[Paul H]

Hi Chaps

I've recently purchased a new (well 2nd hand) van..

Looking to get the graphics sorted etc,,, within the next few weeks..

Then it got me thinking what should i get on it .. how should a lay it out etc..

so i thought i'd maybe get some ideas off you guys .. what do you have .. does it work for etc... does it catch the eye..

i'm not very artistic or designy type having spent most of art at school bunking off!....

[from edge2edge]

Paul i will be having some sign writing done soon and will just have I CLEAN CARPETS with my mobile under it on the back of my van.I think the punters/customers dont want to read WAR aand PEACE about what you do just what you do and a number.Try and think what you would remember when behind a vehicle then stick it on yours..................Alan(swindon)

[gwrightson]

so you only clean carpets ?

losing potential custys imo   , 

geoff

[Paul Millward]

Hi Paul

I left my sign writing up to the sign writers to come up with ideas.  They came up with the one on my van and I have excellent feed back from all ages 

Its an excellent marketing tool as well.

Theres pics on http://www.facebook.com/pjscc

[Andy Hogarth]

I just have my logo, what I do, numbers etc, it looks tidy and brings in work, I just let signarama come up with what they thought would work.

Now once following Mike Halliday and his zoo themed van I was amazed by how many people pretty much stopped in their tracks and stared at it.

[Paul H]

thanks fellas

i agree .. less is more .. and a picture paints a thousand words..if that makes sense

Paul - I too have just given the chap at the graphic place my logo etc.. so letting him come up with a few ideas etc.. so awaiting that.. ( canny van by the way thanks for sharing the link )..

Whats peoples thoughts / views on photos/ pictures etc..  obviously not looking to go OTT like a full wrap and that as haven't got the budget for a kick off!..

[gwrightson]

.............. and then they looked in the van and saw an animak driving it  

[Andy Hogarth]

just looks like part of the design 

[from edge2edge]

Have to agree that Mikes van is superb and as you say gets really noticed and is worth every penny invested in the wrap.If your budget is somewhat smaller just try and work out who might be looking at it and will they be interested enough to ring you.I have a simple message going on as i want to attract almost exclusively people who want a carpet cleaner as this is over 90 per cent of my work re rentals etc but other peoples advertising needs to reflect what kind of return they seek................Alan

[Mike Halliday]

I wouldn't recommend anyone getting a van wrapped like mine unless you are big into visual type marketing, my van ties into my leaflet......... they see the van ( you can't really miss it) and see a leaflet which has  a big picture of the van ......  it works because 95% of my work is in 1 town.... so everybody knows my van,

I think its a case of all or nothing...... either do a full memorable wrap or just do the basics

[Paul H]

Mike - thanks and i agree great van / theme / marketting strategy...

I have budget for something fairly decent but nota s full on as a wrap..

trying to keep it simple but impactive so trying to find the balance... happy with my logo / name etc....

i'll see what the graphic lad pulls together.... was trying to gauge whether some kind of quirky photo / pic etc.. on a door panel would work... pictures.. thousand words and that

thanks again

[Mike Halliday]

I've always thought that putting...

 
driver carries business cards.... please ask for one!

or

driver has time to give you a quote...... right now!!

or

ask driver for our £10 discount voucher..... valid for all carpet & upholstery cleaning

is quite a pro-active thing to have on a door

[Paul H]

Mike - again thanks

I've also thought of this and when i spoke and met with the vehicle graphics chap he was on this wave length and suggesting this or some kind of deal / incentive...

see what he comes up with .. and see how it compares to my ideas then tweak it from there..

but services wise dont think i need anymore than the carpets , rugs , upholstery , leather care & restoration...theme...


 

[petermaybury]

Do not just go to one company for a quote or ideas. Like our industry there are people who are good and what they do and talented and there are just as many that will be quite happy to take your money and give you as little as they can in return............
Also bear in mind there are diferent qualities of vinyl etc which will depend on how long you want to keep the van ect. It is an important investment and probably the most cost effective advertising you will buy, if chosen correctly.

Peter
www.carpetcleanercardiff.com

[clinton]

like that idea mikes posted and its a good bit of marketing and thinking outside the box..

[garybristow]

go to a graphic designer,cut out images and other logos etc that you like from mags ,other businesses etc

decide if you want to go classy or gimmicky.for the sake of £40 to £50 you can get something really good
garybristowclean

[Jamie Pearson]

DONT get the vehicle graphics guy to design it unless you are doing a full wrap.

Usually they go for the easy option.

As stated get a Graphic Designer on the case or go to istockphoto, get an outline and design it yourself.

Always though if I was to set up in domestic carpet cleaning again I would get big blown up pictures of carpet nasties to scare everyone.

[clinton]

Maybe sit down and keep drawing or puttin ideas on paper and then keep seeing what catches your eye more..

You will find that you will at least take a few ideas to a signwriter..