Posted by ikando on 5/7/12 11:46am
Msg #420153

Advertising on your vehicle

I used to have signage on my car advertising my business. I've since purchased a new vehicle, and am debating the pros and cons of putting it on again.

The pros: I got calls from people behind me in traffic or at parking lots.

The cons: Often those people only wanted info; few jobs resulted.

I'm curious as to what you all may have experienced.

Reply by JPH13/MO on 5/7/12 12:03pm
Msg #420156

Why not get magnetic signs then? I don't use them now but back when I was a real estate broker I had some. I liked that I could take them off so that I could go places and not advertise who I was, and just use them when I was going to an appointment or to safe places where advertising your phone number, etc. would be fine. Since I'm female, there is no way I would permanently put a phone number or way to contact me on my car, too many weirdos called even with the magnetic signs, but it is a way to advertise when you want to and they start as cheap as $25.

Reply by ikando on 5/7/12 12:05pm
Msg #420158

I've thought of the magnetic signs, too. My husband doesn't want me to put them on as he says it causes the paint to fade (???).

Reply by RickG/CA on 5/7/12 12:15pm
Msg #420161

not entirely true. your car's finish will fade because of exposure to the elements. with the magnetic sign on it just doesn't fade evenly.

I've decided not to advertise on my car, except for may be a license plate frame. I've seen some on others and it really makes me cringe (sp ???). I believe anyone who I'd want to get consistant business from isn't looking at car signs for their servicers. The word of mouth gig has been pretty good to me thus far.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 5/7/12 3:28pm
Msg #420187

I would not use a sign on my car

but then I do very little GN work cause it's a big PITA. And they don't want to pay for it either.

I did however have a magnetic sign on my car for another business that I was involved in and it did fade under the signs on both my car and my sister's car. They have a metallic paint (one red, one green). On one of the other associates cars - no effect, but she had a white non-metallic paint job. The sign has been off for 2 years and you can still see where it was on my car although it is fading. I CERTAINLY would not take a chance on a lease car or if you trade in every 2 - 3 years.

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 5/7/12 12:07pm
Msg #420159

Re: Advertising on your vehicle-same here

I had similar results in my area. It is something that is very localized, that works well in some areas (so I have heard) and not in others.

Reply by JPH13/MO on 5/7/12 12:14pm
Msg #420160

Paint didn't fade using magnets

I kept them on quite a bit of the time, and never had any problem with the paint below them. Where did he get the idea that paint would fade?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/7/12 12:17pm
Msg #420163

My husband said the same thing when I mentioned

possibly getting some..it ruins the paint...

I'd guess in this Florida sun it could be a problem - probably bake the sign right into the car surface...

Reply by ME/NJ on 5/7/12 12:18pm
Msg #420164

Pro's - Can get GNW out of it, local TC may take your number.

Con - NJ anything on car with name of business and telephone number makes your car a commercial vehicle. You can get a ticket for this if you do not have the right plates and registration. Pulled mine off and threw them out, not worth it if police are bored.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/7/12 12:23pm
Msg #420166

Many HOA's and Condo Associations ban that too n/m

Reply by KODI/CA on 5/7/12 12:58pm
Msg #420167

Magnetic Signs

I have them on my car for both Notary and Enrolled Agent advertising. I do get some positive work from them.

I spend 30+ years managing Automotive Dealership Service, Parts, and Body Shop departments. With the paints on vehicles today, and at least the last 10 years, fade or oxidation do longer happens. I live in San Diego, a consistently sunny climate and have used the magnetic signs for years without any paint problems.

Reply by Anita Edwards on 5/7/12 1:31pm
Msg #420170

I have a magnetic sign on my car and got one inquiry and signing for POA. It paid for the signs so I'm all good with that. My husband is sure that the IRS would be very convinced of my business usuage of my car with the sign on it too. I don't have a yes or no answer as to whether it pays off but money is squandered on other things so why not and what's it gonna hurt. Oh yes, and it didn't do anything to the paint on my car when it was on there for almost a year.

Reply by Roger_OH on 5/7/12 9:45pm
Msg #420225

Still have PAW's sign on my car... n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 5/8/12 9:59am
Msg #420242

Me too: Mobile Notary Public & Phone #. Great for GNW. n/m