American Graphics Tips

Branding Your Business With a Consistent Look

2012-02-27T09:49:00.003-08:00

Your business should have a consistent look across all platforms that customers and potential buyers will see. From menus to signage, interior to your website, all of these areas are a chance to brand your business and show a consistent look that scores an impression.

Having a consistent look will brand your business in the customer's eye. Does you menu design adequately represent your business? Does your signage communicate what you want your customers to think about you? Do you have a million dollar a year business but marketing with a $500 dollar website? All of these items cause buyers to form impressions about you and you should strive to carry a consistent message across these platforms.

Potential customers form first impressions of your business on look alone. Does the message of your business convey your business goal? What are you selling? Comfort, professionalism, speed, convenience? Your business signage, website, decor and marketing materials should also closely match your selling points.

When marketing across different platforms such as direct mail, newspaper, Facebook, Twitter and your website be sure to have these mediums all have the same look and feel. Include the same colors and graphic design, type fonts and tag lines. Low quality conveys the image that there is nothing special for buyers to take advantage of or spend money with. Your business cards also carry this image and should not be taken for granted as a powerful sales tool.

Take a look at your business brand image today and compare your look to be sure you carry a consistent marketing image across all platforms. It will increase your brand recognition and leave potential and existing customers with a great lasting impression that stands out from the competition.

www.americangraph.com

5 reason on not to buy Fleet Graphics

2012-02-27T08:24:00.003-08:00

This is bit of a turnaround on my previous posts but fleet wraps aren't for everyone. I think that most companies will reap a handsome reward on their investment; however here are the top 5 reasons you might choose not to get vehicle graphics.

Cost

Fleet graphics typically range from as little as $1000 to several thousand dollars for a full wrap on a semi. If you don't have a marketing budget, vehicle wraps are likely not for you.

Too Much Attention

The primary reason companies wrap their vehicles is to promote their brand. If you have a business where brand recognition is not important or you actually don't want people to know what's in your trucks, fleet wraps are likely a waste of money.

Your Drivers Need Re-Training

This might sound a little odd but if you want to promote your business and you know your drivers aren't well received you probably should think twice. It doesn't reflect well on a brand when a truck with your 8 ft. high logo cuts off another driver.

You Never Wash Your Fleet (or at least not often)

If you want to promote your business with fleet graphics or a fleet wrap, you need to wash your trucks periodically. If that's not you - run the other way.

You're Planning on Replacing your Vehicle

A good truck graphic or truck wrap will last 5 years or more so when the cost is amortized over that period, it actually becomes a very cost effective form of promotion. However, If you are planning to switch up your fleet in the next 6 months it might make sense to wait until your new trucks arrive.

Ok; so there you have five reasons to not buy fleet graphics. While there are a small percentage of companies that fall into one of the categories above, I'd be willing to bet that more than 90% of companies with fleets would benefit from some form of fleet graphic whether simple vinyl logos of full on fleet wraps.

www.americangraph.com

Be Different or Fail

2012-01-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

There’s a lot of “noise” out there in the marketplace and, in order to overcome the clamor, you really have to stand out. It’s not about simply adjusting what you portray to the outside world, though.

Determining your Unique Value Proposition, it’s about pinpointing what it is that makes you truly different—and then…

…carrying that message around boldly.

Differentiate or die. It may sound overly dramatic but it is, in fact, that dire. If you can’t communicate a distinct difference, you’ll be ignored; you’ll be an afterthought.

You must be able to get across what makes you unlike everyone else. That is actually the absolute heart and soul of all business strategy.

Start by brainstorming, as a team, asking, “Who are we, as a company?” It’s a big feat to be able to clearly and concisely answer the question. There are several ways to look at it, though. You can provide several kinds of definitions, including…

-A technical definition, which outlines the specific services you’re able to provide;
-A character definition that says something about the personality of your group of people; or
-A market map definition, which identifies where you fall within your group of competitors.

If you provide a product, your unique value proposition might consist of:

-A high perceived value;
-Unique packaging;
-Standout design;
-Ease of use; or
-The ability to fill a need better than competing products.

Services, of course, are a bit less defined in their offerings. If you provide a service, you might be different because of:

-Faster response time;
-The ability to offer more for less;
-A high level of expertise;
-The perception that you bring more to the table; or
-The ability to time the service offering that you have with a particular need.

Even if you’re not selling a product or service, you still have to tell people what unique value they’ll get for their money, which may include:

-A “fit” with a particular value system (i.e. it elicits an emotion);
-Personal identification with an issue (i.e. it strikes a chord);
-Alleviation of an anxiety (i.e. it quells a negative feeling); or
-Some sort of tangible incentive (e.g. a gift with donation).
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So, by now you might have a bunch of adjectives, descriptors, mission statement fluff, and a mishmash of ideas…but, likely, no big, impressive, specific point of difference. That’s not only okay, it’s encouraged. The identification process is a messy one.

Only after you’ve done some brilliant brainstorming can you distill your ideas down to perfection.

American Graphics

Why Vehicle Wraps Fail

2012-01-17T08:05:00.000-08:00

I read an article recently on signindustry.com titled "Why vehicle wraps fail". It was well thought out but lengthy so I thought you might find a short synopsis useful. If you want to read the whole story, click on the link above. They see the root of most car wrap failure as resulting from problems that are either material or installation related.

http://americangraph.com/application.html

Installation

Training - Poor trimming, bad seem matches, excessive bubbles are examples of problems that result from poor installer training

Adhesion - Poor adhesion most often occurs at the edges or around obstacle like door handles or hinges. Poor cleaning and failure to use appropriate squeegee pressure on the edges can result in lifting over time.

Overstretching - Vehicle wrap materials are designed to stretch but it is quite common for installers to push the material further than it is designed to stretch. Over time the vinyl will separate from your vehicle leading to bubbles or holes.

Film and Surface Problems
Using the right materials is critical. While there is no such thing as the right material. There is no question that some materials are better than others. For example, high end materials offered by 3M and Avery deal better with complex curves than other products.

Let's not forget about making sure the vehicle is properly cleaned. Dirt on your car or truck will prevent proper adhesion, particularly on the edges.

Solvent Inkjet Printers - Today's solvent ink jet printers allow sign companies to create spectacular graphics. They also offer the opportunity for problems. Solvents make up 80-90% of the volume of today's ink so it is critical to give that solvent the time to cure.

Printed vehicle wrap vinyl should be allowed to "off gas" for 24 hours before laminating. Laminating earlier keeps costs down but may allow solvents to seep into the adhesive reducing its effectiveness.

