In a recent HDCN article, the discussion in the comments drifted off toward umbrellas.
I thought the topic was interesting and worthy of it’s own article.
The umbrella mentioned was the rainbow colored umbrella from Sam’s Club. Apparently it has plastic bows which flex in a strong wind. It was reported that this inexpensive umbrella stood up to the gusts better than the more expensive metal bow umbrellas.
Hmmm…
Today I want you to do a “brain dump” on the subject of hot dog cart umbrellas. We’ll discuss it in the comments section below.
Here are a few questions for you, just to get the ball rolling:
- What umbrella are you using and where did you get it?
- What was the price?
- How does it hold up in a strong wind?
- How durable is it in general?
- How resistant is it to sun fading?
- Do you have any tricks for dealing with wind?
- What’s better – wooden pole, metal pole, plastic pole? – And why?
These are some of the questions that popped into my mind. Let’s just run with this and share our best umbrella recommendations, tips, tricks, and sources.
-Steve
P.S. Let’s get everyone involved – the more ideas, the better!
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I use a “cheap-o” umbrella on my trailer, I have two mounts for them that allow me to move them based on wind or sun exposure. I have found a steel pipe that I use for the “sleeve” that the umbrellas slide into, they are just slightly larger than the umbrella shaft that allows me to also “wedge” the shaft into the sleeve when necessary to prevent spin and roll. I have had the sleeves mounted on two corners of my trailer by my local welder, this is much better than weights which are a pain in the ass to use, store and fill with sand or water. I operate in NH, Maine and Mass and purhased my umbrellas at a discount chain we have here in the North-East (“Christmas Tree Shop”) for $29.00. They also have that “tilt-thingie-hinge” on the shaft that also helps when used when it is very windy. (It is 8 degrees today in NH…think SPRING only 62 more days!)
I use the colorful umbrella from Sam’s. I paid 25.oo for it and it was actually the first thing that I bought when I was building my cart! They are a seasonal item and they only get one shipment of them, so when you see them, you’d better grab them. Mine stood up to daily use, it has an aluminum pole but the bows in the umbrella itsself are fiberglass and they do this beautiful upward bowing when the wind gets under the brella. It also has a wind vent at the top that lets some air through. It also turns rain really well. Even after using mine nearly every day from June to Nov, it is still vibrant in color, is not frayed and looks brand new.
Once, we forgot to teather it to the cart and the wind took it, suspended it over lots and lots of traffic and (by the grace of God) floated it out over a field where it landed, no harm done.
Another time we were having 16 mile per hour wind gusts and it grabbed my brella and it just folded up like a taco. I grabbed it and took it down but the fiberglass ribs had not broken, they had come out of the sockets and were fine. We just stuck them back in and all was well.
I love my umbrella. It is part of my logo and it is how my customers recognise me in a crowd.
For the money, it is worth having.
We also use tiny bungee cords to teather the umbrella to the cart, with eye hooks. We just place them where they are not in our way and work around them. I paid 4.99 for about 20 of the cords at Kmart. They are about a foot long and thinner than a woman’s pinky finger.
Hope this helps. God Bless You!
Wanda Swan, Dixie Kitchen
I sell (major hot dog brand) so i called them up and they sent me a free umbrella.The umbrella is nice and very sturdy and the price was right.
Kevin, I am looking for umbrella too Who should I contact for my cart
Chef Joe, Thanks
Kevin, I also sell a major brand and the last time i called the gave me 2 umbrellas plus stickers and banners. i called them after a year or so and my contact retired so they are asking where i purchase the dogs? did they make you purchase the dogs from someone specific? thanks!
Even us Brick and Mortar people will benefit from this subject (not that I haven’t from many other topics of yours). I need umbrellas for my picnic tables and I am looking forward to some suggestions.
I wish I could offer something more to the discussion, but maybe another time.
Thanks!
