Advertising on your vehicle

[Dan F]

Because it is cheaper to call to a mobile phone from a mobile phone as opposed to from a fixed phone to a mobile phone... and vice versa. Also, they might have the same service operator for their mobile phone service as I have, but might have a different operator for fixed line service... Thus they prefer to phone from and to the same operator because it's cheaper.

PS: We have one of the highest rates in Europe when it comes to mobile phones, tv, fixed phone lines and internet services.

EDIT: Both numbers are the same except the first two numbers, for the fixed line it's 27... for the mobile phone it's 79.

[Vivid Color Zack]

I like the second option better.

If you're not going for a full cut vinyl wrap of the whole window, say text only, I'd almost rather see you use a magnet. Magnets are nice because you can take them off if you're going out to a fancy dinner or if you're ever in a situation where you shouldn't be advertising your business in a cheaper way. I know sometimes you might think "why would I ever not want to be advertising my services?" but I'm pretty sure there are times where it comes up.

There's no cost difference in printing a 3' x 4' vehicle vinyl with text only or in full color with a great design. Why not throw a computer up there with a frustrated person or something? If you're going to do it do it great right? There is some risk of losing your message if you get carried away but I would be much more trusting of someone who put together a professional ad instead of just a few lines of text.

[Steve B]

I think a magnet does more harm than good.

To me it indicates that you're brand new in the business and can't really decide if you're going to stick with it or not. When people choose a business they like to feel that you're going to be around next week.

I also can't imagine when you wouldn't want to be advertising your business.

[lav]

Dan F mentioned in his original post the signs are going on his window so a magnet is not going to work for obvious reasons.

Also be aware that magnets even on the side of your vehicle will either fall off, blow off, get stolen or rust the panel of your vehicle within 6 months (guaranteed). The rust is caused by moisture and dirt absorbed through the magnet (yes its porous) and if left on for any longer than a month without removing it and cleaning it will definately cause damage to your vehicle. They also accumulate iron deposits which scratch the vehicles paintwork when putting them on and taking them off. I tell all my clients this yet they still buy them off me LOL

Points to CBScreative for pointing out white vinyl on a window, its something that a lot of people dont think of, if you cant use white use at least a light coloured vinyl as dark colours you will not be able to see on a car window. Also I agree with all those who said to keep it simple, 2 phone numbers is too much for someone to read on the road (average person has about 2.5 seconds or less to read your message while on the road).

If you want to use pictures or full colour, look into Perforated vinyl, It can be printed in full colour and applied covering your whole back window and it doesnt obscure your vision from the inside at all (you wont even notice its there) and it looks awsome

[Dan F]

It's done, I'll post a picture later on.

I've seen card with those magnets on their doors. The disadvantage is that it's impossible to read it even if you're close enough... let alone at the road. (they're also easy for a competitor to remove it while you're not there). When driving the easiest way to read an advert is on the back wind screen.

The words are white, as the car itself is white. Could be that two numbers are too much but that's what I did now. If someone has little time to write, he will write the first one only... I don't see a huge problem with that. Also, it's a lot difficult to write a phone number on Maltese roads, as we don't have long distance roads and are full of turns and roundabouts. So it is more likely to work when it's parked somewhere rather than while driving.

Thanks for all these replies

[Vivid Color Zack]

Ok I wasn't recommending the magnet over the window vinyl, I was saying if you're not going to go all out on the window vinyl I'd rather see a magnet.

Also I was trying to say that if you have an ad you aren't able to be proud of that you would be best off being able to remove it sometimes.

Maybe it's because I'm younger again, and I think of this kind of thing more, but I'm not pulling up to my dates house or going out to a fancy restaurant with text on my windows advertising myself - unless it's done well of course.

I'm interested to see the end results here.

Also also, I live in southern california nobody has issues with their magnets causing rust around here. Though I never thought about it for my customers who are out of state. I'll be careful to mention that more in the future.

[huggytree]

normally id say not to expect any business from the advertising(i never get any), but i know an IT guy who gets business from his....he has a business card box on the sides of his car saying (take one)....when he goes shopping he says there's always 1 card taken

99% of the time advertising on a vehicle normally does nothing to attract new customers in my opinion...what it does do is make you look professional and stable. I also recommend a uniform of some type w/ your logo on it....everything helps

magnets on the sides of vehicles are a joke...i dont know how anyone would hire someone with a magnet....very unprofessional and unstable

[Remipub]

In my humble opinion, I think you should also add a line giving the reader a reason to call. The word "immediate" does that to some degree, but maybe something more compelling. People are not likely to respond to just a name and number - you need to find some emotional need to get them to act. It doesn't have to be anything long or fancy, just a simple line of text should help. Maybe something along the lines of "Computer problems? Call today and have your computer running like new tommorrow." (I don't necessarily like those words - but that's the idea).

[Steve B]

As much as I think a magnet looks unprofessional, I've got to say I had one on my truck for at least 6 months and there was no noticeable scratches or other problems with it. I still have the truck and you could never tell there was ever a magnet on it. I also know some people that have had them for at least 2 years and they haven't experienced any problems either.

[huggytree]

Steve B,

you've given me great advice over the years....cant believe you have the magnet!!! get rid of it!

i had my company info on the wifes minivan for a year... i finally removed it...2 things- #1 having your name on a mini van looks 'small time'....which i never want to appear to be......#2...it doesnt work.