Visability Problems? Vehicle Graphics Solution!
June 29, 2010
We were recently approached by a tenant who leased space in a large commercial complex. His problem was that his space was located in the rear of the complex and many of his customers could not easily find him. He decided that a monument sign positioned in the front entrance with his logo and a rear pointing arrow would be the right solution. Unfortunately, this would require landlord approval and a trip downtown to determine if such a monument sign would be permitted.
An alternative and more affordable solution would be to strategically position a wrapped or partially wrapped vehicle near the front entrance. The vehicle could be used to brand the business and could also be used to advertise the product and service offering. The vinyl graphics could also include a map insert of the complex with the exact location asterisked or highlighted in some way. The beauty of this solution is that it is multifaceted. It uses drivable billboard advertising along with a way finding solution for a business located in an obscure location within a larger commercial complex. The solution also does not require landlord approval or any potential local or city permitting issues.
At SignWorks we try to think outside of the box and provide our customers with viable alternatives and solutions to even the most complex problems. Call us at 510-357-2000 to schedule your signage problem solving session!
Touch Screen Display Signs
June 24, 2010
The digital revolution is also impacting the sign business and what is possible when it comes to electronic way finding signs. These touch screen directory signs are quickly gaining acceptance because of their effectiveness and suitability to the task. The displays use the latest in flat screen technology and can be combined with an internet connection to provide custom solutions designed to fit the specific site requirements. Clients and customers can also get daily news, weather and traffic information while being directed to their destination. Furthermore, the graphics can be building or campus specific, or expanded to include a neighborhood map along with step-by-step way finding instructions for the user.
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Adding features such as bi-lingual capabilities can make these digital touch screen signs very helpful to the non English speaking visitors at your facility. If you’re considering ways to enhance the experience of visitors to your facility, you may want to consider the benefits of digital way finding signs. For more detailed information about electronic way finding contact SignWorks at 510-357-2000.
“Vehicle Wrapping” on a Budget
June 22, 2010
Often we want a little more than we can really afford and sometimes it’s even possible to get it! There are ways to attain the look of a full vehicle wrap by combining decals and integrating photo realistic images in ways that allow you to economize. For example you can reduce the area to be covered from 100% down to 50% by simply wrapping the rear panels of a utility vehicle and placing a colorful logo and one color lettering on the door panels and rear. When properly designed the appearance can be similar to that of full vehicle wrap while the cost saving of leaving out the hood, rear door, and front side panels can result in a significant saving. Here is a list of things that you can do to cut costs:
• Shrink the size or reduce the number of photo realistic images included in the design
• Reduce the area that will be wrapped, e.g. rear panels only combined with cut vinyl graphic lettering elsewhere
• Reduce the number of colors and use cut vinyl lettering wherever possible
• Standardize on one color for text (allowing for the use of cut vinyl vs. premium cast vinyl)
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The list above is by no means comprehensive from a cost-cutting perspective. For more ideas please feel free to stop by the SignWorks showroom or call us at 510-357-2000 to set up an appointment.
Motional Vehicle Advertising
June 17, 2010
Ever thought of combining a mobile billboard with truck-side advertising and of adding motion? Well if you had you would be one of the pioneers of Motional Advertising. Both billboards and truck-side advertising mediums are known for their ability to deliver messages to specific target audiences within well defined demographics. This street level presence is very difficult to ignore.
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Outdoor media reaches customers who are more difficult to reach because they are only lightly exposed to newspaper or local television news and radio campaigns. The fact is that only one in three Americans reads a daily newspaper. Yet almost every American travels in a vehicle as either a passenger or driver each week. Consequently, advertisers are capitalizing on the opportunity to reach consumers on the highway and on busy city streets. Unlike outdoor media stationed at a specific location, a mobile billboard allows the advertiser to take the message to the selected audience at a designated time. Just envision football fans viewing sports drink campaign on a vehicle circling the stadium parking lot before and after the game.
Truck-side advertising is thought to significantly increase brand awareness over and above traditional print, broadcast and other outdoor (stationary) advertising. In fact, a study by Product Acceptance and Research, Inc. (PAC) confirmed that implementing a motion display actually doubled sales when compared to a static display.
Mobile tri-message display trucks are here to stay and at a much lower price than traditional media. Often, these trucks can be operated in areas where zoning regulations restrict billboard advertising. With the addition of motion, whether it’s in the form of scrolling signs or video messaging, we are sure to see more movement with this form of advertisement!