All i know is i got my umbrella from a web site that you or someone posted on HDCN it is the red and white one that says hot dogs and drinks.This umbrella i paid $75.00 and is metal frame,and believe me it holds up to the winds,but the red color really faded a lot,for that reason i don’t know if i would buy it again,because that bright red really stood out now it looks pink.
The auto parts stores sell vinyl paint that I have used to freshen up my umbrella colors
Great tip Bill. Thanks for sharing!!!
My big red umbrella came with my cart. I think the box said Parrot Bay? Its a wooden pole that come in two pieces and has a canvas that stretches out over wooden spindles. Its the only one I have had so I am not a good judge. I know that I am known for the big red umbrella and that what people look for. You can see it from a good distance on the hwy I set up off of. I hook the rope that pulls the umbrella up on my tail light. I found this keeps it much more sturdy in the wind. The second piece that screws into the pole did get loose and took some remodification. The red has faded, but I think I can make this one last a year. I have another for back up already. I figure if it will last a year its not too bad. Its less than 30 bucks so you cant beat that. I do wish it had a pole with an elbow that I could adjust it. I will be looking foward to reading other umbrella stories! We had to shut down for the winter due to the crazy weather we have had here so, I got plenty of time to read!
Hi Steve,
I bought my umbrella at www.umbrellasusa.com for $108 + shipping I think was about $12. It’s blue and white heavy vinyl, to match the color of my cart, with a two piece metal pole. Since I set up in Nashville I thought I should go with Titan colors.
I’ve been in a few nasty storms with high winds this past season and it stood up to it with no problems. This site has several styles and prices to choose from and they deliver fast.
Good Luck to all,
Street Dog
Here is another source for that umbrella:
http://www.amazon.com/Concession-Vendor-Cart-Umbrella-With/dp/B003AOR13C
Hey Steve,
Boy, this sure is a good topic for me. My location is on a pedestrian walkway, on a hill, where the wind swirls, and gust of wind comes up without warning. I have gone through several of umbrellas. I am always on the lookout for a good deal. My commercial metal umbrella from (major hot dog brand) was so rigid it was ripped from the holder and shot up in the air over twenty feet, chips and all. Scary for me, good entertainment for my customers. I finished my line of customers, but had to shut it down after that. So I bought a rainbow umbrella from Sams, while I waited for another umbrella, my customers love it, the colors are fun and yes it does flex very good with the wind, however, the pole is thin and the first one bent in half so I put a long wooden dowel in the second one. If you pull off the plastic end piece you can insert a wooden dowel that fits tight. I leave another foot of the dowel extend past the umbrella pole to insert into the base pole. This works great! Since then I have gone through another because of fading, I think it is very important to look new and clean. Besides, these rainbow umbrellas are less than 30 bucks. Now, I use the rainbow as my main center piece and the (major hot dog brand) on the side to promote the brand. Although, I am thinking about changing dogs, but thats another topic.
Thanks Steve, sorry for the winded response. I would love to here some more ideas, the rainbow umbrella does not allow for branding, so I am still looking…
Good Morning We have tried many umbrellas since we started. We have 3 in our daily setup. the cart umbrella has metal bows that if the wind gets to high it will turn inside out without tearing it up it’s got hinged bows it came with the cart. we have 1 over the condiment table and one over the 8ft. picnic table both of these are the sams club pictured on your post. they hold pretty well in the wind too. They do sun fade over time. But they are cheap so after a year or 2 they can be replaced. We tried wooden shaft umbrellas and they were a big waste of money. The poles warped in damp weather and ribs snapped in a small wind gust. The big problem with the wind is keeping it off the burners. It takes forever to get the water hot So depending on the wind direction determines the way we set up our cart display. The advantage of 3 umbrella is in the rain. you can be under one while you cook and the customer can be under the condiment umbrella while they order and if they chose to sit at picnic table they are covered also. This setup workes great for us. Can be open in any weather even snow. Thanks for the Blog it always gives something to think about.
