Vehicle graphics as a selling tool

When was the last time you noticed a sign? Yesterday? Today? Five minutes ago? In an urban setting, the number of signs and banners used for informational, directional and advertising messages can overwhelm the eye.

However, with the evolution of signs and graphics, signs are not only more attractive today, but easier to remember.

Consider vehicle graphics.

Rapid transit systems have long used side panels and vinyl wraps for promotional displays - but the new trend on the streets is to do the same with basic delivery vehicles.

While it is hard to drive even a mile without seeing a roadside billboard, vehicle graphics allows you to turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard on wheels.

What many business owners probably do not realize is that the average delivery truck makes 16 million visual impressions in a single year.

By simply displaying your advertising message prominently on your car, truck or van, you can build awareness for your company with every mile you drive.

Take a look around the next time you're on the road, and you'll notice that company vehicles and the graphics they display are bigger, better, and brighter than ever before.

From a dozen roses splashed on the side of a florist's van to a reflective city skyline wrapped around a radio station's Winnebago, colorful vehicle graphics generate an average of 600 advertising impressions per mile driven.

Most companies take advantage of this high-profile exposure by identifying their delivery and service vehicles with basic logos and phone numbers, but with today's technology and the help of a qualified sign consultant, you can now do much more.

Full-color digital graphics and large format prints allow you to wrap your entire vehicle in giant photographic blow-ups and thanks to advances in the materials available, your graphics can continue across the side and rear windows without obstructing the view from inside.

Window graphics are another marketing tool that few businesses use to full advantage.

By using your window glass as marketing space, you can significantly expand your visibility.

In addition, long-term vinyl applications are ideal for bordering your windows with graphic patterns or useful information, such as a list of services you provide, brands you carry, or items on your menu.

If your vehicle is used for multiple purposes, you may want to choose a removable graphic.

Made from flexible magnetic material, these convenient signs can be custom-cut in virtually any shape to conform to your vehicle and to the design of the graphic If you are considering using vehicle graphics for your company vehicle, you'll want to keep the following things in mind when meeting with your sign professional:

* Know your budget!

* What type of information do you want to communicate?

* Do you want to utilize graphics that wrap your entire vehicle or a simple magnetic for the side door?

* How long will the vehicle signs be used?

* What image do you want to project? (Classy and elegant, trendy and fun, etc.)

* What is the viewing environment? (Are you in a cold and rainy atmosphere or hot and dry?)

* Are there any local sign ordinances that would prohibit you from parking your vehicle on the curb next to your business for added exposure?

* Will you be creating artwork, or do you need a signage professional to create the designs for you?

Nick Steuer is manager of the FastSigns store at 1280-B East Plumb Lane in Reno.

The store sells signs and graphics solutions.