Whether you are a new business trying to establish your brand, or a successful company in expansion, we have put together a list of pointers to consider when branding fleet vehicles.
Carefully Consider The Sign Writing Company
You are giving your graphics supplier the responsibility of dressing your vehicle with your brand. As these get on the road, they become a 24/7 moving billboard, seen by thousands of people every hour of the day. Your vehicles represent your company and therefore must be a true representation of what you stand for (quality, creativity, reliability).
Everyone from the designer and the account managers, to the sign fitters must be qualified and professional. Industry and manufacturers' accreditations can help you make an informed choice. Look out for 3M certifications as they are the industry leaders in terms of material technology, fitting standards and warranty levels.
Choose A Design Supporting Your Corporate and Strategic Goals
Always be clear on what you are trying to achieve with the graphics. Perhaps you're a specialist trade company that needs a simple logo to ensure your business looks professional whilst signalling that you do not want to be contacted by consumers (non-promotional purpose).
Or perhaps you have B2C vans that need to build local awareness and compete in an information-rich area where creative graphics and prominent contact details will be essential.
Alternatively, you may have a niche business that will benefit from using imagery to highlight your business offerings. In any case, your sign writers should be asking relevant questions to determine what type of graphics will best suit your needs and advise accordingly.
Joyce Design employs dedicated account managers with extensive knowledge of fleet branding, marketing and vinyl fitting. A personable approach allows us to gain the necessary understanding of our clients’ business. We then combine this with our technical knowledge in material and design, and are able to advise our clients on how best to achieve their strategic goals.
Basic Design Recommendations
To maximise visual impact, it is recommended to place your company logo on at least 2 sides and the rear of the vehicle. Bonnet logo with the web address above the windscreen is also favoured. A strong strapline describing your business is essential – shout out your USP. Snappy and concise.
Remember that the vehicle is a moving billboard, and your target audience has little time to take the information in. Place contact details in an uncrowded space, away from the muddy vehicle skirt – make your web address prominent.
Select The Right Base Colour
This will give graphic designers more flexibility in terms of how much coverage is required to make the design work. Swage lines and deep recesses on the vehicle panels should also be considered as these may require a more specialist, conformable material, which may affect fitting time involved and the overall cost.
Beware of False Economies
Ensure you understand what materials will be used and what environment is required to complete the work to a high standard. Advanced vinyl technology means there is a correct vinyl for each application type; the quality of vinyl will also differ.
Again, Joyce Design will always specify the best possible options. The fitting location can also be crucial: for example, a full wrap will require a temperature-controlled, clean and well-lit environment to ensure a flawless finish.
Anything less could potentially lead to material failure and imperfections. So, check these elements with your prospect suppliers, as well as training schemes for fitters, public liability cover and warranties.
All these elements will ensure you get the best value for money and, if you choose correctly, will make your fleet look professional from day 1. If not, you may still spend a considerable amount of money and end up with graphics that peel off, bubble up or shatter. Unfortunately, poorly designed or incorrectly fitted vehicle graphics can be detrimental to your brand.
Ask About Accident Repair Management
In the event of a road collision or any other damage to your vehicle, your graphics may need to be removed and replaced. It is important that your graphics supplier keep parts inventories and be able to replace specific graphic panels within 2 or 3 days maximum to minimise vehicle downtime.
At Joyce Design, we produce all the graphics in-house and use the latest HP Latex 570 printers: this assures colour consistency and a super quick turnaround, which is essential to back up our Accident Repair Management Programme.
Vehicle graphics aren’t just stickers. There is a lot more than cost to consider if you want durable, sharp-looking and relevant branding on your vehicles, such as:
- Diligent account managers to help generate a smooth ordering process.
- Specialist designers with a clear understanding of how 2D artwork works on 3D surfaces.
- Choice of materials to suit the purpose.
- Warranties to back up your purchase.
Your fleet is the one asset you have that works at advertising your company 24/7, and therefore deserves your full consideration to maximise its effectiveness.
Get In Touch
Want to know more about fleet graphics from Joyce Design? Ready to get started on branding fleet vehicles? Don't hesitate to reach out to our team today. You can call us on 01245 283 843, email us at enquiries@joycedesign.co.uk or fill out our online contact form.
