Vehicle Wraps Are the Best Way to Market Your Business During COVID-19

Owning a business means thinking of new ways to create an impression and standing out. The relevance and quality of your signage can leave a huge imprint on your customers. Vehicle decals and wraps make a powerful branding and marketing tool for all businesses. Because of COVID-19, it is extremely important to let everyone know that you are still open and using personalized vehicle graphics can assist you in achieving just that.

Helps People Know That You Are Still Open

Everything that’s been happening, both in the United States and around the world, can only be termed as extraordinary, and because of government safety and health restrictions, several businesses have been left with no other choice but to close down. With the help of custom wrapped vehicles on the road, you will not just boost your brand awareness, but you will also show potential clients that you are still open for business.

Reach out to a Broader Audience

With limitations in place and restrictions for leaving home, a lot more people are using every chance they get to go out for a workout or walk. This is a good time to drive through neighborhoods and get extra eyeballs which will serve to increase your daily brand exposure. Therefore, make sure your wraps are creative and attention grabbing.

Since there are a lot less vehicles on the road, you can easily make your business stand out. When people leave their homes for daily essentials such as food, shopping, medical appointments, work, etc. professionally wrapped cars will get a lot of attention from passersby.

It’s Economical!

With COVID-19 affecting every business, most are now cutting costs to remain open. The truth is, unlike other kinds of marketing, digital display banners and vehicle wraps are far more economical and the one-time cost can generate business for months if not years.

Contrary to traditional outdoor marketing techniques such as bus stops or billboards, car wraps do not expire.

 Non-Aggressive Advertising

All forms of media and even our daily conversations have been focused on the COVID-19 situation. As users, we are over exposed to news on a regular basis with overwhelming information and data and there is no denying that we continue to look for ways to relax! This also means that from an advertising perspective, your clients are in a very sensitive place and definitely don’t wish to be shocked by aggressive marketing. Make sure you keep things simple and classy. Car wraps tell your clients exactly what you want them to know, without annoying jingles or ‘flash sales’.

Engaging, striking and appealing car wraps will always have a positive impact on potential clients and you will always gain with this method, especially during these times. However, make sure your wraps are high quality and communicate your message properly. Wondering how to find a company offering good vehicle wraps. Just type in sign decals near me on your search engine and choose a good wrapping company that understands your needs and offers you the best product.

Also Read: The Purpose of Signage

Removing Vinyl Decals from a Vehicle

Good vinyl decals are meant to last for a long time. This, unfortunately, means that their removal can be time consuming and tough. Getting rid of the decal aggressively can lead to irreparable damage to the vehicle. With the right methods and products, you can peel off the decal without causing any permanent harm.

Heating It with a Dryer

Heating assists in loosening the adhesive stuck at the back of the decal, making it simpler to remove. Turn on the high heat setting of the dryer and hold the dryer over the car decal till you begin to see the edges come off.

You May Also Use a Heat Gun

Heat guns can be utilized for drying glue and are found at most home improvement shops. They are able to blow even hotter air than a hair dryer and are better for bigger or more stubborn decals.

Make Use of a Plastic Blade

A lot of stores sell plastic blades that have been designed specifically for getting rid of decals and other objects that are stuck with adhesives. Plastic blades can reduce the likelihood of damage to your vehicle.

Make Use of a Razor Blade

Razor blades are the best for getting rid of adhesives but they are also likely to cause damage to the vehicle. Hence, they should not be your first preference. Make sure you are very careful while holding your razor blade. Scratch at the residue with smooth and small strokes. In case the blade gets blunt or does not seem effective, make sure you switch to a new blade rather than just turning it over.

Use a Residue Remover

Normally, if you peel or scrape off a decal, it ends up leaving an adhesive residue. Residue removers are essentially spray-on chemicals designed for breaking down adhesive and are easily available at home improvement departments of shops.

Once you have applied the chemicals onto the residue, wait for about five minutes and then wipe off the adhesive using a paper towel.

While good removers are non-toxic, you must refrain from direct contact.

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Also Read:  The Purpose of Signage
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Make Use of a Stripe Eliminator

In case you are dealing with a decal which is particularly large in size or if you are having a hard time removing residue, you can use a stripe eliminator. This tool is essentially a smooth rubber wheel attached to a power drill utilized for the removal of the adhesive. Stripe eliminators can again be found at home improvement stores.