A good vehicle wrap doesn't happen by accident. Its all about understanding what causes problems and avoiding them. This means going the extra mile. If you are considering a vehicle wrap make sure your sign company understands this.

American Graphics LLC

Floor Graphics: Leading Foot Traffic to your Brand

2011-12-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t already noticed, floor graphics have been taking off in huge strides over the past several years. They offer a relatively inexpensive way to advertise your brand, especially versus traditional media such as radio, TV, etc. When people are walking, it is natural to look where you are going, so when someone’s eye catches something irregular on the floor, the natural response is to look at what they are stepping on, giving your brand or advertisement quick viewing.

Nearly all floor graphics are created using an adhesive backed vinyl, with a protective laminate over top to prevent damage and allow for longevity. A typical floor graphic should last upwards of 6 months or more depending on traffic and environment. Some over laminates provide more anti-slip features than others, so check with your suppliers on which options are best for you.

Floor graphics have many different applications. Using the correct media, you can apply them to outdoor concrete sidewalks, indoor sealed concrete floors, as well as wood and other standard floor surfaces.

These kinds of graphics fulfil two functions for the advertiser, namely being both eye-catching and directional. A strong visual image in a noticeable location, such as a supermarket entrance or the foot of a staircase, can literally lead the way to a product display, event or demonstration. They're also great news for events such as sports fixtures and festivals where viewers will see aerial shots, although these are likely to be rather larger in scale than those which many display producers deal with regularly.

Giving a 3D look and using depth perception can really help your advertisement stand out. More and more companies are beginning to take this approach to floor advertisements. This usually works in the form of designing a hole in the concrete, or something equally unordinary. Design techniques like this will help grab the viewers’ attention just a little quicker. Give it some thought when considering your next design.

Moving beyond just the standard floor, using stairs and escalators is a great idea to captivate people’s eyes even when they aren’t looking straight down. Often stairs are near the front entrance of buildings, which gives you a chance at advertising to nearly every individual entering or exiting that particular complex.

Talk to us about some of the benefits of using floor graphics and we can show examples of what can be done. Although these are certainly not for every product or service, picking an ideal location for one can create much higher brand awareness. Floor graphics can be a great way to carve a niche into your local market. With a wide range of uses from recreation centers and shopping malls to corporate offices, their use is only limited to your creativity.

http://americangraph.com/

How to Remove Vinyl Graphics

2011-12-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Vinyl Graphics are fairly easy to remove, and most of the time can be peeled off using just your hands. There are some pointers though we can offer in this process for the Do-It-Yourselfer.

The “faster is better” approach, for one, can be a major time waster. Vinyl is not like a Band-Aid that has been on your skin for a day or two. Most vinyl applications remain for at least a year and the quick strip method can snap the vinyl into smaller pieces that must be tediously removed bit by bit. In order to get the graphics off in as few pieces as possible, the better strategy is usually a slow peel.

Some other no-nos include using abrasive solutions. Anything abrasive, say experts, can quickly damage the paint on an automobile. And using Exacto knives or razor blades on vinyl that’s been applied to an automobile is just plain foolish, say experts, because it’s too easy to nick the paint and bring liability to the sign shop.
On glass it’s a different story, of course. A four-inch razor blade with a handle allows sign makers to scrape an entire window very quickly, regardless of how hard the adhesion is to the glass. But even on windows sign makers need to exercise caution with razor blades

Here are some steps to follow for unistall of Decals:

1. Heat the surface. Using a heat gun (preferably), or a hair dryer, heat the graphics you wish to remove. Heating them will help make them softer and will allow the adhesive to release easier. This is especially important with older graphics as they become brittle over time.

2. Begin peeling vinyl with a plastic razor blade. Starting at an edge, slide your plastic razor blade or paint scraper under the vinyl until you have a piece large enough to hold with your fingers. (NEVER USE A RAZOR BLADE ON A CAR)

3. Once you have an edge started, pull by hand. Now you can begin peeling the vinyl with your hands. If the vinyl is fairly new, it may come off easily and in one piece. Most vinyl however, will break up into smaller pieces and you will need to pick at it with the plastic razor blade again to continue. If the vinyl is breaking frequently, try using the heat gun again to soften the vinyl.

4. Clean the adhesive. Once your vinyl is completely removed, you will see much of the adhesive has been left behind. You will need to spray this residue with a product such as "goo-gone" to soften the adhesive. Allow this to set in for a minute or so before scraping the adhesive. Take your plastic razor blade and scrape the adhesive. It should come off in a jelly-like consistency. Be sure to remove ALL of the adhesive.

5. Clean the adhesive remover. Once you remove all the adhesive, you will need to wash the chemicals off that were left behind. It is very important that you get all of the chemicals off as vinyl will no longer stick in that area if you wish to replace your graphics. Use a spray bottle with a soap and water mix and wash an area larger than your old graphics to ensure that you clean the area entirely.

Tips and Tricks

When removing vinyl graphics from glass, all of the steps are the same, but a paint scraper can be used instead of a plastic razor blade. As long as you are sure to use a brand new razor blade in your scraper, this can cut down on removal time dramatically. It should also leave behind less adhesive than using a plastic razor blade. This method should only be used on glass however, as a paint scraper will scratch and gouge most other surfaces.If your graphics were applied to a painted surface, you may still see the outline from your graphics as the sun will have faded the paint, while the vinyl has protected the paint underneath the graphics. This is perfectly normal and, over time, this effect will fade and blend in with the rest of the paint.

http://americangraph.com/

How To Care For Your Vehicle Graphics

2011-11-14T13:28:00.001-08:00

As we come close to the snow, the rain, and whatever else mother nature my throw at us this Fall, Winter, and Spring. American Graphics likes to give tips and pointers on how to care and maintain your Vehicle Graphics. Maintenance after installation is the most overlooked aspect of the durability for vehicle graphics. The graphics client who might never consider missing an oil change might not help his wrap continue looking its best simply because they don't understand how to keep it safe. Keeping the vehicle clean and free from dirt, grease, salt, acid, and dew build-up will help tremendously to extend the life of the wrap. The non-vertical or horizontal areas of a vehicle graphic can be the most challenging areas in which to maintain durability. Here are some updated post installation precautions that can improve long-term performance:

Cleaning graphics with an Overprint clear or Overlaminate

Use a cleaner designed for high-quality painted surfaces. The cleaner must be wet,

non-abrasive, without strong solvents, and have a ph value between 3 and 11

(neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline).

