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Vehicle Advertising + Road Rage = Stalker?

Dawn Cook's blog about Road Rage, got me thinking about vehicle advertising. While driving to an appt this a.m., I counted well over 100 vehicles with magnetic signs or some type of advertising (agents, landscapers, stores, restaurants, delivery service, pizza, computer repair - you get the point).

I'm a very cautious driver. Sometimes overly cautions, but always keenly aware that my company name, phone number and website are advertised on my vehicle. I drive a lot of miles and yes, sometimes I do get upset at other drivers behavior. So much so in fact that I have actually considered rolling down my window and explaining the rules of the road on more than one occasion. Then, I am reminded that my phone number is right below my window and the idiot driver could actually call me, email me, find me and stalk me (or worse) for the rest of my life.

Would it be worth it to correct their unfortunate miseducation? Obviously, they failed to learn the rules of the road before they were given their license or perhaps it's been so long that they have forgotten?

Marci Toliver shared an experience where someone actually pulled a gun on her. WOW! I can't even begin to imagine what that may have been like.

So - I'll ask the question - is vehicle advertising worth the exposure OR are we merely asking for trouble?

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes on 02/26/2007 08:32 PM

Comments (55)

road rage, advertising, dawn cook, marci toliver

55 Comments on Vehicle Advertising + Road Rage = Stalker?

FEB

2007

Calie,

This is an interesting question, and I found this blog minutes after I just ordered a sign for my car! Hmmmm. Is this an omen? Guess it will make me more polite behind the wheel:)

I think that vehicle advertising IS worth the exposure in a vast majority of the cases. I don't do it because...well...I don't know. Its just not for me. I find myself laughing internally at the agent with the big hummer truck with the leopard stripes and their contact info. But it does work for soooo many folks, maybe I should make it for me??

Just the other day, I was in North Scottsdale and almost witnessed a PT Cruiser ( with REMAX all over including the famous balloon) crash into a Chevy Silverado with Realty Executives painted on the Truck. It was on the intersection of FLW and Scottsdale Rd. Fortunately, nothing happened b/c pf great breaks on the vehicles worked well and nothing happened. I can not see any relationship amongst the two of them down the road.

I often see drivers driving terribly, cutting off other drivers, etc....while they have their contact info all over the car. Scary if you ask me. I used to have magnets on the side of my car with my name & # but not anymore. I have had many calls from 'weirdos' while I'm driving with 'interesting' comments.

Interesting consideration. On the other hand, could your driving ever cause someone to call you to do business with you? Hmmmm I don't think that would work in my case..

Judi

I have had mine for almost two years and nothing but positive for me. No weirdo calls.

vehicle sign I've had this graphic on my truck for the last six months. I know it's hard to make out in the tiny photo, but I purposely tried to not be obnoxious. I've had a number of contacts from it (no closes yet), and some interesting phone calls while driving. Had a call the other night asking how much the home I was working on was going to be when I listed it... someone saw it sitting in my driveway ;-)

I agree that it makes me pay attention to my driving, and I find myself "letting people cut in" way moe often than I used to. I wave a lot more too. And I try to follow up my mailings by making sure I'm driving the neighborhoods just after they go out.

I know it makes some of you ladies nervous, but at least here in Boise we don't seem to have those troubles. I can think of six or seven women in my office with graphics and have never heard a story of any problems.

Calie - What a great topic. Often in the real estate industry we put ourselves out there with the best of intentions to promote ourselves and often we do that with our picture or on the web with our picture and profile so that potential clients know that we are people not just a name working for a company. I have often thought about this exposure and knowing the people can be people; could I be setting myself up for some who doesn't like or does like the way I look, talk, my opinions, etc.

In the end, we have to put ourselves out there and pray that God will protect us from anyone who might do us harm. I think that keeping your windows rolled up and opinions to ourselves is a prudent think to do when our names and phone numbers are blazed all over our cars so that God doesn't have to work overtime.

