Custom Production Process

Before Mass Production

• 1. Inquiry & Quotation

  You just tell us your umbrella details—like style, printing method, how many you need—and we'll get you an exact quote with a clear cost breakdown in 12 hours max.

• 2. Sample Confirmation

  We'll make samples based on your needs (like digital printing or foil stamping samples). Standard styles usually take 5 to 7 days to make, but complex custom ones need 7 to 10 days—sometimes even more. Once you say “okay” to the samples, we'll move on to the next step.

• 3. Order Confirmation

  Sign a formal contract that lays out exactly each side's rights and responsibilities. Then pay a deposit—usually 30% of the total order cost—to lock in the production schedule.

• 4. Raw Material Purchasing

  We'll buy all the raw materials your order needs—like ink, umbrella fabric, and ribs—to make sure they hit our quality standards.

Production Stage

• 1. Material Testing

  As soon as we get the materials we need, we test them right away. Our pro testing team does a bunch of checks—we check how strong the fabric and frames are, make sure the waterproof coating sticks to the fabric well, and confirm the handles are non-slip and comfy to hold.

• 2. Material Preparation

  First, we pre-treat the umbrella canopies and other materials—y'know, get them ready for the next steps. Then we print logos and designs accurately on the fabric and other parts. We also add sun protection or waterproof coatings to boost the fabric's performance.

• 3. Canopy Cutting

  We cut the fabric really precisely to match the canopy design. We store fabrics with different colors or patterns in separate spots—this way, we don't mix 'em up, and it's easier to grab what we need for the next steps.

• 4. Sewing

  We run the cut fabric through sewing machines to make canopies, so the seams hold tight. We really focus on the small stuff while sewing—we handle the canopy edges carefully so there's no loose threads, and we leave little gaps to put the umbrella ribs in later.

• 5. Assembly & Stitching

  We attach the ribs to the canopies and sew them by hand—this makes sure the connection is solid. Then we install the handles and other parts, and do a grip test to make sure customers will find the umbrellas comfortable to use.

• 6. Product Inspection

  We do two quality checks during production. Once a whole umbrella is done, we do a final check—three people take turns doing this. The inspectors look closely at every part of the umbrella to check for quality issues, making sure there are no problems whatsoever.

• 7. Warehouse Storage

  We package the umbrellas that pass quality check, then store 'em in separate areas based on order and style. The umbrellas won't sit in the warehouse long—we'll get 'em ready to ship to you as quickly as we can.

• 8. Shipping

  We ship the umbrellas just how you want them. You can pick trade terms like FOB, CIF, or EXW, and for shipping, you can choose express, sea freight, or air freight.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. Is there a big difference in how 210T Oxford fabric and 190T Pongee fabric feel?

  The way they feel is totally not the same: Oxford fabric's stiffer, like canvas—and it holds up good if you fold it a bunch. Pongee fabric is softer, more like silk, and it hangs really nicely. It doesn't leave stiff wrinkles after folding. We suggest you ask for “fabric swatches” first (we'll send them out in 2 days) and decide after you feel them yourself.

• 2. Is the printing ink eco-friendly? Will it have a smell?

  Our ink's water-based, and it's eco-friendly too. It actually passes the EU's EN 71-3 standard, so there are no heavy metals or formaldehyde in it at all. Once we print, we dry it with 120°C high heat—so the umbrellas we finish up don't have any smell. We can provide an ink test report if you need it, and you can also take random samples to do a “smell test” (following national standard GB/T 35456-2023).

• 3. What's the minimum order quantity? Do you take orders under 100 units?

  - Golf umbrellas: Gotta order at least 100 units

  - Straight-shaft umbrellas: Minimum order of 200 units—you can't order less

  - Folding umbrellas: Minimum order of 500 units (if you want special handles, make it at least 1,200 units)

  - Mini umbrellas: Minimum order of 1,200 units

  Right now, we can't take orders under 100 units—printing plates and molds are pricey, so small orders just aren't worth it. But we can recommend “in-stock umbrellas with your logo printed”—some regular styles are in stock, and you can get those printed with your logo starting from 10 units.

• 4. How much of the umbrella canopy can be printed on? Can complex designs (like gradients or people) be printed?

  You can print on the whole canopy—both front and back. We support digital heat transfer printing for complex designs, like gradients, people, or landscapes. You just need to send us your design file in AI or PSD format with 300 DPI or higher. We'll first make a “1:1 size print sample” to confirm the color and clarity before we start mass production.

• 5. Can the umbrella size be customized?

  Size customization is available. But if the canopy size you want isn't one of our regular ones, you'll need to do two things: order more (bigger minimum) and pay extra for mold fees. Also, production will take 5-7 more days. We suggest you ask our craftsmen first if changing the size messes with the umbrella's stability—like, if the canopy's too big, it might not stand up to wind as well.

• 6. How much is the sample fee? Is it refundable?

  The sample fee is based on “actual costs”:

  - Regular styles: $16 per sample

  - Special styles: It depends on materials, printing, etc.—please talk to our sales team for details.

  The sample fee can be fully refunded when you place an official order (it will be deducted from the final payment).

• 7. If some umbrellas don't open or close smoothly after delivery, what should I do?

  After you get the umbrellas, take a video of the ones that won't open or close right—show how they're stuck—and include your order number, then send it to our customer service. Hongjie will have our craftsmen check if it's a quality issue—like weak springs or stuck buttons. If it is confirmed as a quality issue, we'll send free replacement parts for the opening/closing bits (for the same quantity) or even full replacement umbrellas. Hongjie'll take care of the shipping cost.

• 8. Do you have a warranty? What all does it cover?

  Yep, we've got one. We offer a free 12-month warranty. Here's what it covers:

  - Broken umbrella ribs (not from you bending them on purpose)

  - Canopy damage (not from scratches by sharp things)

  - Broken opening/closing parts (not from rough use)

  - Peeling printing (not from you rubbing it on purpose)

  If there's a problem within the warranty period, we'll repair it for free or send a replacement. After the warranty period, we can offer a “paid repair service.”

• 9. Do you let people come visit the factory in person?

  We're happy to have people visit the factory, but you need to book it 3 days ahead of time. The visit includes:

  - Raw material warehouse (check material labels and test reports)

  - Production workshop (watch the printing and assembly process)

  - Quality check department (check testing equipment and how we do quality tests)

• 10. Is there a customer case library I can reference?

  You can contact customer service to get the Hongjie Custom Umbrella Customer Case Book. It has over 20 cases from different industries and scenarios, with renderings, real photos, and customer feedback. We can also provide “cases from your industry”—for example, if you're in the FMCG industry, we'll prioritize sending cases from FMCG brands.