliability of delivery. Choose the wrong vendor and you get a metaphorical pain in the neck and the potential of a very real one in your marketing budget.
In this guide, we give an overview of what you should consider when making this decision.
Industry Experience and Reputation
Although it sounds obvious, you would be surprised by the number of businesses that simply Google ‘Business Umbrella Supplier’. Having good SEO doesn’t equate to being a quality producer of corporate umbrellas.
Of course, Google isn’t the worst start-off point. But from there, you should be looking at how many years the company has been in business and what its clients have said about it.
Experience often translates to reliability because:
- Experienced suppliers understand the nuances of umbrella construction (e.g., which materials hold up over time, how to avoid issues like leaking seams or flimsy frames).
- They have likely worked with a variety of clients and umbrella styles, which means they can provide guidance and troubleshoot any design or production challenges.
- A long track record also often means the supplier has established quality control measures in place.
When it comes to reputation, it’s not just testimonials and case studies you should consider.
Also ask, does the supplier have repeat corporate clients or big-name brands they’ve serviced? For example, here at Hfbrolly, we are over 30 years in business and we have also provided custom umbrellas for major international brands.
Quality of Products and Materials
You should also use a supplier that knows the difference between good and bad materials. After all, your brand is going to be on these umbrellas, so you want them to represent quality.
When you are first in touch with your chosen vendor, you should ask about the following:
- Durability: Ask about the materials used. Are the frames made of sturdy materials like fiberglass or high-grade steel, what are the materials in the canopy, etc?
- Construction: Inquire if the umbrellas are tested for functionality – do they open and close as they should, are they windproof, etc?
- Printing Quality: Check what printing techniques the supplier uses. A good supplier should be able to show samples of their print work to demonstrate that logos won’t peel or wash out.
- Attention to Detail: Little things should not be overlooked. A business-focused supplier should have consistent build quality across each unit in your order.
Also, get samples! You will want to see what the supplier can do before you take the big jump of a large order.
Communication and Customer Service
You may not always recognise good customer service, but if there is bad customer service, it can put a halt to absolutely everything.
From the very first contact, you should keep an eye on how suppliers are with:
- Responsiveness: Are you ghosted when you send a query to the vendor? Or do they pawn you off with vague answers? The answer should be ‘no’ to both of those questions.
- Professionalism: The replies shouldn’t be just prompt and clear, there should also be a level of professionalism to show you that they are competent and knowledgeable.
- Will they go the extra mile: This one is hard to measure, but you want a supplier that you feel is working for you and has your goals at heart. Not one that simply wants to get the job done and get paid.
You will get a feel for their customer service ethos in early conversations. Some suppliers will be all about the collaborative nature of the contract and that’s exactly what you want.
Reliability and Delivery
When it comes to marketing and promotional goods, time is of the essence. If you are ordering business umbrellas, you may be doing so for an event or a particular campaign. If they are late, you miss that event or have to push the date of the campaign out. That is not good enough a lot of the time. Thus, when choosing the right vendor, consider one that will keep you in the loop regarding:
- Production Time: Ask about typical production times for the quantity and style you need. Reliable suppliers will give you a realistic timeline. If you are being offered the moon, the sun and the stars in no time at all, it’s probably too good to be true.
- Ability to Meet Deadlines: A good supplier will not overpromise, and they will also keep you updated during production, especially if any issues arise.
- Quality Control: We touched on quality earlier, but reliability also means delivering the correct order with consistent quality. You should only hire a vendor that has a strong history of quality control.
- Shipping Reliability: The umbrellas should arrive in pristine condition.
Our focus is to ensure that all the above is done with the minimum level of fuss on your side. We want you to have a hassle-free experience where you end up with a promotional item that your company can be proud of.
Essentially, with Hfbrolly, your wins are our wins and that is what you want from a supplier. We are invested in your success.
Making Your Decision
After evaluating experience, quality, customisation, cost, communication, reliability, and track record, you should have a clearer picture of which umbrella supplier is the best fit for you.
And if you have any concerns, we would be delighted to walk you through our processes and even give you examples of successful projects that align with what your needs are.
We are confident that Hfbrolly ticks all of the boxes above. Reach out to us today to find out more. By choosing Hfbrolly, you will ensure that your investment in branded umbrellas pays off with products you’re proud to put your logo on.