Jim & Kay
“the great american dawg wagon”
I’ll be using (major hot dog brand) products and would very much like one of their umbrellas. How about information on them and where to buy them?
one of the first responses said he contacted the hot dog company and they sent him one for free. Check with him.
Mike
My (major hot dog brand) distributor provides logo umbrellas at no charge. They are not the highest quality but they work well under most weather conditions. Best of all they are free! I am not sure if all distributors do this but if you are carrying and selling their product it only makes sense to advertise it.
My cart came with a 8+foot dia. red cloth umbrella with wooden bows and shaft. It covers the entire cart area which is good because in our area the cart has to (should) have a roof over the food prep area.(some areas even want a sweepable floor, if on grass!!) At one fair it rained and the wind was in the 25mph range.The problem I had was the wind picking the umbrella out of the hole the pole was in!!! I have stayed dry in light rains with min. wind.
This umbrella has a rope/pulley system(tying the rope to the cart helps with the wind problem) to raise and lower so you can adjust the height of the umbrella for sun blockage, nice! It has a two part pole that must be screwed together have had not problems there. Thinking I may need a replacement
some time I started to look around and found that our local Wallyworld (walmart) carried the same one I had in different colors/sizes/types starting for around $30.00 and up.
Which to me is a great price and easy to replace overnight if needed during the summer months (I did notice online the shopping informs one the umbrellas not sold in stores, I feel that is because they could be seasonal items) or if ordered on line will be delivered to local store to be picked up there.
Some vendors may not like the weight of this unit since you have to pick the umbrella (in my case) to slip into the center hole in my cart.
I hope this info helps others in the the biz. Seeing the snow falling outside I think is it really time to think of selling dogs!! Although I have started getting my events in order. Good luck to all this upcoming selling season. Jerry
Hi everyone I also got the red and white like steve’s. Holds up well but the color red has faded really bad and you can’t even see the hot dogs they are faded so bad. Only been in use for 8 mnths.
I bought a Coca-Cola umbrella on ebay for about $65.00 + shipping. When it’s time to replace it I’ll hit up my hot dog distributor for a free one. Otherwise I can definitely get one from the company I buy my coffee from.
ALL OF THE HOT DOG PRODUESERS REPEAT ALL WILL GIVE YOU ONE AND DECORATIONS IF YOU USE THERE PRODUCTS JUST ASK LIKE I DID
David, I sell Nathan’s dogs on my stand and I can’t get a free umbrella. Maybe I should change brands. Who might get me a free umbrella? Thanks, Chef Joe
Try Vienna.
Last year the Sam’s Umbrella’s were 24.99, this year they have gone up to 26.86. Still a great buy but if you want them you better get them quick because they will not last long, they also have a blue and white umbrella for the same price. I have two spare on hand at all times…
Duggs Doggs
Good!! Good!!
We have 2 (major hot dog brand) umbrellas – each of the reciever poles are mounted to our cart. After you purchase a reasonable amount of products i.e. doggies, buns, chili, neon green relish, sport peppers etc. one is free! They are very fade resistant and very durable, very! We had one turn inside out but we were 1 block off of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee..so? Contact your local rep – there are several in America!
I buy my product from (major hot dog brand) thats all I use, and they give me all the signs and Umbrellas I use for the year, Once you meet there factory rep for your area and they see your a faithful customer they REALLY take care of you! They have given me Suite Tickets here in Arizona to watch the Chicago Cubs play the White Sox where they have spring training, they are a GOOD company to deal with Just saying lol I use up about 6 umbrellas a year. $80.00 value ea. I’m sure other companys will do the same just ask what they have to offer you, you will never know if you don’t call em! (Major hot dog brand) will do alot for you, Business cards, Menus all kinds of signages and banners. JUST CALL any of them you can find!
Re: (major hot dog brand)
Sorry for editing out the name brands from your comments but trademarks are taken seriously by these companies.
I know how loyal we doggers can be to our chosen suppliers.
