diff --git a/common.sh b/common.sh
index 90d030f785..92c9f31e99 100644
--- a/common.sh
+++ b/common.sh
@@ -218,11 +218,20 @@ FACTORY_INSTALL_MASK="
   /usr/share/zoneinfo
   "
 
-V_REVERSE="$(tput rev)"
-V_VIDOFF="$(tput sgr0)"
-V_BOLD_RED="$(tput bold; tput setaf 1)"
-V_BOLD_GREEN="$(tput bold; tput setaf 2)"
-V_BOLD_YELLOW="$(tput bold; tput setaf 3)"
+# Determine and set up variables needed for fancy color output (if supported).
+V_REVERSE=
+V_VIDOFF=
+V_BOLD_RED=
+V_BOLD_GREEN=
+V_BOLD_YELLOW=
+
+if tput colors >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  V_REVERSE="$(tput rev)"
+  V_VIDOFF="$(tput sgr0)"
+  V_BOLD_RED="$(tput bold; tput setaf 1)"
+  V_BOLD_GREEN="$(tput bold; tput setaf 2)"
+  V_BOLD_YELLOW="$(tput bold; tput setaf 3)"
+fi
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Functions