Commercial Vehicle Wraps: How Small Businesses Turn Their Fleet Into Mobile Billboards

A plumber in Gilroy told us a story last month.

He wrapped his work van five years ago. Since then, he's tracked every lead that mentioned "I saw your van."

The total? Over $180,000 in jobs.

His wrap cost $3,500.

That's a 51x ROI. Try getting that from Google Ads.

Why Commercial Vehicle Wraps Work

Impression Math

The outdoor advertising industry estimates:

• A wrapped vehicle generates 30,000-70,000 daily impressions
• Over a typical wrap lifetime: 3-5 million impressions
• Cost per impression: $0.001-0.003 (cheaper than any digital advertising)

Always-On Advertising

Your wrapped vehicle advertises:

• While you work
• While you're parked
• While you commute
• While you sleep (if parked visibly)

No monthly fees. No pay-per-click. No algorithm changes.

Local Targeting Built-In

Your van naturally advertises in the areas you service. Better targeting than any digital ad platform.

Professional Credibility

First impressions matter. Customers trust branded vehicles more than unmarked ones. A professional wrap signals:

• Established business
• Legitimate operation
• Pride in appearance

Commercial Wrap Options

Different levels for different budgets:

Full Wrap

What it is: Complete vehicle coverage, every panel wrapped.

Best for: Maximum visibility, brand-new vehicles, complete transformation.

Cost range: $2,500-$5,000 for vans/trucks

Partial Wrap

What it is: Strategic panels wrapped—typically sides and rear, with roof/hood in original color.

Best for: Budget-conscious businesses, newer vehicles where original color works.

Cost range: $1,500-$3,000

Spot Graphics / Lettering

What it is: Logo, contact info, and key messaging applied to vehicle—no full coverage.

Best for: Tight budgets, simple branding, multiple vehicle fleets.

Cost range: $500-$1,500

Magnetic Signs

What it is: Removable magnetic graphics for personal vehicles used for business.

Best for: Personal vehicles, temporary use, testing designs.

Cost range: $100-$400

Design Principles That Get Results

Not all wraps are created equal. Here's what works:

Make the Phone Number Huge

Common mistake: Tiny phone number in the corner.

People see your van for 3-5 seconds. If they can't read your number instantly, you've lost them.

Our recommendation: Phone number should be legible from 50+ feet away.

Limit the Message

Common mistake: Listing every service you offer in small text.

Nobody reads paragraphs on moving vehicles.

What to include:

• Company name
• One main service or tagline
• Phone number and/or website
• Logo

That's it. Simplicity sells.

Contrast is King

Common mistake: Dark text on dark backgrounds, light text on light backgrounds.

Your wrap needs to pop against any background—street, sky, other traffic.

Best combinations:

• Black text on white/yellow
• White text on dark colors
• Bold outlines for visibility

Your Website Needs to Be Short

Common mistake: YourCompanyNameAndServicesLocation.com

That doesn't fit on a van. Get a short domain or use just the memorable part.

Real Examples: What Works

HVAC Company (Gilroy)

Design: Bold blue with white truck silhouette, massive phone number, "HEATING • AC • PLUMBING"

Result: 40% of new residential calls mention the van

Landscaping Company (Morgan Hill)

Design: Green and black partial wrap, before/after lawn photos, QR code to gallery

Result: Clients specifically request work they saw pictured on the truck

Cleaning Service (San Jose)

Design: Full wrap on 3 vans—identical branding, different phone extensions tracked

Result: Wrap pays for itself in 4 months of tracked leads

Commercial Wrap ROI Calculator

Let's calculate for a typical service business:

Assumptions:

• Wrap cost: $3,500 (full wrap on van)
• Wrap lifespan: 5 years
• Vehicle drives: 25,000 miles/year
• Daily local impressions: 30,000

Yearly advertising cost: $3,500 ÷ 5 = $700/year

For comparison:

• Google Ads (local service): $500-2,000/month = $6,000-24,000/year
• Local newspaper: $200-500/month = $2,400-6,000/year
• Billboard: $1,500-4,000/month = $18,000-48,000/year

Even if your wrap generates just ONE job per month, it's paid for itself at typical service pricing.

The Commercial Wrap Process

Here's what happens when you wrap your fleet:

Step 1: Consultation and Goals

We discuss:

• Your business and target customer
• Fleet size and vehicle types
• Budget and timeline
• Design preferences or existing branding

Step 2: Design

Our team (or your designer) creates:

• Mockups on your actual vehicle model
• Multiple design options
• Revisions until approved
• Print-ready files

Design typically takes: 1-2 weeks with revisions

Step 3: Printing

Once approved:

• High-resolution printing on premium vinyl
• Lamination for durability
• Cutting and preparation

Production time: 3-5 business days

Step 4: Installation

Professional installation includes:

• Complete vehicle wash and prep
• Application by certified installers
• Heat-forming around curves
• Quality inspection

Installation time: 1-2 days per vehicle

Step 5: Delivery and Care Instructions

You receive:

• Care and maintenance guide
• Warranty documentation
• Digital copy of design files

Fleet Wrap Discounts

Multiple vehicles? Discounts apply:

Why discounts scale: Same design, print efficiency, installation scheduling.

Vinyl Durability and Warranty

Quality commercial wrap vinyl (3M, Avery) lasts:

• 3-5 years in normal conditions
• 5-7 years for garaged/sheltered vehicles
• 2-3 years under extreme sun exposure

What affects lifespan:

• Outdoor parking vs. garage
• Climate and sun exposure
• Washing and care
• Vinyl quality

We use premium vinyl with manufacturer warranties for peace of mind.

Commercial Wraps at Blackout Window Tinting

We've wrapped everything from single work trucks to 20-vehicle fleets:

What we offer:

• Full design services (or work with your files)
• Premium 3M and Avery vinyl
• Certified installers
• Fleet program pricing
• National account capability

Recent fleet projects:

• HVAC companies (5-vehicle fleet)
• Landscaping services (3 trucks)
• Food delivery services (branding wraps)
• Real estate agencies (personal vehicle wraps)

Ready to Turn Your Vehicle Into a Billboard?

Your van is driving around anyway. Make it work for you.

📞 Get a commercial wrap quote — we'll discuss your goals and budget.

📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — see commercial wrap examples in person.

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Related Services

• Full Service: Custom Vehicle Wraps
• Partial Option: Partial Wraps and Graphics
• Chrome Styling: Chrome Delete: The $500 Mod

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Commercial Wrap FAQs

Will the wrap damage my vehicle's paint?

No—quality vinyl protects paint. When removed, the paint underneath is often in better condition than unwrapped areas.

Can I wrap a leased vehicle?

Yes. Wraps are fully removable. Check your lease terms, but most allow aftermarket wraps.

How do I care for a wrapped vehicle?

Wash by hand or touchless car wash. Avoid abrasive brushes. No waxing (vinyl doesn't need it).

Can you match my existing branding?

Yes. Provide logos, color codes, and brand guidelines—we'll match perfectly.