Custom umbrellas may seem simple, but their costs are influenced by multiple factors, including minimum order quantity, printing method, component choices, and delivery time. Understanding these factors can help you control your budget while ensuring you receive the final product you want.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) — Why Quantity Matters

The minimum order quantity is the smallest batch a supplier will produce for a specific design. For manufacturers, MOQs exist to cover the “startup” costs. Before producing the first umbrella, the following steps are usually required:

Preparing printing screens or setting up digital templates

Procuring specific fabrics or non-standard components

Configuring production equipment according to customer specifications

Whether the order is 100 units or 10,000 units, these preparatory steps require the same time and resources. For small orders, these costs are spread over fewer products, resulting in higher unit prices.

For example, ordering a small batch of custom print umbrellas often costs significantly more per piece than a large batch.

Cost Examples:

Small orders (about 100–300 units) usually have a higher per-unit cost

Medium batches (about 500–1,000 units) are most cost-efficient, with moderate pricing

Large orders (2,000 units or more) benefit from bulk procurement and production optimization, achieving the lowest unit price

Printing Methods — How Branding Impacts Costs

Printing is often the largest single cost in umbrella production. The method you choose affects:

Setup fees

Unit price

Lead time

Clarity, color quality, and durability of the finished product

Screen Printing
Ideal for simple designs with one to four solid colors. Ink is pressed through a mesh screen onto the canopy. Each color requires a separate screen, resulting in higher setup costs, but it’s suitable for large-scale production. Advantages: vivid colors and clear patterns; disadvantages: not suitable for gradients or complex images.

Digital Printing
Best for detailed, small-batch designs. Designs are printed directly onto the fabric, reducing physical setup costs. Unit costs are advantageous for small orders, but large orders may be more expensive than screen printing. Pros: handles complex, multicolor designs; cons: slightly slower for large-scale production.

Sublimation Printing
Perfect for full-canopy designs. Ink is heat-transferred into the fibers, creating seamless prints. Setup costs are moderate, but templates must be precise. Pros: high-quality visuals and durability; cons: small-batch costs are high, and it works best on white or light-colored polyester fabrics.

For customers wanting full-canopy photos or gradient designs, sublimation printing is particularly suitable for clear folding umbrellas, providing seamless, high-definition visuals.

Handle Types and Components — Details Affect Price

Handles, though only a part of the umbrella, significantly affect cost:

Basic molded plastic handles: affordable and functional

Wooden handles: classic and premium, can be dyed or engraved, higher cost

Rubber, foam, or leather-wrapped handles: enhance comfort and aesthetics, increase material and labor costs

Other components affecting price include:

Frame material (fiberglass, aluminum, steel)

Opening mechanism (automatic folding umbrellas are slightly more expensive than manual)

Number of ribs (more ribs = stronger structure, but higher material and assembly costs)

Packaging also impacts cost. Simple transparent bags or standard hang tags are economical, while custom gift boxes, branded bags, or full-color printed packaging significantly increase expenses.

Delivery Time — The Relationship Between Speed and Cost

Delivery time affects not only when the umbrellas arrive but also the cost. Standard lead times allow production and materials to be scheduled alongside other orders, reducing costs. Rush orders may require:

Priority production fees

Higher prices for expedited materials

Air shipping instead of sea freight, increasing logistics costs

We provide a realistic timeline at the start of each order so customers are aware of additional charges for urgent requests.

Ways to Maintain Competitive Pricing

Bothwinraingear Umbrella ensures customers get the best value by:

Offering flexible minimum order quantities

Matching the most suitable printing method to design requirements

Providing clear quotes with itemized costs

Suggesting alternatives to reduce unnecessary expenses

Optimizing logistics and shipping using global transport knowledge