Without customers a business will go broke, not matter what kind it is. That is why most businesses try to cater to the needs of their customers, including providing shade sails in an outdoor setting. If you are considering such a purchase, it is wise to do some planning beforehand so you know just what is needed and where, before you go ahead. After all, no one understand your business the way you do.
One thing you have to realise about shade from a sail and that is, it will not be there all the time. As the position of the sun shifts throughout the day the shade the sail throws will move. So when planning on the position of the sail, you’ll need to have shade in a specific area at the time when you have most customers. That way you’ll be able to please the most people and get the most value from your investment.
The reason for the sail is important
However, you may be installing the sail for a different reason. It could be to stop the glare of the late afternoon sun shining through your shop window where it not only fades the colour of goods displayed, but makes it difficult for customers to see the floor display from inside, if they are looking towards the window.
In such a case, you’ll need the sail to throw shade over the front of the building rather than the ground. This can be achieved by angling the shade in a different way, so it’s important to discuss exactly what you want the sail to do with the installer before they go ahead and fix the installation points.
In another scenario, you may want to throw shade on the wall of the business to make it cooler, or to provide a cooler place for employees or clients to sit as well as to save on air-conditioning costs. But if the sail is to provide shade over children’s play equipment, you will need to watch to see when the most children will be playing there.
Consider the climate
Your specific climate is also worth taking into consideration. In most places, it is from noon onwards that the sun is at its hottest. Therefore, the area you are trying to shade will most likely need to have the sail angled to provide shade there during the afternoon. But if you have a business that is only open in the morning, this would be futile. You’d need the shade in the morning for your customers.
Deciding whether you need permanent or semi-permanent shade is also important. With the latter, you won’t be taking the sail down, so will need a waterproof one. With the latter, you will take it down during the winter, so a waterproof sail is not necessary.