Although deciding on a sneeze guard may seem like a simple process, there are actually many aspects business owners should take into consideration before purchasing for their operations. From budget to barrier thickness, several important factors go into choosing a guard that will work best for you. In this article, we will share some valuable things to consider prior to buying sneeze guards for your business.
Decide What You are Willing to Spend
The amount you will spend heavily depends on three things: size, quantity and quality. At shopPOPdisplays, we offer a variety of options because we want to ensure there is a sneeze guard that meets the needs of all different types of businesses. Before deciding on anything else, you should first decide on the amount you are willing to spend.
Our portable options are the most cost-friendly and offer a great solution for those looking for a short-term solution. In general, it is best to opt for our more expensive barriers if you need a long-term solution, although this is entirely dependent on your situation. If you have any questions about choosing a barrier that works for your space, please feel free to contact us.
Think About the Material That Makes Sense for You
Sneeze guards are available in a wide variety of materials, from acrylic to polycarbonate, each material serves a different purpose and is best suited for a particular use. At shopPOPdisplays, our standard material for sneeze guards is acrylic. Acrylic is the most versatile option due to its durability and affordability. We are also able to customize the material of your sneeze guards if a custom order is placed.
If your business is planning on keeping your barriers long-term, we recommend going with a thicker option. Our thickest material comes in at approximately 3/16” to ¼”, and though custom sizes can be made, any acrylic thicker than a quarter of an inch is typically reserved for protection use cases.
Consider the Area You Hope to Cover
It is important to take into consideration the size of the area you are trying to cover with sneeze guards. If you just need sneeze guards for a couple of registers, your priorities will be much different than an office building that needs 200 plexiglass cubicle dividers. If you are ordering in a larger quantity, we recommend ordering all at once. Bulk orders typically receive a discount, so it’s wise to take advantage of this if possible.
It is also important to ensure that you are choosing barriers that are large enough for the area you are hoping to cover. If you choose a barrier that is, say, too short, you risk purchasing a guard that isn’t going to be very effective. As a general rule of thumb, your panels should add at least 24”-30” of height to the surface they are placed on.
Permanent or Removable Sneeze Guards
When deciding on the sneeze guard that will work best for your business needs, you should consider your flexibility needs. Ask yourself if you need permanent coverage or something that can be shifted around and easily moved as needed.
For places like retail stores, which have layouts that are constantly changing, we recommend our portable acrylic barriers. These barriers can be set up on a desk, counter or table area and provide flexible physical separation. It can also be folded flat when not in use which makes it easy to transport.
Another way to add flexibility to your dividers is by adding our locking caster wheels. These wheels attach to the bottom of the barriers and make them easy to roll in any direction. The wheels also feature brakes that can be locked into position so there is no movement during use. This is perfect for those who plan on shifting around their barriers frequently.
For locations that are more suited for permanent options, we recommend a sturdier barrier, such as our ceiling hanging sneeze guards. These guards have to be mounted to your ceiling and provide a more durable and long-term option.
Features Needed: Is Customization Necessary?
For most businesses, standard sneeze guards will suffice, but in some circumstances, customization is needed. Whether that be a specific size, opening or shape, we offer services that allow you to tailor your dividers to your specific needs. First, take a look at the premade barrier options we offer and see if they work for you. Our premade barriers include dividers with pass-throughs, temperature screening openings and much more. If you still do not find what you are looking for on our site, please contact us to get your custom order started.
Research Before Buying Sneeze Guards is Key
All things considered; research is the most important part of the sneeze guard buying process. It is important to thoroughly research the different material types, sizes, thickness, etc., before deciding on a barrier that fits your business needs. If you have any questions throughout this process, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team is filled with experienced professionals who can point you in the right direction.