At 0.22 kg, an ultra-light pocket umbrella changes the commercial maths of a programme. Freight is quoted on weight, cartons are easier to plan, and a promotional buyer can fit more units into the same shipment. The trade-off is that every gram saved has to come from somewhere, and the buyer needs to know where.
This page explains how an OEM programme on the ultra-light three-fold pocket platform runs at a source factory: what the weight costs, what has to be frozen, and what to check before a bulk order.
Specification at a glance
- Style: ultra-light three-fold pocket umbrella (model 012 as listed on the data sheet)
- Canopy: 190T pongee with black UV coating
- Frame: fiber ribs and a fiber centre shaft
- Rib-count note: the heading and attribute sheet specify 6 ribs, while selected ZA colour names reference 5 ribs — the final build must be confirmed during sampling
- Handle: plastic handle
- Opening: manual open and close
- Unit weight: approximately 0.22 kg
- Carton quantity: 60 pieces
- Standard colours: Green, Blue and Navy
Published photographs and the base specification sit on the ultra-light 3-fold pocket umbrella product page, which is the reference buyers receive with the quotation.
Where the weight comes from
Three decisions drive the 0.22 kg figure. The 190T pongee canopy is lighter than a 210T fabric, the frame uses fiber ribs and a fiber shaft rather than steel, and the mechanism is manual rather than automatic.
Each of those is a trade-off. A lighter fabric is thinner and less forgiving of abrasion. Fiber components flex more than steel. A manual mechanism is simpler but less convenient. None of them is a defect — they are the reason the platform can hit the weight.
The rib-count discrepancy is a specification problem
The data sheet says 6 ribs in the heading and attribute sheet, while some colour names reference a 5-rib build. This is common when a supplier list mixes variants, and it is exactly the kind of detail that must be resolved before sampling.
Ask for a written confirmation of the frame for each colour you order, then check the sample. A 5-rib and a 6-rib frame behave differently in wind and in the folded package, and the difference is not visible in a photograph.
What to freeze before production
The frame. Rib count, rib material, shaft material and the folded length.
The canopy. Fabric weight, coating and the UV claim. The black UV coating is listed for general sun protection; confirm the exact wording on the sample.
The handle and opening. Plastic handle shape and colour, manual mechanism and the closing action.
The packing. Fabric sleeve and OPP bag as standard, 60 pieces per carton. Confirm the packed carton weight and dimensions before agreeing freight.
Which channels fit this platform
Budget-conscious wholesale programmes, retail impulse displays, e-commerce listings, hotel shops, promotional giveaways and private-label travel accessories. The low weight and low unit cost make it easy to test in a new market.
It is a weak fit for markets that expect a substantial umbrella, and for programmes that need storm performance. Those buyers should compare the heavier compact models in the same range.
Sampling and quality control
Ask for a pre-production sample in the final colour and frame build, then open and close it repeatedly. Check the canopy tension at the fold lines and the handle attachment, and confirm the packed length against the target.
Agree the inspection standard and defect list before the run, and keep a golden sample sealed for repeat orders. On a light platform, small variations in frame tension show up quickly, so the second order needs the same reference the first one had.
On the export side, the usual documents apply: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and a certificate of origin where required. Our import and QC checklist covers the inspection sequence, and the OEM process guide maps the milestones from brief to golden sample.
If you are also sourcing a gift or youth-facing model, our cartoon umbrella testing checklist covers the handle and print checks. For the broader range, see the compact umbrella category and our factory advantages page.
Frequently asked questions
Is 0.22 kg too light to be durable?
It is lighter than a standard compact umbrella, so the frame and canopy need to be treated accordingly. It suits everyday carry and promotional use; it is not a storm umbrella.
Does the umbrella have 5 or 6 ribs?
The data sheet is inconsistent. Confirm the build in writing for each colour and check it on the sample before production.
Is the canopy coated for sun protection?
The specification lists a black UV coating on 190T pongee for general sun protection. Confirm the exact claim on the approved sample.
What should buyers send us?
Send the market, channel, annual volume, target landed cost, logo artwork and packaging requirement. We will confirm whether this platform fits, quote the colour options, and issue a sample plan. Start through our contact page or review the wider OEM custom umbrella programme.