Many of the major hot dog brands will give you free umbrellas. Ask and you shall receive (maybe, lol).
-Steve
If you want good chip holders! Get them from Steve here at this site!!! there the best
Hi Steve, We started out with the wooden umbrella that came with our cart. The wind broke it like tooth picks. We bought two more that ranged in price from $50 to $75. The same thing happened to one of them. Then we found the multi-color umbrella at Sam’s Club for $25. This is the best one we have used. Takes the wind well and colors seem to stay somewhat bright. The Sam’s umbrella is what we recommend. You can buy two for the price on one of the wooden umbrellas. You still need to bungee the umbrella to the cart. Another plus is the multi-color umbrella is festival looking and can be seen easily in a crowd.
Gary
I’ve got to second a couple of the comments here. Check with your suppliers FIRST. A lot of companies offer promotional items at little or no cost, including umbrellas, picnic tables, and more. In an earlier incarnation I ran a coffeehouse and got a number of umbrellas for outside tables from Campari and other companies
Great information for all of us rookies!!!
Thanks again Steve for another great idea!!
Much Appreciated!
Katherine
Kat’s Dogs
Thanks for the chip clip plug Rick – how’s my favorite yellow hot dog truck owner?
I still think your rig is SWEET!
-Steve
Not Doggin yet but o so very close! Thank you for the tips on the umbrellas.
I know this is a little bit of an odd question but does anyone think Scotch-Guard would help to retain the color in the fabric of the umbrellas? …just a thought…
Cindy,
Does Scotch Guard filter UV rays? If so, it might work.
-Steve
Dont waste your time with scotchguard; use 303 Products Fabric Guard reccommended by Sunbrella; you can get it at West Marine it is by far the best product out there.. I am in Portland OR and struggle with the wind and rain; anyone have a design for “walls” that I can put up around the cart ?
Great topic Steve, I’ve spent a fair amount of time ruminating over this subject and here are some of my thoughts & conclusions…
In the process of selling hot dogs and other “curbside cuisine”, I want to build a recognizable brand for my little company and its products. To that end, in looking for the biggest, most visible marketing opportunity on my cart, the umbrella naturally represents some premium real estate. Like any other premium real estate however, it comes at considerable cost by comparison to the store-bought or vendor-provided options. Nonetheless, I feel it’s worth it and here’s why:
Store-bought umbrellas provide shade, cover and a cheerful, outdoorsy food cart atmosphere, but don’t do much to enhance the value of your brand. Vendor provided umbrellas offer more value to your cart because the equity in a well-recognized and respected brand vicariously lends value to yours. In my opinion however, by using these you’re really helping to build someone else’s brand at the expense of your own. After all, why else would they give-away free umbrellas? The answer is “eyeballs”. Lots and lots of “eyeballs” (and taste buds!), seeing and tasting their products while building a strong association between their product, logo and imagery. When visual imagery actually represents a high level of expectation to your audience, you’ve got an intangible worth quite a lot, indeed.
So to that end, I’ve decided to trade-in my six-foot blue and white umbrella which works just fine, for a slightly bigger 7-1/2 foot umbrella that features my logo, color scheme, web address and basic product categories. Unfortunately, the slightly oversized canopy, customized artwork and digitally printed panels (on ultra-violet resistant vinyl media) comes at some additional cost (not to mention the cost to retrofit my cart pole sleeve to accommodate a wider diameter pole).
As with any successful brand, effective visual communications plays a critical role in the market mix. Since I’m about to go into production on my new umbrella, I’m going to start thinking about other marketing opportunities including; a better location, a custom flag to fly next to my American flag, public relations, cart & car graphics, branded hats, clothing & aprons, web site & email marketing, social marketing, flyers, menu boards, biz cards etc. I am also definitely open to any other ideas anyone might have so please, please, please, let me know what’s been working for you!
