[Matt Gibson]

Ok guys, i know tosh just got some done, and i remember reading about some others getting their van signed from other self application stencil sites, but i know tosh wasnt happy with the company he used.

So is there anyone else out there that have had GOOD experiences with this type of thing?

Any sites/companies recommended?

Its about time i got the van signed up and would rather do it myself. Im after a company that will take oboard what i would like, but design it themselves and send me proofs etc..

Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Matt

[Spruce]

You could look in Yellow pages under sign writing for a specialist company near you.

If you are still unsure, phone any commercial vehicle salesman from the main manufactures, (Vauxhall, Citroen, Ford etc even the big lorries) and ask them where they have their customer's van signage done.

Spruce

[Matt Gibson]

Spruce,

Im after one of those sites that designs it for you then sends the actual signage out to you to apply yourself.

I know a few on here have done it.

[Spruce]

From my own experience, I would recommend you get them to put it on as well. When I was in commercial sales, I did 3 vans in the workshop one evening - it took me 2 hours to do the first one and another hour each on the other 2.

It was a pain when you have no experience of doing it before.

I worked out of York, and there was a company in the city centre that did it, but if you can find someone local, you can usually sit there with them on the computer and get the design how you want it.

Spruce

[mci services]

Matt, I know a few lads on here have had the self fit ones, but from what I have read they have paid around the hundred quid mark, You are in Scotland you can get three sides fitted for the same price if you ask around, everything is cheaper up here if you shop around.

[Spruce]

I know a few who used this company and they were very happy with their service.
I see they are still there 8 years on.

http://gotosvl.com/svlthesignshop/store/

Spruce

[Matt Gibson]

Cheers guys,

Yeah Stu, ive found out that everything is cheaper up here... but that means i have to be cheaper too 

Ive had a look, few companies in Glasgow will do all four sides for 200.. But i like the idea of doing it myself...also its on a van i only plan on keeping for maybe 12-18 months as its my startup van.. so dont wanna go too mad on it.. just want to get the advertising on it..

ill be over your way (kind of-edinburgh) on thrusday...cleaning up some sewage..

[Spruce]

Just looking at the website video, they show a lady putting vinyl stickers on a car for sale.

Let me tell you that the standard you require is much higher than she is producing. If there is trapped air bubbles they don't care too much as the stickers are there to get price attention and will be removed when the car is sold, sometimes within a few days. If the trapped air bubble was too big, they would cut a small hole in the bubble to let the air out.

When your stickers are put on, they will spray the paintwork with soapy water to ensure that air bubbles are easily removed  by blading the stickers. The backing paper will be left for a while before being peeled off to allow the water to evaporate through the vinyl.

I stand by my original suggestion to rather let the experts do it.

Spruce

[Matt Gibson]

Spruce, ya beat me to it and replied while i was replying..
#

As i said in my above post, its a temporary(ish) van.. i just need to get my advertising on it for the time being, plus the paint etc on the van isnt great.. i just wanna get my name on it.. and from some prior posts, it seems that its fairly easy to do..

But i know what you mean by letting the pro's do it, when i upgrade my van, ill definitely be going pro for the signs..

Cheers for that link, looks like most sign sites use the same kind of templates..its just the service i wanted opinions on cause i know tosh had probs with the company he used..

Cheers,

Matt

[Tom White]

Matt,

This youtube explains the process:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5bgqehnjZk

and I'm pretty sure the guy who put it up does this for his business.

One of the things that the guy says is that his signs are cut square to make them easier to position on the van.  The company I used didn't cut them square; they didn't cut some of them at all and I had to do the cutting.  And those they did cut, the backing was bigger than the the front, which meant that I still had to cut them.

I'm sure they had the cutting experience to have made this job easier for their customers.

Also, in the youtube the guy says they send the two tools you need out (a spreader (I used a tool you use for grouting tiles) and a scalpel), but this company didn't.

In the youtube the guy says they send you out the design to you (I couldn't remember what was supposed to go where), but mine didn't.  So I had to fanny about looking for it on the interweb.

It also took three e-mails, two phone calls and a three week wait (granted there was loads of bank holidays) to get my goods.

However, the sign writing is of good quality (I think) and I'm pleased with the outcome, in spite of the above.

I'd definitely check out the business in the youtube though.  E-mail the guy who put the link up.

[Matt Gibson]

Hi Tosh,

I had a look at the youtube vid, how easy does that guy make it look!!

I cant see a way to email him through youtube. Did you use soapy water while you were positioning your signs? or just do it the way that guy on youtube did it?

I was looking for a company like you used, i know there is a few out there. i was gonna use the same guys you used, but i just wanted to see if anyone had any similar or better experiences with diff companies..


cheers,

Matt

[Tom White]

Matt, I did it just the way he did it.  It is that easy (ish). 

Soapy water is for cleaning windows with, mate.  

[Matt Gibson]

Cheers mate, i think ill give it a go..

[Tom White]

Cheers mate, i think ill give it a go..

We want pictures of it! 

[Matt Gibson]

No problems. I'll have em in 4 weeks 

[FCS]

I used www.signmasta.co.uk, incredibly helpful guy, (Rob) , sends drafts through via email until you're perfectly happy with the design. Dead easy to put 'em on too, just go on youtube and watch some of the many videos on vinyl graphics, van decals etc, once you've got the concept firmly in mind it's fine!

He charged under a hundred quid, I'm well pleased with the result..

[Matt Gibson]

Jason,

Cheers mate, i've sent theman email..

[Matt Gibson]

Old post i know, BUT,

Just for anyone else thinking of doing the signs themselves, Signmasta is the place to go, after a few emails and drafts, gave hime the go ahead, and got the finished vinyl within 3 days, went on like a dream, few little bubbles here and there but am well pleased. Good quality signs and all delived for £96.

Thanks to Jason Fanthorpe for recommending them.. cheers mate.

[windiewasher]

The signbuilder cost  me 85.very easy to put on to and shows you van whilst you design it
Mine was a doblo.

[mci services]

get some pics up Matt