Wiping Down Using a Rag

Get rid of the remaining residue or chemicals with the help of a lint-free cloth. Gently wipe the area to get rid of any liquid without leaving lines.

While there are many ways of removing a decal from a vehicle, it is best to leave the job to a professional. Professional vehicle graphics creators know exactly how to get rid of the old graphic without damaging the vehicle. They are also better equipped and more knowledgeable on how to repair damages, if any.

How to Add Custom Decals to a Car

If you want to make your car stand out, custom decals are the best choice. You can let your opinion be heard or you can use them to market your business. While there are so many retailers that can print and apply customized decals to your car, it is best to choose a provider after careful consideration. Having a better understanding of the process will help you choose the right professional.

The Steps:

Identifying a Spot

Before a decal is applied, the experts first determine the spot on the vehicle where it needs to be placed. This is especially important for bigger graphics that may extend to more than one body component. The area is properly assessed before taking a decision.

Decal Measurement

The professionals then measure the decal by placing it on the vehicle. The decal is then held against the car to get the right idea of how it will look. Protective backing is left on the decal so that it does not stick to the surface while being held against the car.

Moreover, a tape measure is used to keep the decal in center. This gives a solid sense of exactly where the graphic has to be placed. In case identical decals have to be placed on both the sides, it will be ensured that they are at equal distance from minimum three points to make them match on both the sides. The distance is measured from the door, trunk lid and window.

Use of Masking Tape

Professionals use masking tape to mark the location. After measuring out the area where the graphic has to be placed, masking tape is placed on every corner of where the graphic has to be applied. Masking tape acts as a guide when the decal is finally applied. The tape does not damage the car paint.

Also Read: Vehicle Graphics: The Cost-Effective Advertising Solution

Cleaning the Area

A mild cleaner and a soft cloth are used to clean the car’s surface before the application. Since rubbing alcohol evaporates very quickly, it is an extremely common choice for most companies.

The Cleaned Area Is Dried

The professionals allow the cleaned area to sit for some time so that it dries completely. Decals never stick well on wet surfaces, so the area should be dried and cleaned with a towel before moving on.

Application

The tape on the vehicle is used for guidance as the team starts to apply the extreme end of the decal onto the car. The corner is pressed firmly, then a flat tool is used for pressing the entire decal down. The decal is pulled tight as it is pressed onto the car to prevent bubbling. Utilizing a tool ensures there is enough pressure on the whole decal to force the bubbles out. Finally, after the decal has been applied and given enough time to dry out, the transfer tape is removed. The end result is a successfully put together vehicle graphic.

The Benefits of Vehicle Wraps

The use of outdoor advertising is extremely beneficial for businesses. While there are numerous outdoor advertising techniques, vehicle wraps are of special importance. This is because vehicle wraps are an easy method to improve your brand exposure. Here are a few advantages that you can get through the usage of vehicle wraps.

• Every Demographic Is Covered – Almost everyone drives a vehicle. Car wraps are utilized for promoting your company on the road. Potential customers, of every age and ethnicity and from every corner, utilize vehicles for their transportation needs. Hence, this technique can expose the company to every demographic.

• Professionalism – Your business will certainly look more professional if you drive a vehicle that is branded with your company logo and services. When a customer or a potential customer sees it, they are certainly going to feel that your company is serious about the work it does.

• Car Wraps Help Protect the Vehicle – Car wraps also have the ability to protect your car against scratches. Hence, the wrap can also be thought of as a protective layer.

• Ease of Removal – In case you are planning to transform the current branding of the business for selling a new product or if you are planning on selling the vehicle, you can get the vehicle wrap removed easily. The vehicle wrap can be taken off and a brand-new wrap can be applied in an extremely short period of time.

• Any Business Can Use Them – Car wraps can be used by big and small businesses alike. Although several large-scale businesses utilize them, the medium or small business owners can also consider using car wraps as they are not expensive.

• Far-Reaching – Recently, it has been found that car wraps offer the greatest amount of exposure. Let’s say that your car drives approximately twenty thousand miles per year; in such a case the vehicle will pass almost ten million other vehicles. Apart from this, the car will also be passing through a big population of pedestrian traffic. Hence, you can promote your company to a maximum of 70,000 people each day.

