“Every detail on campus speaks. Even an umbrella.”
— Michael R., Director of Auxiliary Services | Private University, U.S.
As a university, we think a lot about brand consistency.
It’s not just logos and brochures. It’s what a visitor sees on a rainy day walking across campus.
It’s what our students carry in their hands when welcoming families on a tour.
It’s the little things — like umbrellas — that say who we are.
Last year, we realized it was time to update our campus umbrellas. Some were broken. Some didn’t match our current color standards. None of them truly represented the experience we work hard to create.
We had three criteria:
- Durable enough for Midwest weather
- Designed with our official crest and colors
- Affordable for bulk usage across departments
We reached out to a few U.S. vendors — many offered generic styles, limited customization, or slow response times. Then we came across HFUmbrella, a manufacturer based in China.
Honestly, we were cautious. But their team responded within hours, asked the right questions, and understood our needs immediately.
They helped us refine the layout, offered smart print suggestions (logo placement, fabric contrast in rain), and kept us updated throughout production and shipping. Even our Facilities and Admissions teams commented on how smoothly things went.
The result?
- Sturdy, professional-looking umbrellas
- Custom crest + Pantone-matched panels
- Delivered before new student orientation
We now have umbrellas in key locations across campus — Admissions, Advancement, Student Life. And yes, even the President’s Office asked for a few.
It wasn’t just a procurement win — it was a brand win.
Sometimes, it’s not about the product. It’s about finding a partner who gets the context of what you’re trying to do.
HFUmbrella did. We’re already planning our next seasonal order.