Removing Vehicle Graphics
June 15, 2010
They say that things change, so there may come a time when the vehicle graphics you selected seem a little dated. Perhaps the company logo, branding or messaging changed, or maybe it’s simply time for a new look. At SignWorks we generally inspect the vehicle to estimate how long the removal process will take, however, we bill these removals based on time and materials at our hourly shop rate. We do this because there is no way for us to know whether all the graphics came from the same source, were properly installed by a knowledgeable installer, or for us to know the environmental factors impacting the vehicle, such as exposure to harsh weather climates or cleaning procedures. There are instances where the vinyl comes off in, “fingernail-size pieces”, is flaky and brittle, and simply will not peel off easily. Obviously if the underlying surface was not properly painted e.g. primed, cured or properly cleaned prior to vinyl installation, then there may be problems. In fact, the hood area, due to the addition of engine temperature, can sometimes be problematic.
Bear in mind that as vinyl ages, it becomes less flexible and more brittle. Typically a heat gun is used to make the vinyl more elastic and easier to peel. Also, there are products on the market used to revitalize the vinyl layer and make it temporarily more elastic while also weakening the adhesive layer.
Temporary Window and Storefront Lettering
June 10, 2010
If you are like most retailers you would like an affordable way to run and promote temporary specials. New developments in static cling vinyl make temporary window lettering and storefront graphics a smart choice. Retailers who want to run a 90-day special program or pricing special can now afford to do so without breaking the bank. This 7.5 mil plasticized material is a very flexible calendared vinyl that will do an excellent job. It is specifically designed for window displays, temporary product markings and point-of-purchase (POP) displays. It is guaranteed for clean removal for up to six months, which is longer than the shelf life for most temporary promotions. It is easily removed by peeling it away from the glass surface and can remain in place for up to three years. It will adhere more firmly when it is left in place.
By changing your graphics periodically you can build top-of-mind awareness with your customer base. So whether you’re doing special promotions, or just keeping your customers engaged and interested in your product and service offering, static cling vinyl may be the right product for your business!
Dressing Up Window and Storefront Lettering
June 8, 2010
It is often tempting to have a logo accompanied by a litany of text representing every single product or service offered by your business on your window or storefront. However, you should bear in mind that we humans like looking at images whether it pictures of things or people, it is always best to integrate graphics whenever possible. In fact, if there is a way to communicate your products and services pictorially then this would be best. Remember, that human beings like color, texture and contrasts, so be creative and think of ways to integrate these elements when coming up with designs for windows and storefronts. Using words like “baby clothing,” all spelled out instead of adding a picture of a cute baby in an adorable outfit wastes an excellent opportunity to communicate and engage the client more fully. And remember, the graphic component does not have to be a person to make it more appealing as illustrated by the window graphics below.
Why Do Vehicle Graphics Cost So Much?
June 3, 2010
Vehicle graphics can range in price from a pair of simple vehicle magnets at around $80 to a full vehicle wrap on an large SUV or specialty wrapped exotic which costs much more. The bottom line is that there’s a solution and combination of materials to fit every budget! Every job is custom so it’s impossible to quote a flat rate without knowing the details of the project.
Generally speaking a full wrap on a standard car or truck costs between $2000.00 and $3000.00. Matte black wraps cost a little more and carbon fiber costs a little more than that. Pricing will vary based on three factors – material, design and installation.
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• MATERIAL: The size of the vehicle to be wrapped and the amount of material needed will vary. A smart car or mini cooper requires much less material than a full size SUV.
• DESIGN: If you already have a design and just need to have it laid out on the correct vehicle template, then the cost for the design component will be less than if we are creating a design for you from scratch. We can help in either scenario.
• INSTALLATION: The installation time varies based on the type of vehicle, e.g. a square box truck with no rivets is easier and faster to wrap than a high-end exotic like a Ferrari or Lotus with many compound curves. A simple box truck wrap can be done in a day, whereas a full matte black wrap on an exotic car may take several days. Complex designs with overlays may require additional design time which can also impact installation time. Consequently pricing will vary.
Another alternative to a full vehicle wrap is a partial one. Most partial vehicle wraps on standard sized car or truck costs between $750.00 and $1750.00. A pair of well designed vehicle magnets is also a very affordable option. We can work with any budget, so call us today at 510-357-2000 to explore your options.
Vehicle Wraps: Buyer Beware!
June 2, 2010
When it comes to vehicle wraps you really do get what you pay for. In this economy it can be very tempting to shop for the lowest price, but skimping on price may mean that you attract a less than scrupulous supplier that will cut corners to reduce costs. Here are a few examples:
• Failing to over-laminate your graphic. This means the graphic is unprotected from the elements and therefore subject to scratching and UV damage.
• Using intermediate calendared vinyl vs. high performance cast vinyl. This means the vinyl will shrink over time giving the graphic a shrunken cracked look and limiting the outdoor durability, as compared to a more appropriate and more expensive material.
• Inexperienced or non-certified wrap installers often cause damage to your auto body by trimming inaccurately around doors and windows or otherwise marring and damaging the underlying paint job.
This is just a short list and obviously there are many more examples including the quality of the design. At SignWorks we produce superior eye-catching graphics and wraps at competitive prices. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work. Call 510-357-2000 today for your free estimate!
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