Buying umbrellas for an event might sound like a straightforward job — until you actually start looking into it. All of a sudden, you’re hit with questions: How many do I need? How much will it cost? How long does it take? What kind of printing makes sense? And why are there five types of handles, each with their own name?
If it’s your first time sourcing umbrellas for a company launch, wedding, trade fair, or outdoor campaign, you’re not alone. It’s one of those items that seems simple… until it isn’t.
The good news? Once you know what to expect, it all becomes a lot easier to manage. So before you rush off and place an order, here are five things you’ll want to have in your back pocket — no fluff, just the real-world stuff that matters.
Table of Contents
1. Minimum Order Quantities: How Many Is “Too Few”?
Let’s start with a question we hear all the time: What’s the smallest number I can order?
The short answer? It depends. The longer answer? It depends on what kind of umbrella you want, how much you’re customising, and who you’re buying from.
Some factories won’t entertain an order under 500 pieces. Others (like us) are happy to work with much smaller quantities — especially if you’re ordering samples for an event, trying a test run, or need different styles for different uses (e.g. executive gifts vs. branded giveaways).
If you’re going for a fully custom umbrella with your brand colours, logo, maybe even a custom handle or special fabric — then yes, there will usually be a minimum quantity. But it might be lower than you think. We’ve handled jobs starting at 100 units before, and some print methods allow for even smaller batches if the design is simple.
The takeaway: Always ask. And make sure whoever you’re speaking to gives you a straight answer on MOQ upfront, so you don’t waste time designing something that can’t be produced at the scale you need.
2. Printing Options – Know Your Method
With printing, the style you can effect all other elements.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Silk Screen Printing
This is your classic one-colour (or limited-colour) method. Great for bold logos or simple text, especially when printing on solid-colour panels. It’s clean, sharp, and cost-effective for mid to large runs. Downside? Not great for photo-style designs or gradients.
Digital Printing
A more modern method. Ideal for full-colour artwork, complex branding, or when you want to print across the full canopy. It’s perfect for lower quantities too, since there are no screens to set up. You get fast results and a lot of freedom with the design. It’s a bit pricier per unit, but worth it if detail matters.
Sublimation
This is mostly used for polyester fabric and gives very vivid results. Best when you want something really striking, like an all-over print with a high-impact visual. It’s most common with sports umbrellas or promotional ones with photographic artwork.
When in doubt, your supplier should guide you here. If they can’t explain which method suits your project — or why — that’s a red flag.
3. Lead Time: How Long Is This Actually Going to Take?
Let’s talk timing, because this is where things can go sideways if you’re not careful.
There are two timelines you need to know about:
- Sample time – How long it takes to create and deliver your prototype or mock-up
- Production time – How long it takes to produce the full order after the sample is approved
A standard lead time looks something like this:
- Samples: 3–7 working days (if materials are in stock and the design’s straightforward)
- Bulk order: 2–4 weeks (can be faster for smaller runs or delayed during peak seasons)
Always factor in shipping too. If you’re not in China, that adds anywhere from a few days (air freight) to several weeks (sea freight). If your event is on a set date, give yourself at least a one-month buffer, just to be safe.
Tip: A good supplier will give you a timeline in writing — and stick to it.
4. Packaging – It’s Not Just About Looking Pretty
You’ve got your umbrellas printed and ready to go — great. But how are they packed?
Some options to ask about:
- Individual plastic sleeves – Standard protection, keeps each umbrella clean
- Custom-printed sleeves or boxes – Great for corporate gifts or retail displays
- Bulk-packed vs. individually boxed – Affects storage, shipping cost, and how you hand them out
Also worth noting: different styles of umbrellas pack differently. Folding umbrellas are compact and easy to store in bulk, while larger golf or wooden-handle umbrellas take up more room — and often need sturdier packaging.
Planning a high-end event or brand launch? Go the extra mile on packaging. It elevates the whole experience.
5. Cost Breakdown: What You’re Really Paying For
Let’s be real: pricing can be confusing. You see one quote that’s €3 per umbrella, another at €12, and you’re left wondering who’s having you on.
Here’s what usually makes up the cost:
- Umbrella type – Folding models are generally cheaper. Larger, vented, or windproof ones cost more.
- Print method – More colours or complex prints mean higher costs.
- Custom features – Handles, sleeves, extra panels, branded tags — all add to the price.
- Quantity – More units = lower cost per item. Standard.
- Shipping – Is it included? Is it FOB (freight on board), or do you have to sort transport?
Ask for a clear, itemised quote. And don’t just go for the cheapest option — ask why it’s cheaper. Is it thinner fabric? A flimsier frame? No QC?
We always say: price is important, but so is the umbrella actually surviving past the first use.
Wrapping It Up
Buying event umbrellas shouldn’t be stressful — but it does take a bit of thought. If you’ve got your basics covered (quantities, print, lead time, packaging, cost), you’re already ahead of most first-time buyers.
Find a supplier who communicates clearly, knows their stuff, and doesn’t dodge your questions — and you’ll be in good hands.
Whether it’s a small launch, a national campaign, or a few smart umbrellas for a wedding party, the right prep makes all the difference.
Request a Free Mock-Up or Price List
Got an idea but not sure where to start? Send us your logo, event details, or even just a rough brief — and we’ll send over a sample mock-up and quote, no pressure, no commitments. Let’s take the guesswork out of umbrella buying and get you exactly what you need, right on time.