Power Washing Exterior Graphics

Power washing, or pressure washing, may be used but is not recommended! However,

aggressive washing can damage the graphic. Common types of damage are:

Excessive pressure during power washing can damage the graphic by forcing water

underneath the graphic. Water lessens the adhesion of the graphic to the substrate or

vehicle allowing the graphic to lift or curl. These problems are magnified by wind. This is

a critical problem for perforated window film.

To avoid edge lifting or other damage to the graphics,

follow these important steps:

* Use a spray nozzle with a 40% wide spray pattern.

* Be sure the spray nozzle includes a nozzle protector (tip guard).

* Use a pressure of 2000 psi or less.

* Hold nozzle at least 12 inches (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (90% +/- 10).

Do not direct the water stream at a sharp angle to the edge of the graphic.

Automatic brush washing may be used, but keep these

two points in mind:

* Brushes can catch a loose edge of the graphic and cause further damage to the graphic.

Brushes can dull the finish of the graphic.

Hand Washing Exterior Graphics

1) Flush the graphic with clean water to remove loose dirt particles. A trigger-type hose

nozzle is convenient for this purpose.

2) Use a mild liquid detergent and water solution and wash the graphic with a soft brush,rag or sponge.

* Wash thoroughly from the top down.

* Avoid scratching the graphic by unnecessary scrubbing.

* After applying the cleaning solution, keep a steady stream of water flowing on the graphic

to wash away dirt.

3) Rinse thoroughly and towel dry or allow to dry naturally

http://americangraph.com/

Point of Purchase Display Tips

2011-11-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

The impulse buy. Can you honestly say you've never made a last minute purchasing decision? Research shows approximately 66 percent of all purchase decisions are made in the store. And 53 percent of those in-store purchases are made on impulse.

Are you making the most of your point of purchase (POP) display? Often overlooked in merchandising, this is a great area to add value not only to your store merchandising, but to your store sales.

Ranging from informative displays to gift cards for purchase to products for sale, POP displays are an effective way to communicate messages to your customers, ring in additional sales and highlight product you want noticed. A few pointers to help enhance your POP area include:

1. Use a variety of levels to attract customers to your POP display area. Pedestal stands are a great way to add height while also using the surface area of your check out space to showcase product. Be creative in using display products to showcase merchandise.

2. Make your displays approachable and easy to access through touching. While not every product should be left for customers to freely reach, most should be accessible to touch at your POP area. High ticket items can be locked away for security purchases, but in general you want your customers to be able to reach and grab and touch the items in this merchandising area. As they are waiting to be checked out, they just may reach for one more thing they want to add on to their purchase - which is, of course, the goal.

3. Avoid cluttering your check out space. It is tempting to use every little inch to showcase product or informative details about your business, but you want to make sure the overall appearance of this area is visually appealing while easy to shop, as well.

4. Take advantage of the opportunity to “speak” to your customers here. Through the use of displays, you can communicate messages to your customers. Let them know about an upcoming sale, special event, your loyalty program and more. Clean, simply signage is very effective in speaking to your customers. No need to make things to complicated here – keep it simple (but large enough in an easy to read font that it’s not a challenge to read).

5. Promote your gift cards at your POP area. Selling gift cards not only bring additional revenue to your store, but potentially new customers. You should definitely have a sign letting your customers know you sell gift cards at our POP area rather then them having to ask. This also is a reminder to customers who didn’t even have gift cards on their mind that they may need one.

Remember that your POP area that should be re-merchandised periodically to bring new visual appeal to your customers. While space may be limited, even changing the color of your signage can be effective. Don’t neglect this important area and in return, your sales will thank you.

http://americangraph.com/

Achieving outstanding window graphics

2011-10-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Window graphics are one of the fastest growing ways of business marketing. When well designed well they can drive a lot of traffic through your doors.

http://americangraph.com/perforated_film.html

Why then do so many businesses pay good money for ineffective or even unattractive signage?

From our perspective the reason is pretty simple: understanding what makes an outstanding window graphic is very different from producing one.

Follow these 5 rules and you will find yourself with really effective window graphics.

Color

Color is probably the single most important element of a window graphic. Bright colors attract attention but be careful because there is a fine line between trendy and tacky.

Contrast

Some colors simply work better together than others. For example, brown on beige will just fade away into the background while blue on white is more likely to get your message across.

Pictures

Our eyes are naturally attracted to pictures. I think some of the most effective window signs incorporate pictures. They really help to draw customers' eyes to your windows.

Don't Overuse Text

Use your text sparingly. There's nothing worse than a window that lists every product or service a store provides. Not only is it boring its unlikely that anyone will pay attention.

Establish Your Objectives

If you don't know what you want to accomplish with your window graphics before you start it's unlikely your designer is going to be able to do his best work.

Do you simply want to draw attention to your store or are you trying bring attention to a sale or a new product. The design of each type of window is likely to be very different.

American Graphics LLC
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How long will a vehicle wrap last?

2011-10-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

There are lots of questions you need to consider before purchasing a vehicle wrap but probably the most important is how long will it last? Like most things, quality matters so we have put together a few things for you to consider:

Material -Vehicle wrap comes in a a variety of qualities. Inexpensive materials are known as calendared and don't conform as well to contours or last as long as more expensive cast materials.

Ask about warranties. Quality cast vinyls come with a guarantee of at least five years and will stand up to our tough climate.

Lamination - Your vehicle wrap is part of a team. The vinyl is the flashy quarterback while the laminate is the unsung hero of the team that makes it all work. Laminates are a clear layer that is applied to the laminate to protect your wrap from UV rays and weather. Like wrap vinyl, laminates come in a variety of qualities.

Installation - You've probably hear this before but the quality of your installation will greatly impact how long your vehicle wrap will last. Things such as overlapping seams to prevent lifting, installing door handles and understanding the nuances of window perf installations will ensure your wrap will last as long as its warranty. What's the point on spending good money for a material with a 5 year guarantee only to find seams are lifting after a year?
http://americangraph.com/application.html

Care - Like all things automotive, car wraps need to be treated property. I've covered this in a previous post so I'll let you take a look.

Vehicle wrap maintenance tips
http://americangraph.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-are-you-maintaining-your-investment.html

So, let's cut to the chase. If you purchase a good quality wrap, made from good materials and well installed it should last at least 5 years. It may cost a little more but its worth it.

American Graphics LLC
http://americangraph.com/

5 things when buying vinyl banners

2011-08-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Banners are pretty much everywhere you look. Opening soon, just opened, now on sale....

