Advertising my business on my car - opinions appreciated!

[SciArtImages]

Just appreciate people's opinions.

I already have car magnets made up that I designed for that purpose - so big logo, company name, what I do, web address.
I produce art, greetings cards and gifts printed with photographs that I take through a high powered microscope (guess what my logo is?).

So my question is, if you saw this on a (for example!) 10 year old Ford Focus (in good condition, so not to be seen with the bonnet up on the roadside (yet)!) would you form any opinion on the quality of the product from that company based on the car?

I only ask as if I see a 'one-man' sort of builder I would prefer to use one that uses a battered older vehicle as they aren't spending my money on flash transport. For something like my business, I might make a negative association.

So, if you were me, would you advertise my business on my car?

Thanks, Neil.

 

[Talay]

I'm looking at on vehicle advertising and the top answer seems to be vehicle wraps. These are akin to a cellulose wrap around your whole vehicle (partial also available) and can be very visual.

I got some brief figures in the £600-£1000 range for a vehicle but I am guessing you'd need to provide your own artwork.

Life expectancy was around 3 years I seem to remember so a £800 wrap would cost you 800/(365*3)=£0.73 per day.

I don't see much cheaper advertising that than anywhere !

 

[willitbe]

Op. you must be the only person in the world that would think after seeing a builder in an age old banger, that he's the one for me.

I would see: tight, rubbish, doesn't do many jobs, doesn't care about anything.

You are trying to convince yourself that people don't associate the vehicle with success or image, they do.

I personally dislike seeing old, private cars being used for advertising businesses, an old van would look more professional .

 

[BustersDogs]

If you mean the magnets the same size as the 'taxi' signs I probably wouldn't think anything as they are usually too small to read.

Not sure what your business is as the link in your sig didn't open for me, but 10 year old cars don't look that bad anymore, but I'd maybe get another plate on it if you're worried.

I spent a lot of money getting the right vehicles for my business - pulling up outside million pound homes, a 10 year old banger just looks embarrassing. On the other hand, didn't want to have too new a vehicle in case it made me look too expensive.

 

[I Love Spreadsheets]

Just as a BTW - Does your insurance company know you have these on the car? Every insurance company is different but I know some of the major companies (Admiral etc) will wont to know and may (or may not) even charge you more for your insurance.

Each insurance companies version of what business use is, differs slightly. You may not be doing any business miles and just taking advantage of some free advertising, but some insurance companies will still see that as business use. The other problem for insurance companies is that it advertises goods or tools may be in the car somewhere, which in turn attracts break ins.

It is best to ask before you have an accident - if you have an accident they may use it as an opportunity to invalidate your claim

 

[itboffins]

Very good point from I Love Spreadsheets, also, are you using your own personal mobile/home phone? If so, do you want that made very public in terms of for example you accidentally cut somebody up who is a bit of a road rager...?

 

[deniser]

Having advertised my business on my car for many years, I would add that you can only do this if you are a very considerate driver. My husband isn't so I don't like him to use my car because he forgets the association.

When I drive around town I make sure I let people in and stop for people to cross the road because selfish driving could seriously damage your reputation.

I always park legally and carefully but have on three occasions had rude anonymous notes attached to my windscreen in residential areas because they somehow begrudge a "business" (even though it is not used for business but just for personal use) vehicle from parking in a residential street. My husband who parks in the same street but is not a considerate parker (on the pavement, on corners etc.) has never had a note!

I'm thinking of taking my advertising down now after 9 years.

 

[BustersDogs]

In nearly 4 years I've never had a road rage phone call! Although in a bad traffic jam I did once get some text messages saying the sender was bored and thought I should tell him some jokes! (business name Boredom Busters).

I tell my drivers to be considerate on the roads, and although I often get tweets commenting people are 'following' me on the roads as well as online I've never had any bad comments.

 

[fashionprintdesigner]

omg, I remember being in car with parents who were interested in a specific item at the time. then a car with the service advertised on it went past. Foot down on accelerator to catch up to get the website address........

wonder how many people have been done for speeding trying to get the details off a car advertising.....lol

I would like to confirm however my father was not exceeding the mandatory speed limit, just for him it was fast.

 

[deniser]

omg, I remember being in car with parents who were interested in a specific item at the time. then a car with the service advertised on it went past.

Me too - I desperately needed a blind and curtain fitter as there didn't seem to be one in our area - and then a van parked up outside our shop offering that service. We now use him regularly.

 

[SciArtImages]

Thanks for all the opinions. Still unsure of whether to use them or not!
Good points made about insurance, it is insured for business use, but not checked if signage is OK.
Also about being a considerate driver - I like to think I am but most people do.
Thanks again,
Neil.

 

[Esk247]

some insurance companies give discounts if the signs are permanently fixed/vinyl wrapped to the car as there is less chance of it being nicked. Apparently.

have you looked at swapping it for a small run about van like a berlingo but a non tatty one, 3/4k investment but you can get it vinyl wrapped?

If thats a no go then make sure your car is completely spotless inside and out, clean on the inside means you'll keep it clean on the outside and i've found i drive more carefully if i've just polished the car

You can get away with cars like a Focus, they haven't aged much and the 10 year old design is still readily seen in town. It's when you're seen in a 1997 ford escort that you start having problems with company image.