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:
| Fleet Size | Discount |
| ------------- | -------------- |
| 2-3 vehicles | 10% |
| 4-6 vehicles | 15% |
| 7-10 vehicles | 20% |
| 10+ vehicles | Custom pricing |
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.
Featured Brands
Learn more about the professional-grade products we use:
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Avery Dennison - View product details and specifications
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Full Service: Custom Vehicle Wraps
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Partial Option: Partial Wraps and Graphics
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Chrome Styling: Chrome Delete: The $500 Mod
Visit the Experts in Gilroy
Blackout Window Tinting is the Bay Area's premier choice for premium auto protection. Based in Gilroy at 610 Holloway Rd (behind Target), we've served the South County and Silicon Valley area for over 33 years. Whether you're coming from Morgan Hill, Hollister, or anywhere else in the Bay Area, we're your trusted local source for professional window tint, PPF, and ceramic coating.
📞 Questions? Call us at 408-848-8468 or get a free quote online.
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.