Believe or not (or don't care), there are hundreds of different products that fall under the banner category. We thought we would give you a brief overview of one of the most common banner materials.

Vinyl Banners

Vinyl banners are the most common type of banner and not surprisingly your most cost effective option.

They are used effectively as either indoors signs or outdoor signs. Here are a few things to consider before buying. http://americangraph.com/banners.html

Weight

Vinyl banners come in a variety of weights with 13oz being the standard but can be as light as 9oz or as heavy as 23oz.

Heavier weights will stand up better but can be significantly more expensive than their lighter counterparts.

Size

Banners can be as big or small as you need. Advances in technology mean that you can now get printed banners feet or more wide. We produce banners up to 54" wide in our own facility and use our partners for those with larger needs.

Digital print or applied vinyl

You didn't used to have a choice. Banners were simple signs than were only available in a couple of colors. That option remains, but, with the advent of wide format digital printers, banners can be as vibrant as any other printed sign.

Single or Double Sided

Banners are available single or double sided and are designed to stand to to all but the most inclement weather.

Lifespan

Digitally printed banners should only be considered for temporary usage. Expect to get 6 months from them and if you get more all the better. Cut vinyl banners will last significantly longer before they start to fade. Heat, cold and sun, all help to age a banner.

So then which is best for you. The answer is that it depends. Talk to your sign company and ask them what is best for your needs.

www.americangraph.com

How do you determine success of your vehicle wrap?

2011-08-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

One of the basic rules of business is the ability to determine the return on your investment. If I invest in new machinery, will it earn me more money and if so how much?

As with most forms of advertising, including signage, it is difficult to determine your ROI. If you put up a banner that offers 50% off and your business increases by 25% its pretty easy to make the connection.

Unfortunately most signs don't make that link quite as easily. How do you determine if the sign on the front of your building pays for itself. It's even more difficult still to measure your ROI on vehicle signage.

You could put an offer or a special phone number on your vehicle wrap but that would mean you have to put in an additional phone line and in the case of an offer, you may not want a permanent offer on your.

Both are good enough ideas but they may just not be for everyone. At the end of the day there are some things that become a judgement call. Why does Fed Ex have prominent branding on all their trucks? Because it is a long term strategy of building their brand.

Yes, you may, and likely will get direct business from your vehicle signage but that shouldn't be the reason you spend your money. You want people to think of your business first when they actually do need your product or service.

www.americangraph.com

American Graphics -- 5 Tips for a great banner stand design

2011-07-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

Roll-up banners are inexpensive, portable and probably the most common form of trade show signage. So how do you make sure you get a great design? Consider the following 5 tips:

1. Don't put information too close to the bottom. The bottom 36" is the least viewed portion of the banner. This doesn't mean you need to leave it blank but if there is something you really want to get across put in the upper sections. It's OK to put your company URL here because once you've got the audience attention, they'll read to the bottom if interested.

2. You have only a few seconds to get people's attention. Don't waste it on your company name or logo. Consider an eye catching image or something else that will grab their attention. If you get get their interest, they'll figure out the name of your company. If you are introducing a new product, this is the place to put it. I like a reverse type effect if you need that bang.

3. KISS Method. Keep It Simple. A cluttered design will ensure your message gets missed. By all means do make the ultimate mistake and stuff your design will bullet points. Bullets that are hard to read because of a background image can also be a problem. Focus on a few key messages you think will connect with potential clients.

4. People are visual animals. Make sure you use some type of image that will capture their attention. The banner stand is meant to be a high impact design piece. If the audience is only going to remember one thing, limit the entire banner stand to one concept. Once they're looking at your banner stand then they will read the text.

5. Design that doesn't print as intended. Check the guidelines for where you are printing. http://americangraph.com/file_prepration.html The most frequent mistake is mixed RGB and CMYK images or images that are not high enough resolution. Check your file and make sure everything is either all RGB or all CMYK for the most predictable print results. Most large format printers want 100-200 dpi at 100% finished size; anything more is overkill.

http://americangraph.com/event_markting.html

Why are graphics laminated and why do I need them?

2011-07-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

If you have taken the time to read this you probably have some interest in vehicle decals either of the car or truck variety. The only other possibility is that it is 100 degrees out and trying to find ways to stay in the A/C.

All jokes aside, if you are considering having car decals put on your vehicle you should make sure that you understand what you are buying. Unfortunately many businesses make the assumption that there is little difference in the material quality and focus on price alone.

Why should you care about the quality of the laminate used in your car decal? Quite simply, it will determine how long your vehicle signage continues to look good.

Decals are printed on a vinyl which is in turn applied to your vehicle. A laminate protects that print in the same way glass is used to protect paintings. Without a laminate, car or truck decals will be directly exposed to the elements and subject to fading, scratching and much more.

Vehicle wrap vinyls such as 3M's IJ35 or Avery's 1000 EZ RS are designed to conform to your vehicle's curves and when combined with a laminate of comparable quality will look great for years.

www.americangraph.com

Why choose a quality signage company?

2011-06-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

The internet has profoundly changed the way we do many things but perhaps the greatest change has been in the way we research our purchases.

When I'm interested in buying something, the first place I turn is my computer. Sometimes it clarifies things but other times I find that there is such a volume of information that it only makes my purchase decision more challenging.

I remember looking for a new car a few years ago. There were mini vans, sedans, crossovers, SUV's. Some have entertainment packages, some had navigattion, and some had more features than others.

At the end of the day I went to a local dealership that had a good reputation in town and asked for their advice. We purchased a vehicle with the features we needed and it has served us very well. The purchase of business signage is no different. I could have purchased my vehicle from a deep discount retailer but would they be there to look after me if there was a problem? I knew the answer was no.

What about the quality of products? There were less expensive brands and vehicles than the one I purchased but I know that many were of inferior quality. This is even more true of the sign industry where comparing quality is even more difficult.

Are the materials used from top quality manufacturers like 3M and Avery or are they inexpensive knock offs from Asia? If you are considering custom car graphics for example, ask yourself how you will compare the quality of materials. They might look the same the day they are installed but the result after 2 years or might not be as satisfactory.

And what about the installation. We get calls on a regular basis from people who have vehicle wraps that are separating or curling at the edges. Dealing with a quality sign company will reduce the likeliness these type of problems will occur. If they do, a quality sign company will stand behind their products.
http://americangraph.com/application.html

Next time you are considering the purchase of rear window graphics or any other type of sign, look for a quality signage company to help you with your purchase. Simply choosing on price alone might end up being very expensive in the long run

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Why does it take so long to produce graphics?

