Can Commercial Shades Really Improve The Performance Of Your Business?

By Author: Michael Richman
Total Articles: 12
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We all understand the benefits of commercial shade structures; they act as sun protectors, weather barriers, and energy reducing agents. But can they really improve the performance of your business? Uniquely designed shade structures emblazoned with your brand can be a major promotional tool for your business.

Installing commercial shade structures can be one of the best things you can do to improve the performance of your business – not just in a still-challenging economy, but also at any part of the business cycle. Commercial shade structures, such as awnings and canopies, have proven highly effective in presenting businesses (and the buildings that house them) in a most appealing manner to potential clients, at any time of day. What’s more, often their installation, upkeep and general maintenance are of low enough cost that the financial benefits gained from their use ultimately outweigh any initial expenses.

The best thing about commercial shade structures is the fact that they can be uniquely designed for your business featuring strong, easy-to-clean and water-retardant fabric and materials. Therefore, ...
... they ensure safety, durability and most importantly they remain economical and attractive – ideal for brand promotion. All these factors will positively impact the business.

When choosing commercial shade structures, like awnings and canopies, all businesses, whether large or small, would be wise to perform a cost-benefit analysis. Usually, businesses will find that their installation will save them money in the long-run while showing significant return on investment (ROI). Hard numbers are difficult to come by due to the individual nature of such installations, but for restaurants, consider the following estimates:

In their first years of operation, most small businesses aim to break even in terms of expenses. Profit margins come in future years. But according to the National Food Service Advisers, average food costs for restaurants are between 38% and 42% of the menu price. That means a $25 restaurant entrée cost around $10 to purchase. That’s a profit per item of about $16. One simple way to extend those profits includes growing your businesses footprint to accommodate more patrons and meet local fire codes. Tradition expansion, however, is costly and includes building permits, materials, labor, etc. But assuming you already have the physical space to expand, a canopy can instantly turn that space into something useful. Imagine that your existing restaurant can accommodate 150 diners. With a canopy you can extend that number to 200. That’s a 33% increase in usable space. It’s also greater surface area to help promote your business with proper logos and branding. Awnings have a similar effect, as they extend the ability to patrons or diners to “window shop” and considering entering your premises.

Whether canopies or awnings, in business, good presentation is one of the most effective ways for promoting products as well as services. This is because, with the help of the awning manufacturing company, you will be able to custom design your shade structure and place promotional advertisements related to your products or service nearby for clients to see. Alternatively, you can also choose to have the businesses name or even logo neatly printed on the surface to help customers and any other person interested in your products easily find you. Too often in the age of smartphones and on-the-go social media, business owners forget that sometimes the simple tools for attracting business remain as effective as newer ones.

This being the case, it is highly advisable that you invest in commercial shades as they are likely to encourage potential clients or customers directly to your business premises to try out your products or hire your services, thus growing your business in the process. Manufacturers of commercial shades have also introduced customized shades specifically designed to match different lines of business available as well as help increase product sales or service promotions.

Making a decision to install commercial awnings means that you’ll be able to start enjoying a variety of benefits. For instance, fixing drop curtains or aluminum shades allows you to control the amount of sunlight passing through to your area of operation. This will not only add to the comfort of your premises, but also reduce power consumption.

Speaking of power consumption, commercial shades significantly cut power usage as incoming heat from the sun is effectively blocked. Often this unwanted heat is the biggest factor in warming indoor environments. Even in winter a low sun angle can direct powerful rays right into lower floors. As hot air rises, that heat gets trapped at higher levels. The result can be indoor environments as hot (or hotter) in winter as they are in summer! Awnings and canopies significantly reduce the load experienced by the cooler as a result significantly reducing money on power bills. The reality is that power bills represent the largest percentage of most modern business overall expenses. And maintenance costs are far lower than electric bills at any time of the year effectively increasing your profit margins.

Generally, commercial shades will not only help attract customers but also freshen up the overall outlook of your corporate building or business premises. This translates into precision customer service where clients/customers/patrons/diners, etc., are more likely to come back next time they need your products or services.

Lastly, a metal shade structure offers a solid, durable and an attractive way to beat the elements. This is the reason why so many people choose metal structures in their outdoor living space. It adds a sophisticated look, impressing customers who value beautiful design. It, also aids business promotion. In other words, structural strength speaks volumes.

Reputable manufacturers with state-of-the-art technology creating high quality shade structures; it is something that will significantly impact your sales and branding, so consider your choices carefully. A well-thought decision will certainly be a good investment.

The writer is associated with Academy Inc. the leading supplier of fabric, canvas, and metal shade structures for businesses.