• Relatively Low Cost – Car wraps cost much less compared to other marketing methods. You can expose your company to new potential clients even when the vehicle is just parked on the wayside. You may even park your vehicle at places where billboards are unaffordable.

• Constant Exposure – Vehicle wraps have been in use for a very long time. The vehicle can be exposed constantly to the customers, which is certainly more helpful than television commercials.

Vehicle wraps are basically “skins” carefully put onto the body of the vehicle. They are then laminated with ultra violet rays protected lamination for offering complete durability. However, before choosing a wrap company makes sure you research well. It is important that the provider has a good reputation and a team of qualified car wrap professionals are available to assist you in choosing the right wrap.

Also Read: Vehicle Graphics: Why It Matters

How Do Professionals Design Car Wraps?

Vinyl wraps have certainly become a go-to accessory for marketing experts and car enthusiasts who are looking to personalize their trucks, cars or SUVs without having to break the bank. Premium vinyl films are simple to use and durable as well. Moreover, vehicle wraps offer finish and color options that sprays and paints cannot achieve. Also, when they are done right, car wraps can offer a look that is identical to an OEM paint job while keeping the vehicle’s value secure in the process.

Vehicle Wrap Creation:

There are essentially three things that a professional company considers while deciding on a wrap. The first is the size of the vehicle and the way its contour slides. The second factor is the surface; what kind of designs or graphic would do well on that particular surface space? And, ultimately, the primary purpose of the car wrap.

Analyzing the Surface

It is very difficult to design a vehicle wrap if the experts do not know the type of vehicle it will be installed on. The size and shape of the vehicle is extremely important. For example, if a truck needs to be dressed, it will require a larger self-adhesive vinyl. However, if a motorcycle is being dressed, then smaller sheets are sufficient.

Finalizing a Design

Let's consider a scenario where a customer wants to showcase a coffee shop on the vehicle wrap. The wrap designer must find out if they have enough space to print a coffee mug or if the graphic will be too big which will turn the decal into an unimpressive eyesore. In case the space is small, possibly just the logo of the company will suffice or a creative digital print of a couple of the most popular products will make more sense.

What Is It for?

When a company has to create a vehicle wrap, it finds out the purpose of the wrap from the customer. Generally, the experts always try to keep it simple. This kind of advertisement would normally capture the attention of the public around it. But, if the company puts in a lot of things on the advertisement, they might confuse drivers and even cause accidents. All good car wrap developers reduce the graphics to digestible levels. To market the product effectively, what is required is attention grabbing content and not just a simple list of services.

To sum up, it is important to choose a vehicle wrap company with care. The company should understand that the ads will be seen by people around town and hence should be striking yet simple. It is important that they get attention but not in a destructive way.

Also Read: Vehicle Graphics: Why It Matters

If you are planning to get a vehicle colored completely but do not have the budget to cover the cost of a factory paint job, good quality vinyl wraps make a lot of sense. Created out of top-quality vehicle wrap films and obtainable in hundreds of assorted colors and finishes, these wraps are backed with adhesive and are hence easy to apply. Professional vinyl wrappers make use of such films for creating top-notch personalized cars. You can save your money and time by personalizing your truck, car, SUV or motorcycle with Vehicle Wraps.

Marketing Through Car Wraps

Vehicle wraps have become extremely popular as they can easily transform an old car into a beautiful one. These graphics are loved because they assist in protecting the car’s original color and can also be easily removed if you wish to go back to the original look. Wraps can make a huge difference when it comes to transforming the look of the car.

However, these decals go beyond beauty and are utilized for marketing purposes as well. Getting your car branded with your services and products can help you reach your target customers effortlessly. Vehicle wrap prints can be professionally designed for covering the whole car body or they can be used for covering an area partially depending on the vehicle’s condition and your needs.

Marketing through car wraps is extremely effective as it is subtle and less aggressive. Moreover, it is cheap compared to other methods of promotion. You can publicize your brand for years with the same wrap and run your marketing message by using a single good quality wrap. Also, in case you own a fleet, car wraps offer uniformity while passing the required message to the potential audience.

The Material Options for Car Wraps

Companies offering car wraps make use of a range of materials according to different budgets and needs. Deciding on the material to be used is an important choice that a car owner has to make when getting his vehicle wrapped.

