Are you a retailer looking for a low-cost, high-profit margin inventory item that sees plenty of demand? The humble rain umbrella might be just what you are looking for. Think about it – most of us have several umbrellas. There’s one in each car, one or two hanging behind the front door in the house, and probably one in the office, as well. Of course, you need to look for the right features in a rain umbrella to ensure that they meet your customers’ expectations.
Size
One of the first things to consider is the size. You’ll find super-compact rain umbrella designs, as well as larger options. Generally speaking, small to medium sized umbrellas see the most demand from consumers. Larger umbrellas do see some demand, but smaller, more compact models better suited to travel and easy storage are certainly the most popular.
Folding
These days, all umbrellas fold, but not all folding umbrellas are created equal. Make sure that the joints and supporting tines that hold the umbrella material taut are made of high-quality metal, and that they will last a long time. You may also want to consider an alternative to the standard folding rain umbrella – these fold with the outermost bend facing toward the top of the umbrella, allowing water to run off easily and aiding in the drying process.
Thickness
The thickness of the material forming the rain umbrella’s canopy is also important. The thicker it is, the more durable the umbrella will be and the more protectant it will be. However, that comes with a tradeoff. Thicker material is more expensive, raising your cost and the cost to your customers. It is also heavier, and will put additional strain on folding mechanisms.
Color
Finally, consider the color options available. It might not seem like it, but umbrellas are as much fashion statements as they are protective gear. Many customers will purchase them on the spur of the moment for the color or pattern on the canopy alone, even if they already own a rain umbrella, so consider your color and pattern choices with care.
As you can see, there are several things that must be considered before choosing rain umbrella options for your inventory. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our umbrellas, as well as additional services, including umbrella customization for promotional needs.