Many thanks and happy marketing,
David “Franky” Frank
Franky’s Curbside Cuisine
I bought my cart used and it came with a bright red and yellow umbrella. I found a guy through another vendor who did signs and lettering and he added lettering on my umbrella for $25, so all the sides either say “Hot Dogs,” “Hot Sausages” or “Chips/Drinks.” I found this to be more effective than the free umbrellas from the distributor because I don’t want to be married to a particular brand of dog.
I also have a corner spot where I can plant some yard sale type signs in the curb. I also sell pork barbecue so I went to Fastsigns and has a couple of pig shaped signs made with just the letters BBQ. These work real well for me.
Franky,
Great points and a well thought out marketing plan. You’re going to crush it!
-Steve
Great tip Big Tommy!
-Steve
$25 well spent Kenny.
-Steve
You’re welcome Katherine!
-Steve
Keep pluggin’ away Rick J!
-Steve
Jeff and Mike,
Eight months of sun is brutal on an umbrella but I agree – the colors faded too fast. I like the look of that umbrella though and still use that one, however I don’t sell them anymore.
-Steve
Great tips Pete and Wanda. Thanks!
-Steve
My cart came with a red and while 6 panel 6.5 ft vinyl umbrella. I then saw that (Frankfort Umbrella) sold the same umbrella but with a hot dog graphics and lettering on the fringes. I purchased the one with graphics and used it during all of the 2010 season. The red has faded badly, and I had 2 bad experiences with high winds. Once the umbrella picked up and the steel ledge retracted into the pole and the umbrella folded down like it is designed to do in high winds. A second time the umbrella just inverted. Now one of the steel spines is slightly bent. 6.5 ft covers the important areas of the cart and I would like to upgrade to at least 7.5 ft umbrella. Also Marc at Frankfort umbrella said that the red color has the highest degree of fading of what he sells. (I’m going to be changing umbrellas and colors)
I think that umbrellas are just part of the normal maintance for the cart and need to be replaced on a regular basis. Replacing umbrellas are like putting a fresh coat of paint on a brick and motar facility.
I’m still in the planning stages of a hot dog business but I have used umbrellas for outdoor events. I bought several at a Harbor Freight store very inexpensively. It turned out the umbrellas had the hinge on the pole which allowed you to angle the shade as the sun moved but in strong gusts the pressure on the hinge broke them. I’m thinking of replacing the poles with solid one piece metal tubes, like electrical conduit, which is light but stronger than the wooden poles I had but I’ll check out the Sams Club ones first now that I read these posts. Thanks!
Glad you got some good ideas, Ernesto. The folks who read HDCN are a wealth of information. Stay tuned…
-Steve
Marc,
“like a fresh coat of paint” – exactly!
-Steve
WOW! Steve you opened up quite a can of worms!
I have a red and yellow that came with my cart. Metal post, a pin to keep it from turning and metal ribs. The red is fading, but being plastic it sheds rain. People say they like the colors as the red and yellow seem to say ketchup and mustard. I love the rainbows from Sams. Anyone know where there is a Sams here in CT?
Addendum: It holds up very well in the wind. I opened last year with 15-25 mph winds and higher gusts and it didn’t even flinch!
Speaking of Connecticut –
I have a treat for everyone in Thursdays issue of Hot Dog Cart News…
The return of Hot Dog Cart Radio! In this episode I interview a Connecticut film maker who produced an awesome hot dog stand documentary.
Don’t miss it…
-Steve
I BOUGHT 2 UMBRELLAS FROM SAMS LAST YEAR. THE FIRST ONE SNAPPED IN A SUDDEN WIND. I CUT OFF THE DAMAGED SECTION AND INSTALLED ELECTRICAL CONDUIT UP THE REMAINING SHAFT, LEAVING ABOUT 1-1/2 FT TO PUT INTO THE BOTTOM HALF WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE CART. THIS WORKED SO WELL THAT I ALTERED THE OTHER UMBRELLA ALSO. THIS UMBRELLA WILL FLEX UPWARD IN HIGH WIND THEN SNAP BACK INTO SHAPE.THE COLORS HAVE FADED SOMEWHAT, BUT THIS IS GOOD UMBRELLA FOR THE PRICE AND A GREAT ONE AFTHER THE SHAFT IS BEEFED UP. I STARTED WITH A WOODEN 2 PC UMBRELLA WHICH BROKE WHERE IT SCREWED TOGETHER AND IT COST ALMOST 3 TIME THE MONEY. I WILL BE GETTING ME A COUPLE MORE WHEN SAMS GET THEM IN AGAIN.