Be well and be smart!

James

I actually used to have contact info on my licence plate holder, but then my wife pondered the same question you have asked (she had a similar plate holder as well) -is it a good idea? We took them off quite some time ago and have decided not to advertise in this manner because when it comes down to it, you just never know.

I've thought of it too..I know women can get strange calls..we have our photos plastered everywhere allong with our phone numbers. At least they are all cellular now..nobody can find us at home..(I hope)

I have yet to put any advertising on my vehicle. I have heard that you dont get much business from it, the main benefit is branding. Is this true? I had a vehichle lettered when I owned a landscaping company and never once received a call off my truck or my trailer, all my calls came from phonebook advertising or referrals. and occasionaly i got a call saying one of my guys turned illegaly at a stop light or something of that nature.

I never was able to target that any particular contact was only from the car ads (when we had them) but yes, its all part of branding and repeat name recognition. But when it comes right down to it, who has a pencil & paper handy (except agents) when they are driving to jot down phone numbers. We didn't list the phone number but our easier to remember web address instead.

Interesting post, I never had any thing wierd happen to be because of my signs, I did have a lady call me once to tell me I had a ticket on my car, That was the day my wife had the car.

I have thought about putting my information on my car, however for that reason I think I'm going to limit it to my website. I guess with all the advertising you put out there, if someone really wants to track you down it's not going to be that hard.

I have my website address rather than my phone number on my truck, along with my slogan. Don't even have my name on there. People DO read it, though - I've had them mention it.

What a Great question you pose? I have my vehicles and team members vehicles wrapped with our names and phone numbers and yes I have received nasty calls from people accusing my team of driving errors and such. I will say though it is worth the effort good and bad.!

calie,

Thanks for the post. I really see this no differently than your Internet exposure or printed media advertising exposure.

I'm sorta funny on this. I won't wear a name tag because I find them annoying. (Just this hang up I have.) Yet I drive a MINI Cooper with advertising all over it. I've received many calls from people on the road telling me how cool it is and I've heard other people say "that's the ugliest car I've ever seen" when they don't know it's mine at the car-wash.

But everybody sees it one way or the other.

I cannot say that I've ever gotten a sale off it directly. (Wow! What a car! Will you list my house?) But I can say that people honk, wave and chastise me later when we talk saying that I didn't see them. My wife is constantly told by her friends where they see me. (Which sometimes is funny because there is another red/white MINI in Olathe and they confuse them. Isn't that great. I'm so branded EVERY MINI cooper is me!)

Of course, I've seen some vehicle advertisements that look bad or uncomplimentary. If you are not a designer, have a designer come up with yours. Enjoy it if you do it.

Thanks for the post Calie. You have given me a lot to think about.

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

www.martininspect.com

I have to agree with those who said web site only. I have a bumper sticker with my web site only. I don't want somebody calling me while either of us is driving. Most websites are easy to remember. And if they want to tell me off from the web site I'm OK with that, but it hasn't happened yet.

Great topic! I actually had my vehicle "wrapped" with my company logo and phone number. I even had "Toll Free:" and "Cell"

I am also in Arizona. I was travelling from Chandler to Scottsdale on the 101 and I unknowingly cut off a car that was speeding...,must have been speeding, I say.

Anyway, I am oblivious to the cut-off and just driving along when my cell phone rings.

"This is Karen, can I help you?"

"I'm following you bitch and I'm going to teach you a lesson."

I looked in my rearview mirrors but tere were a hundred cars behnd me, I decided not to let this jerk-off rattle my cage, so I remaned calm and kept an eye out for anyone that was hehind me "too long."

