Is a Car Sign Worth It for Generating Business?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread explores the effectiveness of using car signs for generating business among Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their personal experiences regarding the visibility and impact of these signs, as well as considerations related to insurance and design choices.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, reports having success with their car sign, receiving multiple inquiries and orders over a short period.
  • Another participant expresses regret over not including their contact information on their sign, believing it would attract more attention.
  • Several users mention that they feel more visible with tote bags than with their car signs alone.
  • One participant shares their experience of ordering a custom sign, highlighting the importance of size and visibility.
  • Another participant raises concerns about insurance implications when using contact information on a vehicle, noting that it may classify the car as a business vehicle.
  • One participant mentions having received no leads from their sign after a year and a half, despite various efforts to increase visibility.
  • Another participant shares a positive experience of receiving a call and order from their sign shortly after acquiring it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the effectiveness of car signs, with some participants reporting success while others have not experienced any leads. There is no clear consensus on the overall impact of these signs on generating business.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss personal experiences and anecdotal evidence related to car signs, including design preferences and the potential need for insurance adjustments based on the use of contact information.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering the use of car signs for business promotion may find the shared experiences and insights relevant to their decision-making process.

C
Chef Bobby
Gold Member
Messages
1,045
I've had my PC sign with my cell phone # on my back window for about 6 months with only one person following behind calling and asking for a catalogue.
Now within the last week I've had a lady approach me while I was talking to one of my recruits at IHOP. She asked for a catalogue and bought a couple of items from my suprise box that stays in my vehicle.
Then yesterday, a lady following me on the interstate called and wanted to place an order. We pulled off at the next exit and she gave me her order. Hopefully there will be future business with her.
 
WooHoo! That's great!
 
That's great!I've been regretting just getting the plain PC sign. I wish that I had gotten the one w/ my website or cell phone # on it. I just think the plain name looks kind of small. It doesn't stand out too much. I always try to park close to the front of the store and have my tote bag and such w/ me. But I get more attention by the tote bag. I keep thinking that if my other info was on the car, maybe it would lead to something eventually. It not having the info makes it so that only people can ask me about it if I'm near my car.
 
I, too, have put off having one made. Now I think it is time to "just do it". Thank you for sharing your success.
 
babywings76 said:
That's great!

I've been regretting just getting the plain PC sign. I wish that I had gotten the one w/ my website or cell phone # on it. I just think the plain name looks kind of small. It doesn't stand out too much. I always try to park close to the front of the store and have my tote bag and such w/ me. But I get more attention by the tote bag. I keep thinking that if my other info was on the car, maybe it would lead to something eventually. It not having the info makes it so that only people can ask me about it if I'm near my car.
Click to expand...

Check out http://www.jerisigns.com. She sells Vinyl by the square foot. When I got my car stuff, Merrill didn't offer logos with contact info. Even now, I think the one they do offer, the text is too small.

I "stole" the idea from someone else on the board: I ordered the piece to be 6" tall and 24" wide, that way it's one square foot. I asked her to print on it my website and cell phone number. Very inexpensive.
 
Again - just an FYI...make sure before placing signs on your vehicle that it will still be covered by insurance in case of an accident.

Here in Michigan, if you place any contact info on your car, it then becomes a business vehicle, and you have to have it covered under a different (more expensive) policy. Check with your insurer!
 
i didn't see a 6 x 24 cling?
what exactly did you get and do you have a template or picture! thanks
laurie
 
On the left, scroll down to "Types of Signs" and choose "Vinyl Lettering." Then go to the second page, and look for "Vinyl Lettering By The Sq Ft." It will give you ordering instructions on that page, but basically you will type in the comments section what you want it to say and what dimensions, and she will send you a proof (usually about 2 weeks).

It's not a "cling" in the sense that you can peel it off whenever you want. It comes up with heat if you need to remove it in the future.

Here's the thread where I originally got the idea from:

http://www.chefsuccess.com/f3/pc-decal-my-suv-19947/

I don't have a picture of my own handy, but it essentially looks the same.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
The website address didn't make it onto my window. The letters were so small that half of them stayed stuck to the applicator. I scraped the rest off.
 
I have a question regarding the Merrill cling. (the one with all the contact info). Did you put it on the back window? If so does it interfere with the rear defroster? I have them, but have been waiting to put it on because I really want it on the rear. My hubby is the one who asked if it would mess up the rear defroster.
 
Krista Burson said:
I have a question regarding the Merrill cling. (the one with all the contact info). Did you put it on the back window? If so does it interfere with the rear defroster? I have them, but have been waiting to put it on because I really want it on the rear. My hubby is the one who asked if it would mess up the rear defroster.
Click to expand...