2011-05-24T20:13:00.001-07:00

We often get that question from clinets or prosepcts. Normally, it is two-three weeks to produce custom graphics; however, it depends on the order, size, quantity, detail, and production method. All these factors, and more, affect the process. Time is money, but poor quality can cause losses. A “rush” is not always the best procedure. Too many times, we have all seen graphics on the road – such as vehicle wraps, signs, and billboards – that looked rushed. So it comes down to the question, how do you want your organization represented? On my way home from work, there is a bench by a bus stop with advertising. The call to action lists the phone number; it is one digit short — it looks rushed. I saw a yard sign for a home remodeling company, with about a one-inch high font. It could not be read from ten feet away, let alone, while driving. Was it rushed? As I look out on the 90/94 in Chicago, I see vehicles over and over again, and I have no idea what their message is. Should you rush something you will be looking at for several years? How long does it take to do it right?

What Variables Affect The Time Needed?
· Raw materials – procurement can slow the process, however, if a specific material or ink will do a better job, or is more cost effective, is it worth the wait?
· Artwork – how many processes will it go through to produce it right?
· Size matters – 800 van sets, with one week to get materials, allows for five working days, which is not enough time to do it right.

What Slows Down The Process?
· Missing information, such as measurements, logos, and installation requirements, delay the project.
· Order changes will slow or halt the process.
· Unsuitable artwork – using inferior artwork may hurry the job, but taking the time to clean it up, becomes necessary. http://americangraph.com/file_prepration.html

What Can Customers Do To Shorten The Time Needed?
· Do your homework and have a design or message in mind before the process begins. Multiple design changes, while acceptable, may add cost, and will add time to the job.
· Provide as much information as you can.

www.americangraph.com

What Does a Certified Installer Mean?

2011-04-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

You always here printing companies promote or say that use certified installers. Over the last couple months some of our clients have been asking "What does this exactly mean?" We thought it might be a good idea to explain. We have taken the below directly from the UASG website.

Established in 1999 by leaders in the installation community, the UASG distinguished itself as being the first organization of its kind to require companies to meet a varied criteria to become members. The criteria include a high level of professionalism, a proven track record, and a high level of hands-on installation skill. The screening process, by which companies are evaluated, was developed to give a fair and accurate assessment and eliminate any personal bias that might exist.

When the organization was founded, the installation community lacked representation on a national level. There were few resources for a business owner to turn to when they had a problem or needed a source of information for problems specific to their line of work. The UASG has filled these voids. We have successfully worked to raise the "bar" for decal installers so that the true professionals can identify themselves to the rest of the industry.

The installers that participate in the UASG and the 3M Certified Graphic Installation program are set apart by successfully meeting all of the following criteria:

Proof of insurance and W9
Minimum 3 years in business
Proof of employment for installers
Multiple positive industry references
On site interview
Proof of job and warranty records
MSDS sheets on hand
Written test at 3M in St. Paul, MN
Timed hands-on test at 3M in St. Paul, MN
Adherence to a code of conduct
Ongoing site – checks
Ongoing training and education

There are many good installers that are not certified, but what the certification provides is a standard and a level that is expected and delivered by the installer. Hopefully this gives a better explanation of what it means to have or use a certified installer.

http://americangraph.com/application.html

Whats the difference between Screen Printing and Digital Printing?

2011-03-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Whats the difference between Screen and Digital printing? Many of the new or chain print shops have eliminated screen print and have never used screen print. Even though screen printing seems old-school, there is a time and a place for both processes.

http://americangraph.com/equipment.html

What Is Digital Print?
Digital print consists of any printed output that comes directly from a digital file, thus consolidating and automating the printing process. While there are various printing processes available, large-format ink jet is currently the most common digital print output medium.

What Are The Advantages of Digital Print?
Faster Turnaround
Our biggest customer in digital is RUSH (I’m not sure what they do, but they use a lot of large-format printing). With digital, setup time is minimal. If you need it in a hurry, digital is your choice.

Shorter Production Runs
With traditional screen printing, the setup time and overall screen prep are not cost effective for short runs. If you only need a few prints, go digital.

Unlimited Image Combinations
Use your imagination. Don’t limit your thinking to 1 or 2-color spot processes. If you want to think out-of-the-box, think digital.

Less Variation in Color
If the digital printer is calibrated properly, every print is the same, and will be the same when you need more of the same print job. Read more about Digital Print Color Calibration.

What Is Screen Print?
Screen print consists of a woven mesh, or screen, that runs through a pre-press process of coating a screen, and then transposing an image to the screen. Once the image is set in the screen, the screen is loaded onto the press, and ink is flooded over the image. Next, it is transferred onto the substrate with a squeegee. Finally, the print is sent through a heat-tunnel to cure, or set.

What Are The Advantages of Screen print?
Solid Colors Without Pixelation
Digital prints are pixelated, using dots-per-inch, or “dpi.” Modern printers run from 350dpi to 1200dpi, which makes visible pixelation vary. When printing spot colors, screen print is a solid lay-down of color. If you need something that will be looked at closely, and should have no pixelation, go with screen print.

Lower Cost on Large Production Runs
Setup is a large part of the screen print cost. The cost of a few prints may be too expensive, but dividing the cost by 100 prints may be more cost-effective than digital. Got a lot of printing to do? You might do better with screen print.

Color Matching
Do you need to match a specific company color, paint swatch, or PMS color? Screen printing offers a larger color gamut, which can nail colors dead-on.

Metallic Prints
Even though metallic particles, or flakes, can be integrated into digital printing for metallic prints, screen printing offers greater customization. Screen printing allows a larger range of flakes and flake sizes to satisfy the customer’s needs. If you are looking for the upscale, higher-end look of metallics, go with screen print.

So, Digital or Screen?
Well, it depends. It depends on the application, use, material, urgency, color, image, and size of the run. The best answer may be that you should have the choice.

www.americangraph.com

5 Steps To Ensure Success with Your Print Campaign

2011-02-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here are 5 easy steps to ensure you have success with your next print campaign:

Communicate
Think of your campaign as a way of communicating to the needs of your customers. It is not usually a simple product description, nor in most cases is the principal aim to just describe your business. You need to understand the reasons why your customers buy from you and reflect these in your marketing.

It can be very useful to spend a little time watching television ads.TV means that most of us pre-record programmes and skip through the ads, but the companies who produce them have spent huge amount of time and money perfecting their art and there is much to learn about communication from watching them.

In summary think hard about your message. Make sure that you are communicating in terms of your customers' needs, hopes or dreams.