However, the next day I got some Goo-Gone and removed the cool "wrapping" signage from my SUV I dont think I got a single client from that vehicle wrap anyway...just a lot of aggravatiom

Interesting point -- I can see it both way --sometimes you want the exposure and sometimes you don't --

FEB

2007

Calie,

I have magnetic signs on my car. I have to agree that it makes me think twice before I let some of the crazy drivers on the road know what I think about them, but I have to say I don't think any of my clients have come from the signs and I'm thinking of taking them off, I have a black car and I have noticed that the paint under the sign is changing colors. :( In today's world I don't think we can be to careful. Of course a God as my co-pilot (poor guy) I guess I shouldn't worry. :) He should!

Good post thanks for making us think.

Oops sorry I forgot to leave my name on the above post. :/

I have adhesive lettering on the back of my car with my website address (which includes my name) but I do not have my cell phone listed there. I'm a polite driver, but my husband sometimes takes the car ... Anyway, also didn't want "weirdo" calls from guys around me in traffic, you never know.

I have never used any vehicle advertising, we work enough and I wouldn't want the feeling that every minute is being watched. Like many I can be annoying at times. For example if someone rides up on my fast flashing their headlights, my thought is to slow down and make them crawl. If I feel like twisting it a little I will even flash them a smile in my rear view mirror.

So far, I have resisted advertising for my car but living in a resort community, I wonder if I've made a good decision. I always wonder if anyone actually gets any business from this type of advertising.

I've thought about putting my website on my car. But sometimes I like to remain anonymous.

We have the VW beatle bugs in my area advertizing "Foxtons Real Estate" and "The Geek Squad" Computer Tech guys. I don't know if it would work in your area but around here they are laughed at more than respected. The foxtons car more than the geek squad.

Oh I forgot to mention, on my other vehicle, my truck, I'm fully wrapped. I can't contribute anything from it directly, but nearly every day I drive it someone comments about it or about real estate so it's just a matter of time I guess:

Cape Coral Real Estate Cape Coral Homes for Sale F150 with 38" tires :)

Haven't yet added signs to my car, but I won't worry about anything when I do. You could just as easily get a call from a crazy or a weirdo from one of your signs or billboards. Lets face it, those people are out there regardless. My advise would be if you feel any discomfort at all with a call you receive or a gesture given to you, report it. Report it no matter how insignificant you think the authorities may view it. You really never know in this day and age.

I drive reckless because I'm jotting down the email addy's from the advertising. Go figure.

Cause / effect?

Any publicity is still publicity. I have not gotten a call from my magnet. I was thinking about wrapping my next vehicle as those seem to get noticed.

I don't use the magnetic signs because I know they can damage the finish and I'm just not comfortable with my name in three inch letters. My husband on the other hand would have 3'x5' signs on HIS car if I let him. I do use the license plate holders and an R on the back window and keep business cards with me at all times.

From all of the responses and the emails I've received, this is a hot topic!

As Angela Wagner stated above," Publicity is still Publicity". Women should be more careful than men in what type of advertising. Perhaps website only? I just don't know. I love the wrapped look and to be honest, I think the professional image that it conveys is worth every look and wierd call.

Take a second look at Michael J. Nelson's 5 car commando above. WOW! Susan Milner's 4x4s are definitely speaking volumes! Definitely would not be able to miss them coming down the road. Even if I didn't have the need for their services, I'll tell you I would definitely remember their "presence" and if someone asked me if I knew a Realtor(r) I would be able to recall their advertising...absolutely! Have I done it -you bet.

On the flip side, if someone with vehicle advertising does cut me off, cuss me out or irritate me - I am likely to remember it and not do business with them in the future. I can recall an incident several years ago where a local plumber acted less then civil toward me in a parking lot. To this day, I will not recommend his service. It's sad, but true. (what goes around comes around).

Does it matter what type of advertising? Does it make a difference if the car is wrapped, magnetic signed or a vinyl sticker?

According to Yahoo - ad·ver·tis·ing (dvr-tzng) KEY

NOUN:

The activity of attracting public attention to a product or business, as by paid announcements in the print, broadcast, or electronic media.

Isn't advertising merely a form of written communication and isn't that the purpose after all?

