The Sign Connection: Wrapping Isn't Just for Presents!

For the better part of a decade, vehicle graphics and wraps have become an increasingly large part of our business—and more and more people are catching onto this movement. Why? Because, vehicle wrapping gives you an outstanding ROI in comparison to other traditional forms of media. And the numbers don’t lie! According to the Transportation Advertising Council, vehicle advertising generates between 30,000 and 70,000 daily vehicular impressions. And when you compare that to newspapers and local news broadcasts, you can’t help but see the logic.

So, the problem is not whether you will get any vehicle graphics business, it’s how you produce once the client is through the door. To make sure you get the job done right the first time, there are some very important questions that need to be answered:

• What is the client’s budget? Determining budget will help in the design stage, as well as in material choice. Is a full wrap the right choice or would a partial wrap be a better alternative?
• Will the wrap involve window graphics as well?
• What is the client’s expectation of the finished project? Communicate to the client that some areas may not be wrapped and/or covered with vinyl, such as rubber moldings, textured plastic door handles, plastic bumpers, possibly deep insets on bumpers and other tight spots. There will most likely be seams and overlaps between panels. You will benefit from explaining and showing the client where these areas will fall and why.
• What type of vehicle does your client have? Are there a lot of complex curves or is it primarily flat? Does the vehicle have rivets? If so, how many? These variables will need to be considered when pricing the wrap project.
• How long does the customer need the finished project to last? Is it a weekend event or is it a permanent graphic?
• In what manner is the vehicle used? Is it a show piece? Is it a commercial vehicle? Is it a stationary billboard?
• Where will the vehicle be stored? Will the vehicle be parked in the sun, shade, or indoors?
• Will the wrap involve windows? If so, have samples of the different “hole” or perforation patterns available for your client to review. Options include 60/40, 50/50, and even 70/30. Having samples to review greatly helps in the decision for your client. You may even take a sample out to their vehicle and let them see for themselves how it will affect their view.
• What is their deadline expectation? This will determine how much time you have for installation.
• How old is the vehicle? Is it brand new or use? What is the paint quality? You will want to do a vehicle walk around with the client to expose possible trouble areas, including rust, chips, dents, and scratches. Also, you will need to take pictures of any defects on the vehicle, that way your client can not blame you for them.

All of these questions will help to determine what the best option will be for you and your client, and by asking them, you will not only have a good idea of what materials you will need to use, but also whether or not your shop has the experience and expertise to pull it off. If your experience level is low in comparison to the scope of the project, or you simply do not feel comfortable applying a wrap, certified wrap installers are available to help. If the decision is made to hire an outside installer, be sure to inquire about past installs and ask for pictures. A good installer generally has their own website promoting their skills and will have past jobs listed with references.

At Signs Now, we are fortunate to have a team of highly trained professionals to guide our franchise members through the latest and greatest trends in vehicle graphics application and technology. But no matter your level of support or experience, it’s always important to remember the basics prior to accepting a job. As much as the materials and technology will change—these questions will remain tried and true in your sales and application process. Happy wrapping, folks!