Create
Get creative! The best marketing communication is eye-catching and to achieve this you need to make sure that your message stands out. Much of this will depend on how well you understand your customers and choosing images and words that will attract and appeal to them.

As much as images and headlines must stand out you must take care not to lose the business message by being too creative. This is the point of genius; having the ability to communicate a message creatively and dramatically without losing the point.

A good strategy is to come up with several ideas and show them around. Your customers themselves are a good source of meaningful advice and will love having their opinion sought after.

http://americangraph.com/design_layout.html
Choose

Choose your suppliers carefully. There is as we all know, a recession going on and no-one can deny the sense of looking around for the best deal or the cheapest supplier. However, there is much to be said for choosing a supplier wisely and committing to working with them in the long term.

Making such a commitment may help your to secure a better rate, however, the main benefit will be the creation of a working partnership. Over time long term partners will get a feel for your business and an understanding of what has worked in the past. This will make them a good adviser for future campaigns.

Competitors
Competitors are the great proving ground on novel ideas. It can be difficult, particularly for small businesses, to have access to accurate competitor data. However, most experienced business people have an instinctive understanding of what will and will not work in their industry. It can be a useful exercise to maintain a scrapbook containing ideas, not just from your own industry but any marketing ideas that catch your eye. A quick flick through this book prior to starting your own creative brainstorming can help to set the mood.

Check
Check and double check everything that you do. There is an old tailor's adage ' measure twice, cut once' and this applies to marketing as well, mistakes are expensive and infuriating.

One technique is to read everything backwards so that you can check individual words without being carried away by the context. Another technique is to ask a notoriously accurate colleague to proof read. Whatever you do, do not let a mistake through.

This is not a definitive list of everything you need to think about when considering this medium in the marketing of your business. It is designed to bring forward some points to consider when optimising the opportunity that large format digital printing offers.

www.americangraph.com

Are you ready for trade show season?

2011-01-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

ARE YOU READY! Yes, thats right....it's trade show season. Here are some ideas to ensure that you maximize your show presence.

Ten Tips

1) Have beginner's mind. Seek out expert advice and information before you exhibit. Take workshops and read all you can on trade show marketing.

2) Establish team-created objectives. Incorporate your most friendly, motivated, and knowledgeable staff. Role-play and practiced boothmanship before show.

3) Pre-show mailings and phone invitations to customers and prospects can triple booth attendance. Multiple personalized letters and postcards promoting special offers redeemable only at your booth works great. Start four - five months before show.

4) Arrive before show. Meet with media, establish sales representation, and network with fellow travel professionals. When the show starts you'll be better prepared and rested then most.

5) Show management is an asset. Work with them on providing value to attendees through your travel presentations, workshops, sport simulator and fascinating attractions.

6) Invest in quality. Use exhibit with easy-to-read graphics and bold benefit-oriented copy. Use "defining statement" headline graphics. (See the guide Tourism Marketing Success for help) Prospect should quickly understand what types of activities you offer, where you go and level of adventure, i.e. soft, moderate, high risk.

7) Smile. Don't pounce on prospects. Establish rapport before qualifying prospects. Ask open-ended questions, "What do you think about foreign travel and river rafting?" Use breath mints.

8) Use brochures as a disengagement tool. Use "no's or not interested" as an opportunity to move on to another prospects who's interested in your type of trip or destination.

9) Take care of yourself. Schedule your staff so that everyone is well rested. Drink plenty of water. Eat well-balanced meals. Avoid alcohol at all times during show. Wear comfortable shoes. Stretch your muscles while checking out other exhibits.

10) Follow-up. Contact key prospects immediately after show with letters, calls and brochures. Multiple mailings and contacts increases chances of sales 65%.

American Graphics offers many options for youre trade show displays. Ranging from 8 feet wide retractors to cloth banners to 10 feet high banner displays. We also offer flooring like Graphic Treadz or even simple Movabble Vinyl Graphics. Contact your American Graphics Rep to find out more. (312)473-4700 or visit us on the web at www.americangraph.com

Why does it take so long to produce graphics?

2010-12-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

So I have been thinking about wrapping our vehicle but........

2010-12-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

So…why haven’t you wrapped your company vehicles? You know you
should every time you see a competitor’s wrapped vehicle on the road. And how often is that? Let’s address the most common reasons I hear companies have not wrapped their vehicles.

We are too small – we only have two cars
Digital printing has made it cost-effective for everyone to wrap vehicles. If you have any advertising budget, why wouldn’t you put your dollars where they are most effective?

It costs too much
A Yellow Page bold-line ad can run $100/month — and up to $4000/month for a full-page (I’ve bought both). Billboards can run $700 to $2500 per month. A vehicle wrap can run $1500 to $3000, and last two - seven years.

We only have small cars — they are not big enough for wraps
Digital technology has changed things. No vehicle is too small to wrap. We have effectively wrapped smart cars, boats, golf carts, and motorcycles.

We’ve used the same company lettering for years, and that’s all we need
You may have a point; however, think of how much better your message could be conveyed with a wrap? If you own ABC Plumbing, your logo on your truck becomes a whole different message with an image of a clean, uniformed all-American plumber standing at a sparkling, clean sink.

We cannot afford the time to have our vehicles off the road to get them wrapped
In most cases, you shouldn’t have any downtime. The graphics company should provide graphics installers during your off-times.

Vinyl doesn’t last, it looks shoddy, and paint is better
These statements were true at one time — and can be true today, if cheap, shoddy materials and workmanship are used. With today’s adhesive vinyl materials, provided by 3M and Avery, almost anything can be wrapped better than it can be painted.

We can’t use wraps because we frequently change our products
I wish more businesses knew they could easily change products on their wraps. By using a changeable film on the product section of the wrap, it can be changed as often as you like.

www.americangraph.com

Branding your Business: What's in a Name?