Great idea L & E!
-Steve
THKZ 4 THE INFO ABOUT SAMS CLUB. I’M GOING TO JOIN THE CLUB AND BUY THE UNBRELLA IN SEASON AND CALL WHEN THEY STOCK THEM
In AZ many of us Doggers work with 2 umbrellas. Front and rear attached to a Victor cart. If you are using the ones sold at Sams they must be slightly staggered by height and they will provide complete shade if you understand how to position your cart. The sun rays are longer at times and the path does change somewhat. Afternoon winds coming from Mountainous areas, I have had to resort to afixing a 12 x 12 tarp to a chain link fence to block the wind from behind me, while I position my suv to deter wind from another direction. I have even attached a tarp across the front of a golf cart to provvide relief from another direction.
During nite hours at different bars I have not used an umbrella. My attention getter is usually me lifting the cover for short periods of time for customers to see the steam and smell the dogs.
In Az we suffer from a blistering sun and fading is just part of the deal. If you have a windy / sunny / hot / cold location and you are making money the whats the matter with buying an umbrella a month? If your not making the $$ moved to another location…who moved my cheese ??? read the cheese book to stay in the dog business.
In az the reps for the big manufactures of dogs do not want to have a vendor relationship with retail doggers that do business at special events or on the corner. So getting an umbrella from their trunk or patio is not going to happen, no matter how much product you buy from Restaurant Depot.
Joe
Joe,
“If you are making money what’s the matter with buying an umbrella a month?”
I love your attitude. No scarcity mentality – awesome!
-Steve
Thanks Paul.
-Steve
I bought a cheap umbrella from a local store that broke and tore the 2nd day i had it. so I went into the goodwill and bought a 100. umbrella for 30 bucks and never had a problem. I like the idea thou on the rain bow colors. will give that one a try. oh yea the ship clips work well on the nice umbrella.
Tony
I think I was the one that started the umbrella issues from an earlier post and boy did I get tons of info. Thanks to everyone posting on this site. I went to Sam’s yesterday and purchased one of the colorful umbrellas for less than $27 and they had a large rack of these in stock as well as the blue & white someone else mentioned. Thanks Steve for keeping us informed and educated on the Hot Dog Biz.
Thanks for the jump start on this topic Don!
-Steve
Goodwill Store – good tip Tony!
-Steve
this weather is bad i get my umbrellas from my meat man in philly it is a well known company in the state of pa they have give me hats as many a frame signs as well people stop because of the name brand that i sell it is a great all beef dog and the umbrellas are made with metal rods never had a problem with them.
I to have the red and white one with the hot dog and cold drinks logo on it. I purchased online. It does great during high wins but it faded only after 6 months. Very disappointed in that. I thought it would last a little longer than that.
@ROBIN/LAKESIDE LUNCH
Anyone know where there is a Sams here in CT?
Hey Steve was in Sams this morning and they already have the umbrellas in stock for sale they are 26.97 come in three different colors one is the rainbow colors one is darker to lighter blue one is yellow and green will go back later if anyone want to see a pic of them let me know
Chris,
I like the vendor umbrellas too.
-Steve
Tnmedic – I agree. The red fades pretty quick.
-Steve
Thanks for the heads up, Carl!
-Steve
Steve: great chip clips. there many types of umbrellas but only one CASH TRACKER its the best thing I have purchased for our business
Jim & kay
Thanks Jim & Kay,
Yes, Cash Tracker is pretty powerful if I do say so myself.
