buying a canopy

O

onemeanmachine

New member
I'm looking into buying a decent shade canopy for my business since I live here in FL and it's almost impossible to escape the sun! I'm looking for any advice on the best place to buy one, price wise? I've been looking around online and whatnot, but my computer is fairly retarded so it takes me a decade to do anything, so I figured with everyone on here someone's apt to know a good place to find one at a decent price. Also wondered how difficult they ACTUALLY are to set up from any of you guys who use one? All your help is GREATLY appreciated.
 
When I was considering a canopy for other than a detailing venture, I looked at the ones used by the vendors at the "Farmer's Markets" in this area.
The one thing that stuck in my mind was the great number of EZ Up canopies that were being used. Probably 75% or better.
I have no idea why they are so popular with the vendors. Could be price as well as ease of use and quality.
The farmer's markets are a great place to see a lot of canopies. You might even find some good things to eat.:)

Charles
 
As CharlesW mentioned at the various auto shows I've attended, the EZ-UP branded canopies easily outnumber canopies from any other vendor. That may speak for quality or simply superior marketing. I have begun seeing more of the Quik Shade branded canopies on store shelves along with the lower end models of EZ-UP. I've read that the low end EZ-UP canopies are pretty poor quality (canopy material specifically and ease of use generally), so brand buying doesn't always represent the best buy.

I can't say for certain either brand is better than the other, each may have specific models in their lineup which represent their best quality product. As the saying goes..."you pays your money and you takes your chances".
 
These here are a bit Pricey but are built to be handled all the time and look to be good quality. and there are a few choices on how well built you want yours to be.
http://www.popupshade.com/10x15.htm
http://www.canopycenter.com/
http://www.canopyusa.com/index.asp
http://www.mastertent.com/us/index.php This is the one I will get........someday !!!!
all so I use one from work that was bought from Lowes or Home Depo (not sure). It's called "Quick Shade" and it was around $89.00 then, haven't seen a good one in those kinda' stores, so I might have to bite the bullet and buy one from the link above. I can put the one I borrow up by my self but need to be careful not to snap the plastic fittings in the middle and I need to walk around the tent several time to get it fully locked up in place. being 6' tall it's not hard to slide it around as long as it's on black top or concrete, but still need to go around it several times to unload the pressure on the legs before going back to work.
 
I have an el-cheap E-Z UP Sierra 12 x 12 canopy that I got for $99. It isn't the model you want because it probably wouldn't survive long with constant assembly and disassembly, but my experience with it proves to me E-Z UP is a good brand. Their professional models use a better grade of materials and of course cost much more.

Before you buy, consider carefully the size you need, especially the height. I can not get a full size SUV such as a Tahoe under mine. Also, you should consider getting side curtains because without them, you will not be shaded when the sun is not beaming straight down.

By the time you deal with the side curtains, you may find they aren't all you hoped for but without a garage at home, I can't imagine trying to detail my car without it.
 
Thanks for your help guys, I'll be looking through the links you posted and I definitely appreciate your opinions on the cheaper models out there, without them I'd be tempted to buy the cheapest one I could find and may have been very upset with my decision down the road....that's why I love this place!
 
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