2010-11-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Branding is perhaps the most important facet of any business--beyond product, distribution, pricing, or location. A company's brand is its definition in the world, the name that identifies it to itself and the marketplace. A model may be beautiful, but without a name, she's just "that girl in that picture." Where would Norma Jean be without Marilyn Monroe, or who would imagine Coca-Cola as just a soft-drink manufacturer? A brand provides a concrete descriptor to customers and competitors alike, a name for a product or service to distinguish it from anything else. Bob may run a hobby shop, but trying to advertise as "The hobby shop a guy named Bob runs down the street a ways" is financial suicide. Each customer will have to describe the shop, who Bob is, and what the shop does every time someone asks about it. This makes the process of recommending a good hobby shop too much work for the average customer, and far too much work for a user looking for hobby shops on the Internet. A customer looking up Bob's hobby shop will have an easier time of it if he or she knows to refer to it as "Bob's House of Hobbies," and the customer can then refer others to Bob's hobby shop by name, increasing the potential advertising exponentially. Developing a brand involves more than just picking a catchy name and placing an ad in the newspaper--a brand is more than a unique string of letters denoting a particular product; a successful brand is a mnemonic trigger that makes a consumer feel a certain way when the brand is thought of. For those who drink cola-flavored soft drinks, which is more appealing on a hot day: a cold cola soda, or an ice-cold Coke? Coca-Cola has spent 100 years developing their particular brand of cola-flavored soda as a refreshing beverage and a seminal representation of a market segment. Coca-Cola has used a combination of direct marketing, give-away techniques, and multi-product cross-branding to achieve maximum brand recognition and visibility in not only its immediately competitive market, but in markets as diverse as Coca-Cola branded race cars and housewares.

Brand loyalty is an integral part of building a brand, as consumers usually have a choice of products in the same market segment, and so a successful company will come up with a way to keep consumers re-buying their product or coming back to their location rather than going to a competitor. These brand loyalty-building efforts may come in the form of coupons, incentives such as many grocery chains' technique of "grocery discount cards" or "loss leaders," meant to draw consumers into the store, where they will hopefully buy products along with the discounted fare at a higher profit ratio. In exchange for these discounts and grocery cards, many companies collect information about buying habits and average spending amounts, the better to tailor advertisements and better-focus future promotional efforts. Once a consumer is hooked, brand loyalty tends to result in higher sales volume, as well as loyal customers being less sensitive to price changes of their favorite brands (within reason, of course), as well as less sensitive to competitors' incentives. Studies have shown that it takes 5 times as much money to gain a customer as it does to retain one. That's 5 times as much money as could have been spent on other things.

A brand is who your company is, and what it is selling--it is as important as naming a baby, and should require the same amount of effort to develop it, but if done well, can mature into a successful and profitable adult.

www.americangraph.com

Customer Service - The Best Way to Deal with Customers

2010-10-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Dealing with customers is not easy - each one brings to the transaction their own history, experiences and current state of mind. Some may, consciously or not, be seeking to let off steam, and you may be a convenient outlet!

Having acknowledged that customer service is a tough job to do well, it is hardly surprising that those in the front line sometimes assume indifference and act as though they don't care. We have all come across the 'jobsworth' who explains away poor customer service by blaming company policy or another department. Indifference can be a protection against what sometimes feels like a very personal attack.

Without the protection of indifference, we run the risk of customers upsetting us either by hurting our feelings or by being drawn into an angry confrontation. Or we may keep our cool while speaking to the customer, but once they are out of the door or have put the phone down, we let loose with a torrent of abuse! Maybe we feel we can handle all the stress of our day, only to drive like a maniac on the way home or arrive in a foul mood.

Ideally, the best possible way we can approach customer service is to use each and every encounter with a customer to enhance our company's reputation. We live in an imperfect world where we all make mistakes and inevitably sometimes things go wrong. In my experience, when something has gone wrong and the customer complains, you have a wonderful opportunity to create a much stronger loyalty to your company than if everything always goes right.

www.americangraph.com

Wrap Facts

2010-09-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ever think about the impact that your vehicles have on clients, public, potential customers?
Here are some of the factual aspects that make vehicle advertising such an attractive option for your marketing strategy and why you should plan your design.

Different Advertising Medium Statistics Prime time TV spot $20.54
Newspaper (1/4 page BW) $11.66
Prime time network TV $11.31
Radio (: 60 morning drive slot) $ 5.92
Rotary bulletins (billboards) $ 1.78
Vehicle Ads (VEHICLE WRAPS) $0.70
*Cost per Thousand (CPM) Source: Trucking Association & Outdoor Advertising Association of America

Cost-benefit
One of the many benefits that makes vehicle advertising so attractive is the actual cost involved to produce a wrap. With partial wraps and complete wraps, American Graphics has something for every business’ budget. Vehicle advertising is by far the most cost effective way of exterior advertising.
www.flickr.com/photos/americangraphics

Impressions
According to the Transportation Advertising Council, vehicle advertising generates between 30,000 – 70,000 daily vehicular impressions.

Paint protection
Vehicle wraps protect paintwork against sun damage, minor abrasions and small stone chips. The vinyl can also be removed after the promotion, or vehicle turnover, leaving the original paintwork in the same condition it was before it was covered. www.americangraph.com

Impact
Unlike traditional forms of outdoor advertising, vehicle advertising goes to where the people are. Vehicle wraps demand attention and gets the message to the highest visibility areas and most densely trafficked areas of cities, towns, parkades, shopping malls, restaurants, highways and byways.

A recent poll shows that:

90% of travelers notice graphics on wrapped vehicles
75% of consumers form impressions about a company based on the fleet graphics
30% of consumers base buying decisions on impressions they receive from company vehicles.
The numbers equate that we are a very visual society, driven by effective advertising and marketing. Vehicle advertising caters to all levels of business and projects the message like no other form of advertising can.

www.americangraph.com

Massive Savings on Used Trucks and Trailers

2010-09-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Used trucks and trailers can be as scarce as hens teeth, but not if you know where to look and how to save big dollars on your purchase. It is a well kept secret by those in the know.
You are very likely to uncover what might be called the bargain of the century and we are all looking to drive our dollar further in the trucking industry. Even rare commercial trucks of all kinds can be exposed and picked up. There are also some other excellent little known ways to explore the used truck and trailers market to find exactly what you are looking for. Here are some hot tips to get the best deal and biggest savings on your used truck or trailers.

Online resources have the ability to turn up some absolute gems. There are some great websites that are literally full of ads which are centred on the commercial truck industry and these are a good place to browse for used trucks and trailers.

You might also try some of the big classified ad sites on the Internet such as Craigslist.org or ClassifiedAds.com There are a great many more websites like these two of course, so you will have lots to explore and will be able to compare prices and save a truck load of money.