Vinyl 

Vinyl is one of the hardiest and most durable materials available in the market. It is also very effective in offering stunning graphic transformations and solid color changes to the vehicle. It is economical and lightweight and can be utilized for covering the whole surface, including complicated bumpers and curves. The adhesive surface of the material has air outlet channels that help air bubbles flatten out, offering the car surface a silky, painted fresh look. The material also secures the original paint from bad elements.

Chrome Vinyl Wrap 

Chrome vinyl wraps are an excellent choice if you wish to stand out from the competition as the material has reflective qualities. The end result will be a very shiny vehicle.

Carbon Fiber Vinyl 

Carbon fiber vinyl has an extremely rugged feel when compared to chrome vinyl. It has a textured 3D look which gives a very unique and dramatic appearance. If you are looking for an embossed, textured finish then this vehicle wrap is the right choice.

Matte Vinyl 

Matte vinyl offers a dramatic but non-glossy look. It works best for companies or individuals who are in search of a distinctive appearance.

When selecting a vehicle wrap material, think of its durability and how suitable it will be for your marketing requirements. Apart from this, it is also a good idea to enquire about the maintenance and care the wrap needs not only to understand how to handle it once it has been put on the vehicle but also to get an idea on whether you will actually be able to keep up with the demands of the wrap in the long run. Most vehicle wraps these days are easy to maintain and can last for a very long time.

Also Read : How effective is Vehicle Wrap Advertising?

How Much Will It Cost to Wrap My Car?

Cars are of different sizes, shapes, models, brands and colors. "How much will car wrapping cost?" is a question that is commonly asked. Several first timers normally think that vehicle wrapping has a uniform pricing that change as per size. However, there is much more to it than that.

Here are a few things that have to be factored in by companies before they can offer a final quote on the cost of wrapping your vehicle.

The Model of the Car:

As discussed above, every car is different. The experts, when they analyze the car for wrapping, look into a lot of things. First, they have to figure out the trim level. Will there be changes in the car styling? Does the car have a sunroof? What kind of bumpers does the car have? What kind of headlights does the car have? Are there dents, scratches or marks on the car? Sometimes, the providers can offer quotes instantly as some cars don't differ. However, such scenarios are rare.

Vinyl Type:

This is the easy part as the vinyl quality is pre-judged and pre-priced. A reputed vehicle wrapping company must have a complete database with all available raw materials. The price can increase or decrease dramatically according to the material one chooses. The preferred finish too such as gloss blue, matte black, metallic, chrome, satin, etc. can affect the rate. The brand of the material can also affect the rate. Depending on the company you get in touch with, certain workshops may utilize inferior, cheap brands for vinyl. However, good companies make use of the best materials, with materials coming directly from companies like 3M.

It is important to make sure that anytime you get the vehicle wrapped, the company makes use of known brands like 3M, Oracal, Avery Dennison and the like. These are some of the best shelf brands that ensure that the wrap does not just look good, but will remain in great shape for several years to come.

Body Panel:

This might seem like an odd consideration, however, car wrapping companies sometimes get clients who want certain parts of the car to be wrapped. For instance, car parts like the door handles, roof, bonnet, etc. are some of the most common options that are requested. Some may also request for decals or stickers such as stripes across the side skirts or body panel. These with the numerous custom stickers that can be designed, normally go into the ultimate decision on the pricing of the car vinyl.

From car detailing to car wrapping and paint protection film, there is a lot that you can achieve with car decals. The pricing, however, is dependent on the factors mentioned above. You must get in touch with at least four car wrapping companies and ask for quotes before signing up with one. This ensures that you get the best deal. Also, make sure that the company you choose is a reputable one by reading their reviews online.  

Also Read: Vehicle Graphics: Why It Matters

Getting The Right Signage for Your Business

Whether you are an established business that has been around for decades or a new business that is just in the process of establishing itself, the first thing you would need to attract customers to your office is signage. This speaks volumes about your business at first glance. Bystanders and passers by will immediately take notice if you have catchy or elegant looking signage. Your prospective customers get a sense of pride walking into an office where the signage outside spells success. 

Types of Signs

There are several ways to brand your business. The signage industry has gone through significant innovation in materials, offering options for all budgets. Depending on the type of business you run here are a few options to keep in mind:

Window Decals

If your business has a lot of windows to the outside world, then this is a must-have. Decals make good use of your windows by applying a simple sticker material. It makes for great visuals and will ensure your premise is not missed by any customer or passerby.

