Nowadays, the terms ‘marquee’ and ‘gazebo’ are used interchangeably, but what many people don’t know is that there are quite a few differences between these two portable folding structures. They both feature fabric walls and roofs and are used in a wide range of outdoor purposes, including sales booths, information booths, promotional activities, etc. Gazebos are usually lower quality structures, and although you may come across terms such as ‘corporate gazebos’, ‘commercial gazebos’ or ‘deluxe gazebos’ used by certain manufacturers in an attempt to portray their products as superior to conventional gazebos, you should only be paying attention to the specs and the warranty of the product to get a clear picture of its quality.
A commercial grade marquee, on the other hand, is ideal for use in demanding environments as it is built to protect and cover a lot of people. There’s a reason circus tents are also known as marquees. The construction and the materials used to manufacture a commercial grade marquee are usually superior in terms of quality to the materials and quality used to manufacture gazebos of the same size. But again, your best reference for quality is the manufacturer’s warranty and specifications. As a result, products of higher quality are more expensive, and many businesses are swayed away by that fact, and opt for the more affordable solutions in gazebos, only for them to realize their mistake not long after.
Due to the fact that gazebos are sold through mass-market suppliers, like hardware stores or camping stores, they can be more appealing to small and medium-sized businesses. People who run successful businesses, charities and clubs realise that it takes the right set of tools for the task to ensure ongoing success. Marquees are one part of those tools for success and are one of the first products successful operators and businesses upgrade.
Regardless of whether you go for a gazebo or marquee, there are a couple of important factors to consider in order to ensure you get the most out of your investment. If you overlook some of these important factors, you can end up losing time and money. That being said, the 4 most important factors to consider when shopping are the amount of space you’ll need and are allowed, how often you’ll be using it, in what weather conditions you’ll be using it, and how much you’re willing to spend.
