Vehicle Signwriting?

[DieselvRS]

I'm starting out in the world of aerial photography having completed the stages to become approved by the CAA for commercial operations, and as part of my small business, I'm wondering if getting my personal vehicle signwritten is worth it or not? For those who have done this or use signwritten vehicles, how often do you hear "I saw you're details on your car/van"?. I'm wondering if it's worth it, or just pushing the website and social media stuff is the best way.

Pictures are of course, very welcome!

Thanks folks

[joshcowin]

Often get comments on how smart the vans are, constant advertising and relatively cheap.

[lucido grigio]

All the companies I've driven for have had liveried vans/lorries and as said above ,once you've paid for stickers/vinyl/whatever ,

it's free advertising.

Just keep the vehicle tidy and don't drive like a dick and people will see and possibly use your services.

Builder who lives next door to me has a plain van and I don't understand why.....

[jas xjr]

lucido grigio said:

All the companies I've driven for have had liveried vans/lorries and as said above ,once you've paid for stickers/vinyl/whatever ,

it's free advertising.

Just keep the vehicle tidy and don't drive like a dick and people will see and possibly use your services.

Builder who lives next door to me has a plain van and I don't understand why.....

my builder does no advertising at all. i asked him , he said he has too much work on.

[joshcowin]

Just to note we have 5 vans so having them all sign written looks more professional than 5 silver vans turning up to a project. Wouldn't have sign writing if I was a sole trader with plenty of work!

[HoHoHo]

I think it's a must

It doesn't have to be clever just on brand and kept clean.

[strain]

We have signwritten cars , huge lime green livery

Not great for personal use but i can tell you where our cars our stickered based on work alone, one went to blackpool and we had phonecalls requiring our services

[B17NNS]

lucido grigio said:

Builder who lives next door to me has a plain van and I don't understand why.....

Tool theft from vans is a major problem.

You can get into a Transit with a £20 'tibbe' lock pick from Ebay in seconds. Pops all the doors, doesn't set off the alarm.

[Simpo Two]

If it's a van, I 'd say yes - free advertising, you can only win.

If it's a car, I think signwritten cars say you're trying too hard and are a bit naff. Maybe a 6x2 sticker in the back window if you feel the need for a bit of branding (and always have business cards with you).

[anonymous-user]

If you do have it done, at least get a designer in who has a solid understanding of typography.

There are some local trades that have chosen some swanky hand writing font, its a lovely font but useless at telling potential customers what they actually do as its pretty much unreadable.

[BGARK]

In your line of work, wrap the entire vehicle in a photograph, with minimal writing, subtle and professional.

Let what you do, do the talking, if someone gets vertigo looking at your vehicle you will get some leads.

[the prescotts]

Got the simple website on the pick up tailgate that encourages a couple of extra hits a week on the website.

The adverts we do for our clients are not quite as subtle.

Edited by the prescotts on Wednesday 23 August 11:52

Edited by the prescotts on Wednesday 23 August 12:03

[honestbob]

Just do a search near where you live for Vehicle Graphics.

[garythesign]

I ran a sign business for 22 years and think it is worth it.

Maybe not in direct sales, but certainly in looking established

Keeping it simple is most effective.

You need three things:

Your name

What you do

How a potential customer customer can get in touch with you

Good luck

[tim0409]

I recently started a business and had to get my van sign written in order to qualify for a trade parking permit in Edinburgh. It works for my business as I've been stopped a number of times in the street and asked for a business card. Given it can be done for as little as £100 I definitely think it's worth it.

[KrissKross]

BGARK said:

In your line of work, wrap the entire vehicle in a photograph, with minimal writing, subtle and professional.

Let what you do, do the talking, if someone gets vertigo looking at your vehicle you will get some leads.

I agree with this, perhaps speak to a marketing person first. You are not a plumber.

Do not google and find some random sign writer locally that has a vinyl cutting machine and zero business savvy. You might get pretty colours and fancy fonts but no actual business as a result.

[VEX]

But!

Check your van and contents insurance! I constantly get asked about van being sign written (it isn't) but it adds to the premium because it is advertising that youcould be carrying preimium goods that has theft value.

Also I have more than enough business, couldn't cope with anymore.

Finally, in some cases my clients don't want me turning up and advertising that we are installing £25k+ of av kit into thier house.

V.

[sawman2]

Have you thought about magnetic signs, removable and can be used on a variety of vehicles... just a thought. Not too expensive either.

[.Ryan.]

Having looked at the options, I'm thinking magnetic is the way to go. Thanks

[singlecoil]

.Ryan. said:

Having looked at the options, I'm thinking magnetic is the way to go. Thanks

While magnetic signs might be informative, they are somewhat unimpressive.