Another area you should get great results from is a good old fashioned Google search. By typing in some keywords which are relevant to what you are looking for, such as: commercial trucks, which will get you some general results along the lines of what you are looking for. A better option though is to type in the exact product you are looking for such as: used truck or used trailer. You can even use the make and model in your keyword search to narrow down the search results even more. So you are getting the idea now that you are zeroing in on some excellent bargains that will save you a great deal of money.
When you are searching online and find what you are looking for, make sure:
• You can see good clear photos from all angles
• That parts are free from grease and have been adequately cleaned
• That there is no damage or rust on the truck or trailer
• You have a detailed description of the condition of the used truck and or trailer
• You have access to a brief history of the vehicle if possible
• The parts are fully operational with no missing pieces
• That a service kit is available if necessary and included in the price

Magazines are also a great place to compare prices on used truck or trailer and it is easy enough to pick up a trucking magazine from your local newsstand. Often sellers will be prepared to offer at a low price just to make more space in their shop, and will also usually be open to offers for a quick sale. Sellers usually do not want to have to repeat the process of advertising more than once. The only result they are looking for is a sale, so here is your opportunity to make a low offer and save yourself a lot of money on used trucks and trailers parts in general.

Cheaper doesn't always mean better

2010-07-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

We know customers want the best price they can get, especially in a difficult economy. You really have 2 options: Walk away from the deal if the customer does not see the value of doing business with you or try to communicate the key difference that warrants the additional investment. There is a difference between the price and cost. Price is what you pay for the warp; cost is what the investment is over a lifetime of doing business.

There are many different materials in the marketplace that look great on paper and quotes, but in 2 years you see why they were 20% less than anyone else. That is why, as a company, you should always ask your vendor what kind of material are you pricing and what is the warranty. Remember the old saying, "you get what you pay for"? Well this holds true to the Graphics industry be it vehicle graphics, banners, installation, etc.

When we spoke to a colleague in the industry he had told me about a potential client asking to beat a competitors quote and it was lower than what he had quoted. He had mentioned that he made a bid to remove graphics from a fleet of vehicles a company was preparing to return at the end of a lease agreement. They did not install the graphics, but were one of the few companies trained and prepared to properly remove the kind of “bargain price” decals the client had purchased. The client was surprised it would cost as much to remove the decals as what they paid to have them installed because a cheaper material with a permanent adhesive had been used. It is difficult, labor intensive and time consuming to remove such materials. Nor did the client know the decals would need to be removed chemically or sanded off. These methods can cause so much surface damage that repainting can become necessary; otherwise, the vehicle's end-of-lease value is compromised. He suggested some points to consider:

How will this vehicle be used?
Is it for promotional purposes?
Is it daily use or part of a fleet?
Is the vehicle owned or leased?
What is the lease agreement/obligations at the end of the lease?
For how long is the graphic needed?
What will happen to the vehicles at the end of this time?

Are you Green with your Banners?

2010-07-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Banners are one of the most known forms of advertising. They are marketing to the consumers a wide range of products and ideas. From displays of commercial products up to trade banners, protest and support banners, symbol or slogan and any other massage that needs to be transmitted to the general public.

Vinyl banners, an affordable form of outdoor advertising are seen almost everywhere, eye catching designs and custom graphics creating an impact meant to attract potential customers for the product they are advertising. They are generally seen as billboards, table banners, trade show banners, building banners, street banners as well as stadium flags.

But do you know that you can now go "Green"? American Graphics carries a vinyl that is a 15 oz. matte finish, strong, indoor/outdoor, front-lit, biodegradable banner/billboard material.
- In properly controlled landfills it will vanish in 3 to 5 years
- 80% of the content is derived from sources other than petroleum
- Formula is non-toxic
- Contains no heavy metals, pesticides, bleaching agents, DOP or similar plasticizers, glycol either or carcino genic coloring agents
- Tear and fade resistant
- Available seamless
- Can be RF and heat welded

This product is surprisingly affordable and looks great. For more information contact your American Graphics representative.

How are you maintaining your investment?

2010-06-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Maintenance after installation is the most overlooked aspect of the durability for vehicle graphics. The graphics client who might never consider missing an oil change might not help his wrap continue looking its best simply because they don't understand how to keep it safe. Keeping the vehicle clean and free from dirt, grease, salt, acid, and dew build-up will help tremendously to extend the life of the wrap. The non-vertical or horizontal areas of a vehicle graphic can be the most challenging areas in which to maintain durability. Here are some post installation precautions that can improve long-term performance:

- Cleaning the vertical should be done with a liquid, nonabrasive cleaner that has a pH value between 3 and 11 and no strong solvents.

- If using a pressure washer, make sure it has less than 2,000 psi of pressure; and hold the nozzle more than 12" from the graphics surface

- Special care has to be taken around exposed graphic edges as well. Wash the vehicle with a soft cloth or sponge, not a hard brush, and avoid excessive scrubbing.

- Checking the graphics regularly can also help prolong its life. Loose edges should be promptly repaired using an edge seal product.

Vehicle graphics can last a long time, or a short time. Either option may be required on any particular project. The short-term graphic is easy, but the long-term graphic requires planning, expertise and maintenance.

Car Graphics are Billboards

2010-05-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

All businesspeople know about advertising and they all know about the bottom line. If an ad campaign is going to be successful then it must bring a lot of customers into the store and be cost effective while doing that. Car graphics can do both.

There are all kinds of media out there and some of them are very good at bringing customers into the door. The tough part is paying for expensive advertising. A good television commercial will be watched by thousands if not millions of viewers but how many businesses can afford to keep the commercials going? If the TV spots are not running continuously then the public will forget about them. There has got to be another way!

The small business administration has done some research on advertising in general and signs in particular and they made a startling discovery. A sign is the least expensive and most cost effective form of advertising there is. If this is true wouldn't it make sense to put a lot of effort into signage? That being said, what do you do if you already have sign? Why not have an extra sign? This isn't as far fetched and redundant as it seems. No matter what kind of business you have then transportation is going to be involved. Even contractors who base their business out of their homes have to travel to the work-site. Your vehicle can be a sign if you install Car graphics.
No matter how old a person is they can remember, as children, vehicles that had been painted with their company's logos. It goes that far back. Using vehicles to advertise with probably goes back to horse and buggy days and probably goes back to the Roman times. Their must have been a shop owner that realized his chariot could help spread the word.

Times have changed and it has never been cheaper to create mobile advertising. These days, instead of hand painting the Car graphics are almost always used instead. The advantage of using vinyl instead of hand painting is that it is much faster. Vinyl has evolved to the point where there is now vinyl that will last for ten years.

The process of vehicle advertising is a little different than hand lettering. The first step is to figure out exactly what you want. Then get together with a graphic artist and they will convert your ideas into reality with a computer program. Then the drawing file is sent to a plotter which does the cutting.
Rick has worked with graphics for over twenty years and can give you some more ideas on making bigger impact with less money.