3 Business Questions

ron schenker

Does lettering on the side of your vans really bring you business? Do you believe that thieves will know what's inside, which may entice them to break in? Does your vehicle insurance go up when you do the lettering?

Patty

We get a lot of calls from people on the road who see our name and phone number on our trucks. As for insurance rates going up, as long as you have commercial insurance for liability reasons (as you should young man! ) your name on your truck will not increase your rates. HOWEVER, you might not be able to park your truck at home if your area prohibits commercial vehicles in driveways. Here's where detachable, magnetic signs come in handy.

NOW YOU SEE IT>>>>>>>NOW YOU DON'T!!!!!!!!!!!

Cole

I think some kind of logo/magnetic sign is a big+ for our industry.

It shows that you are a reputable company that proudly displays that you are available for work.

Your insurance will stay the same.

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DecksEtc

I have my logo (see my avatar) on both side doors of my truck, my website URL and phone number on the tailgate and my license plate is my company name. I did get one job last year where the customer called me from her cell phone while she was following me down the street - so for me it's worked and paid for itself. I look at it as good advertising for when I am on site or just doing quotes. To me, it just looks more professional. I get lots of compliments on how it good the truck looks. If you're going to get it done, PM me and I can give you the name and place of where I got mine done here in Ajax - great quality and a good price!

mdshunk

Yes, yes, and no.

ron schenker

Great advice, but what about the second question? And Patty, how did you know I was a YOUNG man? LOL

Cole

Thieves will break into anything if they see something they want.

Simple as that.

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DecksEtc

I've never had anything stolen (knock on wood). I never leave ANYTHING in my truck overnight and when I'm on site, all my tools are right where I am working.

RobertCDF

I got 2 calls from my magnets when I had them. One was someone looking for a job, the other was someone who could not even come close to affording a deck. I dont bother with them now... that way if I drive like an a$$ or something falls out of my truck on the way to the dump then I dont get someone calling me and complaining. As far as number 2 lowlifes will break into anything for anything they can get thier hands on. Stupid crack heads.

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Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

Pearce Services

I've had magnetic signs for 4 years,

The only call I got was from a person mad that I was in their lane when they were trying to change lanes without using a turn signal, and (of course) they were on a cell phone at the time.

Some " how to find a good contractor" type articles on the net refer to magnetic signs as not professional, and you should only hire contractors with permanent lettering.

I use magnetic signs because I never keep my trucks very long. I cut up my magnetic sign, and located the wording in various locations on my boxes to look more like permanent lettering.

slickshift

Even if you don't get a direct call from truck or van signage, it can put a bug in a custmer's ear so to speak
If they need your type of service, and are looking at ads or the yellow pages, and if they have the the vehicles around the 'hood, you've got an extreme advantage

I agree with the others that people will break in or they won't
The signage won't matter
I've never heard of a guy who didn't letter because of break-ins
I have heard of guys that removed mag signs at night because they'd get swiped

Your insurance will not be affected bt signage (a sure sign your not a theft risk with it, the ins. co.s would exploit that for sure)
But your condo/neighborhood association may prohibit it

DecksEtc

Ron won't have any by-law issues with signs on his truck where we live. We're not allowed to put a business sign on our front lawn or park a boat in our driveway but we can park a signed truck/van in it.

copusbuilder

I have lots of lettering on my truck (check website).
I get lots of call and like pearce they have all been complaints. Like the one recently where my wife called and said the women behind you is really pissed. I explained that when I put my directional on she closed the gap so I ignored her and went anyhow. I rolled my window down and flipped her off. I was still talking with my wife and told her to expect anopther call
Damn it felt good......Oh, where was I ? I think it is not the business I was after when I had my truck lettered. I really don't want someone getting the name from a truck calling? I want the credibility it brings when you drive up to the potential customers home!!

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www.copusconstruction.com
www.etexasrentals.com
www.thelakevoice.com
AkA Richard Cranium

A+Carpenter

My lettering has gotton me into serious trouble.Lets just say my wife was not happy when she heard the voice mails from a couple customers VIA traffic offering free services.

I have considered taking them off and just keeping the magnos for the side or on job sites. I don't want to upset my wonderful wife.

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ron schenker

About the break in thing, I'm thinking that if the signage says for example,"Joe's Home Improvements" seedy characters will know that there's probably a chop saw, table saw, cordless drills, and a floor nailer inside. Without the signage it's probably mom's (soccer kids) van, and no one will think there's any valuable tools inside.

Cole

Its the chance you take.

__________________
Tulsa's Leader in Outdoor Living Construction | Facebook | Tulsa Pergola Builder | Tulsa Outdoor Kitchens

fox builders

I use to have all trucks lettered but stopped and don't now got sick of people calling me up for an estimate over the phone just to check if the price they had gotten was good they didn't even want you to come to their house just a quick estimate.

fox builders

as you have already been informed truck should be insured comm. and if they are going to steal from you they will steal from you
Only lost tools one time from a guy that was working temp for me, guy next door informed me of same found guy draged out of truck and got my tools but then again I was younger than ,hell at 51 I still would do the same

edco

your sign on your company vehicle(s) are just another reflection of you and services your business offers.aggressive driving with your name and contact #'s in easy-to-read print can only lead to grief.a neighbor/friend of mine gets enough work from his hi-vis orange van that he quit using newspaper and phonebook ads.as far as thieves,invest in a good,loud alarm.