Self Emp. Painter, Does Vehicle Lettering Bring In New Contracts?

amcline

hey all.
im just getting legal in florida and have outgrown my trailer so im going up to a fullsize cargo van, and i was curious if the lettering and logo's on the van would actually bring in contracts, or if they just let people know who you are. i dont want to spend alot of time doing a big logo or somthing if its not going to help me, i mean is just a simple name and number going to get the same as a whole side logo/flyer type thing?
i already know there is a huge benifit from atleast keeping the outside appearance of the van up so i plan to repaint everything and get the exuast worked on to be quiet and such, since im more of a small time painter that does pecticular work i need to be presentable. same goes for the van, als is there any other tips to getting my own larger contracts such as builders or designers? right now i just have one lrge repeat but it not directly to the company so i have to go through another paint contractor. which means im cutting my profit by about half.
thanks in advance for any help!
AMCline

Tom Rohland

AMCLINE,

If I understand your question correctly, just lettering and logo on the van will not actually bring in contracts. Our sales technique should "bring in contracts" or "close the deal" if you will.

Like you said, the lettering and logo will let people know who we are. It will help to establish brand recognition, identify our image and initiate leads.

It is a crucial step towards continuing our marketing plan.

Another piece of equipment added to our arsenal.

Tom Rohland, Jr.
Ranger Painting & Pressure Cleaning, Inc.
Lake Mary, Florida

Grumpy

Don't expect the phone to be ringing off the hook, but having your truck lettered does build name recognition. I once had a customer tell me "Oh I see your trucks all over." and that's a good thing! We did her job with no problems.

One other thing, I hear it's law all contractors have to have their trucks lettered. I could be wrong, I know it's true for roofers.

slickshift

Exactly


I have also heard this is true in some states
(not any I've done business in)

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Humble Abode

I look at the truck/van lettering as "reminder advertising." It may bring in a couple of good leads but mostly it will help you "brand" yourself and get your name into peoples heads, like Grumpy said.

Like Tom said everything you do should contribute to your overall marketing plan, and contribute to your companies image, therefore bringing in jobs.

-Joe

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phinsher

lettering the vehicle will certainly lead to some calls. Like the others have said its more about name recognition.

Put yourself in one of your potential customers shoes. Lets say you're working at someones house in an unlettered vehicle vs. a lettered vehicle. By having your vehicle lettered it makes it easier for the neighbors to approach you whether in person or by phone.

Just remember when you're deciding on your signage, get something easy to read. Those fancy fonts are really pretty but often times difficult to read. How do I know? Lets just say I've been paying the price for fancy lettering for over a year now and I'm about to throw down several thousand more dollars to rename and reletter everything.

joasis

Many communities require out of town contractors to have signage so they know who you are. I think it is professional to do so....lends credibility to your trade also. Another thing I have seen is beat up vehicles will cost you business and good looking vehicles will help you get business. Kepp your stuff as good as you can..it pays in the long run.

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FCPWLLC

Vehicle lettering and uniforms and custom proposals and invoices all lend to legitimacy. It shows that you have a vested interest in a longterm business. Sometimes it is the icing on the cake when getting the bid. Customer gets a bid for $950 from hack in spray painted truck with 4 different tires and an hour later you pull up with a newer clean lettered vehicle and bid $1200 and get the job.

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RCPainting

Agree with above! Don"t forget your web addy!

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wpc07834

I think that if you have a good vehicle and a little extra money, A vehicle wrap is the best way to letter a vehicle. The more it stand out, the more likely to get a contract.

ModernStyle

I know alot of painters in my area whose vans are alot nicer then the work they do. My van is kinda shabby, it is lettered though. I was going to buy a newer van this year but decided with the economy and the way my leads seem to come and go, I will hold off for now.
I dont think a van sells jobs, it might get you some calls, but it is not gonna close the deal.

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Metro M & L

I have my truck lettered. I do several different trades and I listed them on the back of my vehicle. I don't get many calls off of the signage but I do get a lot of people who say, "Hey I was looking at your truck, you do flooring too?".

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Workaholic

Damn Chris you brought a 3 year old thread back to life.
I agree with Grumpy that it is good for recognition and it does get leads but it is just another marketing tool in the arsenal.

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RCPainting

That's odd, I usually hit the new post button?!

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Workaholic

Me too. I figured you were bored and going through the archives.

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finaltouchfloor

I paid $65 for a pair of simple legible magnets . I get nieghbors ask me do bid jobs 3~4 times a month . I had a guy leave his business card on my truck while i was in Home Depot last week , i called him and have a bid setup for monday.

Magnets are also great if you don't always your name of your daily driver.

Ken Cofer

I couldn't agree more, this is great advice. I catch myself writing down a phone number for a subcontractor when I see it on a job somewhere. I then check out other jobs and if I see them around, I'll check out their work and sometimes get them to bid on a project. It always helps to keep your name/logo in front of potential customers, but only if you do good work

Gresh

Definately, definately, definately YES!!
I used vinyl lettering on my van and I get compliments and untold business from this great form of advertising.
The lettering gives you credibility in the community as well. On my van it says, "Professional work, not promises!" You may use that if you want. I have had customers call me in traffic from their cell phones. Some people even letter the tops of their vans for people living in three story buildings and up. Plus, offices can see it as well.
Red is the most dominant color on a white background in advertising. Keep it simple. Keep your letter fairly large and readable.... like 5" to 7." Try not to use fancy fonts or lettering. You want people to be able to read it quickly and easily. Maybe use a logo too. And use that logo on everything with your business. It makes you recognizable.
And yellow page advertising is the best way to go. Those books have an average of an 18 month lifespan in the community.
Good luck to you.
Gresh

MattCoops

I always felt that at least painters should have their trucks' signage in working order. If you're a wallpaper hanger you should have vinyl lettering. Most painters know how to paint, so they usually use what they know.
If I ever saw a rusty vehicle pull up to my house to do any kind of color work in my home I would lock the door and hide under the crawlspace. I don't care how old your truck is. I have seen 1930s vehicles with no rust. Have some respect for yourself. If you have no respect for your own business, how can a homeowner think you'll have any respect for his/her/their property?

Good Luck painters!

p.s. Be on the lookout for houses that have peeling going on around the exterior. These provide great canvassing units.

[clears throat] "wow, that's a nice house isn't it (insert dog's name here)? Too bad the walls aren't going to last much longer. It will be a shame to see that wood go to waste. It would only cost about 86 bucks in paint to fix that."

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dave3717

Lettering your van will show that you are a serious painter and not a "fly by night" You will get a few calls from it and better yet, when you are on the job neighbors may ask you to stop by and take a look at their place.

The biggest thing I see with lettering though is that it shows an added level of professional dedication you have to your business. That can help sell a project when you are bidding against someone else.

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