Rev Up Sales With Vehicle Wraps
 By B.J. Addington

No doubt you’ve seen them. Cars, trucks and vans completely covered with graphics so precise that they look like a professional, custom paint job. They’re colorful. They’re eye catching.

They’re commonly known as vehicle wraps. And they’re a hit with companies that want their advertising to attraction attention.

Maybe your small business could use one or two. Wraps are perfect for event marketing or new product launches. They’re also a cost-effective addition to an overall marketing mix.

Vehicle wraps may be the ultimate in mobile advertising. They’re billboards on wheels.

Park them in conspicuous spots. Or market your business every time you drive around town. Either way, you’re guaranteed to get a second look. The Traffic Audit Bureau for Media Measurement reports that mobile advertising can generate 30,000 to 70,000 vehicular sightings a day.

Want some of that? Here’s what you need to know.

Wrap Technology
Vehicle wraps are graphic images printed on an adhesive vinyl material. The material is then installed on the vehicle. The wrap image is designed using computer software and can include text, logos and photos in virtually any color combination. Once created, the image is printed on the vinyl material. Those prints are then affixed to your vehicle. The wraps can cover the entire vehicle, including rear side and rear windows. Special treatment allows you see through the wrap on the windows. Or you can opt for a partial wrap to cover only specific areas of your vehicle. Depending on the size of your vehicle and the intricacy of your wrap, installation can take from one to five days. Cost Of Wraps
The cost of a vehicle wrap is determined by:

• The graphic design – the more complicated, the more expensive

• The printing – based on the square footage you need to cover your vehicle

• The installation – based on the size and shape of your vehicle (wrapping curves is more complex that wrapping flat areas)

A full wrap for a compact sedan will cost about $2,500. You’ll pay $3,500 to $4,000 for a top-quality wrap on a full-size van or large SUV.

Sound too pricey? Consider this. Put your ad on a traditional billboard in a high-traffic area and you could pay $2,000 or more – per month.

Wrap Quality & Care
High-quality vehicle wraps can last up to five years. But businesses that need a short-term option can order wraps that are durable for up to 18 months.

And wraps also come with some built-in flexibility.

If your vehicle gets dented or dinged, the damaged wrap panels can be easily replaced. If your business changes logos or phone numbers, those wraps can be reprinted and installed as overlays on the original wrap.

Wraps can even be removed by professionals without damaging your vehicle’s factory paint. So, installing wraps on leased vehicles isn’t a problem.

Professionally produced and installed wraps are guaranteed not to peel, crack or fade. The length of the guarantee varies by manufacturer.

Wraps do require some tender loving care. You’ll need to avoid high-pressure washing to keep your wrap intact. Hand washes work best. And you won’t be able to use an ice scraper. But you can brush your windows and use the rear defroster without damaging the wrap.

Where To Get A Wrap
Start your search for a vehicle wrap online. You’ll learn more about the process, costs and uses for wraps. Try these Web sites.

• Bumper2Bumper Media

• CarWrap.com

• JaxWraps

• RollingPromotion.com

• SkinzWraps

• VehicleWraps.ca

Many professional wrap manufacturers and installers also have an in-house design team that specializes in wraps. The graphic designers can work with your photos and logo to produce the right image and message for your business.


(Posted November 2006)

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