Digital Signage

While you can have a traditional board and poster signage printed on acrylic to highlight the space above the doorway of your business, you can add a digital signage below it. Digital signages allow you to share easy updates or unique messages on a real-time basis. This makes it interactive for visitors and prospective customers.

Banners

These can be used all year round and can hold up larger standing banners. Their weighted bases allow them to withstand wind and extreme changes in weather and are easy to move around if you want to rush them indoors.

Vehicular Graphics

These can be all year round, as a lot of bright and eye-catching wraps on vehicles. They are easy to get done, relatively moderate on the pocket, offer mobile branding and are certain to raise a few eyebrows.

Vinyl

Given the durability and ease of use of vinyl, it is always one of the best choices. It can withstand extreme heat, rain and cold and hence is ideal all year round as well. It is relatively easy on the pocket as well.

A-Frames

A-frames or pavement signs can adorn your patio, sidewalk or be kept at your door. Depending on your ad or campaign, you have multiple shapes and sizes to choose from.

Materials used in signage

There are several options that exists in the market today. Some of the more common materials are wood, metal, acrylic and glass. Wood and metal generally are more long term and maintenance free. With an all-weather quote of polish on wood, it will last a lifetime. Metal comes in various shapes and forms and with powder coating, color options exist to liven a space up. Acrylic and glass may require a little bit more care from a cleaning standpoint to keep them looking new.

Conclusion

Several signage options exist in the market today. Depending on the budget, type of business and location, a good mix of signage can be extremely beneficial.

Vehicle Graphics: The Cost-Effective Advertising Solution

Billboard and other forms of advertising are becoming prohibitively expensive so more and more companies are embracing Vehicle Graphics as a viable alternative. Despite its apparent simplicity, vehicle graphic advertising has not only proved to be highly successful but is cost-effective as well. The reason for this is not hard to appreciate. A vehicle emblazoned with a graphic is mobile advertising at its best. A graphic on a vehicle reaches a larger number of people. When the vehicle is on the move, the graphic is perused by other motorists as well as pedestrians.

And when the vehicle is parked it is still sending out its silent message. A static advertisement like a billboard for example is viewed only by those who walk or drive past. Often these could be the same people who use that route every day as it may be on their route to work so the message is restricted to a set number of people. A static advertisement will stimulate interest when new, but will soon lose its significance as people who see it every day begin to look at it as part of the scenery. But a vehicle graphic is quite different. The vehicle visits new areas every day allowing new people to read its message. A truck, bus or commercial vehicle, for instance, rarely uses the same route unless it is on a regular round. This means that more and more people are exposed to what its graphics say. A vehicle is generally less expensive than many forms of advertising, and more durable. What this translates into is that a vehicle graphic reaches more readers for less investment.

Vehicle graphics may be used on a bus, car, truck or van which is covered in a thin, synthetic adhesive that carries copy, advertising a company, its product or service. The adhesive advertising copy may cover only parts of a vehicle as in a decal, or in certain cases the vehicle as a whole as in a wrap. The front windshield is left clear so the driver's vision is unobstructed. The advertising copy has the name of the company, contact information and a USP.

A viewer of a vehicle graphic has only few seconds to absorb the text and graphics of an advertisement. To be successful, good advertising copy must not only have the name and contact details but must contain something that will bait the reader into contacting the company.

Getting a catch tag line or bait into this advertising copy, which has to be read and assimilated within seconds, is a true test of ingenuity for the graphics designer.

Vehicle graphics can be in the form of adhesive decals or a vinyl wrap which covers the whole exterior of the vehicle. Either way, the advantage is that the decal or vinyl is removable if the owner decides on a change. The paintwork after removal remains undamaged. Vehicle decals can easily be applied without any particular expertise, but a vinyl wrap must be applied by a trained professional.

Sign My Signs is a San Jose sign making company who designs and manufactures the entire gamut of signage. Vehicle graphics are its forte with the company designing and installing adhesive vinyl wraps and decals, and installing them. The company employs a staff of innovative designers who have the experience and proficiency to design a graphic that is eye-catching and grabs a reader's attention. A visit to the website illustrates a cross section of graphics done by the company on different kinds of vehicles. Visit www.signmysigns.com for more detailed information on our products and services. You can also call us at: (408) 988-9988 or info@signmysigns.com.

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