Episode 22 – The Local Small Business Coach Podcast

Today's Topic: Ep 22 – Q & A: Do Car Wraps Really Work?

In today's episode: We take a question from Sully who wonders if it is worth the cost of a car wrap. Do you get a return on your investment?

Shownotes:

Today is Friday, so you know that means we will be taking one of your questions. Don't forget, that if you would like to ask a question and possibly have me answer it on the podcast, then head on over to the localsmallbuinsesscoach.com website to leave your question with the speakpipe button. Or just shoot it to me at [email protected]. Even if I don't cover it on the podcast, I will always try and get back with you. So shoot those suckers to me.

With that said, let's dive right in.

Today's question comes from Sully,

I have a carpet cleaning business and I have been on the fence about getting my van covered with one of those car wraps. They aren't cheap and I'm having a hard time justifying the cost. I know you mentioned that you had one and I'm curious if you think it is worth this high cost?

Hey Sully, have a case of sticker shock, do you? I don't blame you. Those suckers aren't cheap. Had I been asked this question prior to 2010 I would have had the complete opposite answer than what I have for you today. Back then, I would have seen the price and ran for the hills. Who in their right mind pays that much money when they can slap some magnets on for under $100? But now after having seen the benefits first hand, I'm a huge fan.

For those of you that don't know what a car/truck wrap is, you have probably seen one a thousand times. It is when you take your vehicle and completely cover it with your advertising. Normally you will have your logo on all 4 sides and maybe even the hood. You might include some pictures of what your business is about. Stuff like that. For example, when I had mine, not only did it say Baskin Robbins and my address and phone number, but I also had giant pictures of ice cream, shakes, cakes, etc.

Like I mentioned, I'm sure all of you have seen these on the highway or in your neighborhood. You can't miss them as they really stand out and catch your eye. Which is exactly why you want one!

Sully, obviously, I am a fan, but let's take a look at the pros and cons of having your vehicle wrapped.

Pros and Cons

First up, let's talk about the Cons…

Here are the Cons:

The Cost – As we mentioned earlier, these puppies aren't cheap and honestly, this is the #1 con to them. Now the cost does vary depending on what type of vehicle you wrap. The larger vehicles obviously have more surface area and take more vinyl wrapping material. But believe it or not, even smaller ones can cost more if they have a lot of cutting in and detail to work around.

So what exactly is this cost? You can be looking at anywhere between $1500 on up towards $5,000 for a large van or box truck. Obviously a van will be more than a smart car.

It will also depend if you have your own graphics or they have to create from scratch

Another con, You should hand wash or beware of certain car washes that might scratch or tear the wrap. They can take a good beating but one scratch might lead to it starting to peel off

Let's take a look at the Pros

Which by the way, far outweigh in my eyes, the cons

When done right, these puppies can last for years. The latest technology is saying 5-7 years. With some places saying almost 10 years. Since most of you will have work trucks, you might find that you are more in that 5 – 7 year range depending on how much abuse your vehicle takes.

The wrap actually will protect the original paint from UV, road debris, road salt and offer the paint protection from chips, nicks and scratches. So yes while a tear in the vinyl will be a con but the protection part is a pro

You can always peel it off later. Let's say you decide to sell the vehicle or close the business for some reason or maybe change your graphics. You can always peel it off without damaging the paint usually. Since it is put on with heat, a little hit loosens the vinyl and it comes off. When I closed my store, I obviously couldn't keep driving around with ice cream all over my truck. I could have gone back to the place that put it on but I used a weekend to take it off myself. Not going to lie, it was a pain in the kester in some spots. Specifically on my roof and hood as the heat of Arizona and the heat of the engine baked it on a little more than on the sides that just peeled right off.

You are a driving billboard for your business. You will never have to worry that people will not see you or learn about your business. I would be sitting at stop lights and have that feeling that someone was staring at me. Sure enough, someone was looking at the ice cream on the sides. I can't tell you how many people actually thought I had ice cream in my truck, that is how good the wrap was. Heck, I had kids offering me free food at every fast food in exchange for ice cream. You should have seen their faces when I told them it wasn't their food to offer me for free. One of the fun perks were the little kids that loved to point and smile. Even better, they would beg their parents to take them for some ice cream. Yahoo

Now, there is a con buried in this one. If you are one of those drivers that like to ride people's butt, flip off people or yell at them, then I do not recommend you get a car wrap. You will kill your reputation in the community as people will know you are a butthead. Better that they don't know that. LOL. I'm pretty sure that isn't what you would want to advertise. I was always thankful that I wasn't one of these types of drivers.

Oh, another hidden con? There was no hiding. I went to our casino for a buffet once and the next day I had folks asking me if I had fun gambling. LOL But, unless you part of the witness protection program, I'm sure you will be ok with this one.

Ok, So, what is The #1 Pro of doing a car wrap? Dollar for dollar it is the best money you can spend on advertising. Think about it. Let's say you get a truck wrap for $3000 and it lasts on the low side of just 5 years. That means you are getting all of this great advertising for an average cost of only $50! I challenge you to find any advertising for $50 that will help you get your brand out there like a wrap will! If you get more than 5 years, that number just keeps going down!

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Episode Show Notes: Episode 22 - Local Small Business Coach Podcast

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