The cling is on the outside of the vehicle, and I think the rear defroster is in the interior, so you are fine. I haven't had any trouble with visibility from the cling being there. But my DH is taller and says it gets in his way. I think he's nuts. :D
 
Now adays, don't you worry about what type of crazy might be behind you wanting a catalog???? Maybe I am just paranoid.
 
cwinter474 said:
Now adays, don't you worry about what type of crazy might be behind you wanting a catalog???? Maybe I am just paranoid.
Click to expand...

There is a lot of discussion on that in the thread I linked above. I only list my cell number. My HD has had magnets on her car for years and has never had issues. And as for someone following you, well you could just institute a policy of not picking up your phone while you're driving, or just numbers you recognize.
 
ChefBeckyD said:
Again - just an FYI...make sure before placing signs on your vehicle that it will still be covered by insurance in case of an accident.

Here in Michigan, if you place any contact info on your car, it then becomes a business vehicle, and you have to have it covered under a different (more expensive) policy. Check with your insurer!
Click to expand...



Good point! Even if they didn't have that policy in place now, with the way sleazy insurance companies are, they'd drop you right after they paid! (Wait a minute- they do that anyway!!) But it's worth checking out.
 
I haven't gotten any business that I know of with my window decal yet. Had to get the window type from Merrill since most of our Saturn Vue is plastic and the car magnets wouldn't stick. Good question on the insurance thing. My husband owns his own business also and drives a truck and we pay enough for insurance so it must be under a business policy. I know I put in our expenses for tax purposes!
 
I have an agent looking into this for PA. My agent is recovering from a surgery, so there was this other guy filling in. He's going to check into for me. At first he thought just having the plain, no number or anything sign would still make it a business vehicle. I had to go into more detail for him to understand. He didn't know what PC was. He then said "Oh, like Avon!" So I explained how it's my personal vehicle, but it is what I drive to go to a show. But that's not my vehicles main purpose. He said that the car magnets thing would definitely make it a business vehicle. That's all he knew, so he's checking into it for me. I'll let you know what he finds out. At least those in PA might want to know. :)
 
I've had 2 leads from my decals!!
 
I wass going to post about this. I got a call and order from my sign as well. I got it in May. I was very excited. The order paid for the sign. I hope this starts a trend for both of us!!!



Chef Bobby said:
I've had my PC sign with my cell phone # on my back window for about 6 months with only one person following behind calling and asking for a catalogue.
Now within the last week I've had a lady approach me while I was talking to one of my recruits at IHOP. She asked for a catalogue and bought a couple of items from my suprise box that stays in my vehicle.
Then yesterday, a lady following me on the interstate called and wanted to place an order. We pulled off at the next exit and she gave me her order. Hopefully there will be future business with her.
Click to expand...
 
I have had mine now for a year and a half and have not gotten one lead. I have done everything from being sure to park close to the entrance of a building so more people pass by my vehicle to shopping at different stores and nothing :( I dd get one phone call, from a crazy driver who cut me off in Massachusetts and then left a voice mail on my phone saying I was the crazy driver. I guess this guy doesn't know what PC is becuase he thought he was calling corporate headquarters LOL Dummy obviously didn't listen to the voicemail very well when it said my name and that I was a consultant for Pc. Duh my name on the answering machine and the name on my car matched LOL Anyway, wish I could generate business with the window decal.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a car sign effective for generating business in direct sales?

Yes, a car sign can be effective for generating business in direct sales. It serves as a mobile advertisement, allowing you to reach a wider audience as you drive around. Many people may notice your sign and reach out for more information about your products or services.

What should I include on my car sign?

Your car sign should include your business name, logo, and contact information, such as a phone number or website. Additionally, consider adding a catchy tagline or a brief description of what you offer to attract potential customers.

How much does a car sign typically cost?

The cost of a car sign can vary widely depending on the size, material, and design. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a quality sign. It's important to invest in a durable sign that can withstand outdoor conditions.

Are there any legal considerations for using a car sign?

Yes, there may be legal considerations depending on your location. Some areas have regulations regarding the size and placement of vehicle signage. It's advisable to check local laws and regulations to ensure compliance before installing a car sign.

How can I maximize the effectiveness of my car sign?

To maximize the effectiveness of your car sign, keep it clean and well-maintained, and park in high-traffic areas when possible. Additionally, consider using social media to promote your car sign and encourage friends and family to share photos of it to increase visibility.

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