-Steve
We also use the bright multi colored umbrella discussed, but our Sam’s Club in Dayton, Ohio didn’t carry these when we were building our cart. We ordered ours from Hutshop.com for $19.99. We have three of them and have had no problems. We wanted more shade than one umbrella provided so we attached one to the cart then my husband sank plastic plumbing pipes in concrete in 5 gallon buckets. Then we just drop the umbrella pole down these pipes. The only downfall is your husband has to be there to carry these suckers!:)
Depending on where I am, I have the standard red and yellow cart umbrella, which came with my cart when I purchased it. I also have the rainbow colored umbrella from Sam’s Club which I like to use for beach events. I paid about $30 for it.
The red and yellow umbrella holds up very well to wind. On my cart, it is not in the center but rather mounted to the back wall of the cart and is pretty heavy. The rainbow one is very light, but works well with the sun as I can bend it and move it easily.
I haven’t had any fading after three years of use on my red/yellow.
Now for the best part, ….since I don’t have a brick and mortar restaurant, I can’t really get autographs on a photo and hang them on a wall, so I came up with the idea to have people sign my cart umbrella! I work a night club that has a variety of concerts and I am getting pretty good at getting those signatures. The rap artists that have performed there have eluded me, but I’ve managed to get the rock crowd. Here is what I have so far (If you don’t know who they are, GOOGLE!)
Rehab (Danny Booth)
Framing Hanley (Nixon Lead Singer)
(Janie Lane) from Warrant (She’s my Cherry Pie)
Pop Evil (Doing 100 in a 55)
The Cult (drummer)
Confederate Railroad
Straight Line Stitch
Murderfly
Nonpoint
Who Was I
The Dead Kennedys
I love my job!
PS love the new toolbar!
Sam’s Clubs in CT.
Manchester Sam’s Club
69 Pavilion Dr
Manchester, CT 06042
1
Newington Sam’s Club
3465 Berlin Tpke
Newington, CT 06111
2
Orange Sam’s Club
2 Boston Post Rd
Orange, CT 06477
You might want to try looking in Cosco or even Home Depot or Lowes. We find a gopod selection there as well.
Sorry all, the gopod was to good selection but its still colder than all get-up and the hands are a little cold still as the season is short in the north east so always looking for solid umbrella’s
Looking for a heavy duty fabric umbrella for our cart – preferably black and alternating red..enjoyed reading all the wind challenge solutions; it can really do a job on umbrellas!Anybody come across a good website for commercial-grade umbrellas? thanks
Ordered your book a couple years ago. loved it. I’m looking for an umbrella that is not “standard” in color or one that I could have custom designed. Where could I have an umbrella custom designed for my business. Neon colors are hard to find. Neon green? Neon Pink?
Hey Dana,
Try UmbrellasUSA.com. That’s where I get mine. I think they do custom printing too.
you never say where to buy these umbrellas
I get mine from UmbrellasUSA.com
My 2 cents worth, I used to work for Starbucks and worked quite a bit on the umbrellas they used. A metal pole is better than wood, the venting at the top is very useful in not having the umbrellas fly off during wind gusts. It should have the flex several people discussed to keep the stays from breaking/kinking. I would have some type of locking device, Starbucks used a cam device that locked the shaft to the base just dropping it in. My current umbrella in my cart came with it. It has a spring loaded button to lock it in place.
Thanks Bill!
Not to beat a dead horse, but I am curious if anyone has tried to use a side post adjustable umbrella like the ones used in fancy yards. they are typically square and are about 6 x 6 square. My theory is to mount this to the trailer tongue and cove the whole cart and then some..
Thoughts?
I like the idea. Be careful on windy days though. That’s a LOT of canvas.
Does anyone buy their umbrellas from overseas in bulk? If so who is your supplier?
I don’t, sorry. Anyone?…..