I have had my new plates for almost 3 weeks now. I am very aware that I have the plates and try to drive much "nicer" than before. However, I don't have my name and number in big letters all over the car. I do have my business card magnets on my car, but someone would have to get out of their car and take a magnet for my number if they wanted to call and yell about my driving. Plates

Do people actually call on vehicle advertising? Do they see you car and think; "Oh my, there is a realtor, hurry up and call him/her, I need to sell my house!"? I know it is more exposure and sometimes a conversation starter when you parked somewhere, but have you had a significant business increase from this type of advertising? No, really?

WOW - Donna - that's a great plate. No doubt in what you're advertising there. I'm 98% sure we don't have anything like that available here in Arizona. If we do, I've never seen one. What kind of feedback do you get?

Aside from all the issues during drive time mentioned here, I've always wondered how sellers feel about having such a vehicle in their drive when they're interviewing listing agents prior to listing. Some sellers may not want the neighbors to know they are moving, especially if they are preparing for a job change or a divorce.

I don't have any real estate stuff on the WEENR mobile, but neighbors in my farm area know my SUV (with the WEENR plate) and will comment about, "I saw you at the house on _____. Are they moving?"

Elaine - You know, I've actually had clients ask if I had any vehicle advertising and would I mind removing it before our appointment...for that exact reason - they didn't want their neighbors knowing ...

Another great question to ponder... Would an agent remove their advertising for a perspective client? Obviously a wrapped vehicle would pose an entirely different issue, but what about magnetic signs?

OH!!! Thank you to everyone for your incredible responses. I was so excited this a.m. when I got up and saw I had my first *Feature* post. I even did a little happy dance (which absolutely perplexed my entire family, but hey - you understand .... ) THANK YOU, THANK YOU ;-)

I had never thought about the weirdo phone calls before. I have car magnets on my car and my realtors have their cars wrapped. One of them calls it the Circus Wagon and the other likes it. I think it looks nice and professional. One of my Realtors got a recruiting call off of her car. My car magnets didn't last long- we have really bad wind here in West Texas so during our last dirt storm one of them came off and I'm not able to find it. I also love the Texas REALTOR plates. I am thinking of getting those when I buy my next car. I aven't heard of many problems with car signs and wraps- I gues to each his own. Some people it works for- some it doesn't.

There are many ways those who want to do harm can. I have considered vehicle advertising as well and, in fact, still am considering it. I haven't given thought to those who will act out their "road rage" using the information on my vehicle, but my plan is to limit what Information I make available on my car and direct the audience that I am targeting to my web-site. One would have to be very persistent to then go to my site and "target me or my business there". Most people won't feel it's worth the effort, but if you get someone who does we're now talking about "intent" to harrass/harm. There are civil protections should you encounter such persistence. This behavior has yet to stop the thousands of others across the country from continuing to advertise using their vehicles.

I have been thinking about signage for my car for some time and after reading the article here as well as all the comments, I think I'm going to wait. Great post and CONGRATULATIONS on your first featured : )

Calie, I've only had the plates for less than 3 weeks, so no added business yet. However, my friends and clients love them and think they are really cool! My clients that have seen them thought it was just another way that I think outside the box.

You might want to check your state's website and see if they offer the plates under the specialty plates section. It was $30 for the plate ($22 going to TAR) and then $40 to personalize it, and with the help of AR, I had many ideas from people on how to personalize them.

Hey Calie, Great post and congrats on the featured blog!

I don't think it is ever, in any way, worth involving yourself and/or your vehicle with another on the road. Signs or no signs, there are a lot of stress-out people out there who can 'flip-out' in a nano-second! What good does it do anyway?

When I see agressive driving, I get the heck out of the way!

VAL

It seems so common now seeing ads on vehicles that like information overload alot of them are just ignored. Unless we are stopped or backed up inching along don't really pay attention...do people really look for a realtor by car signs?

Val - Thanks for the congrats. I'm still dancing :-) Talk about stress, think about driving in Arizona in the middle of summer on a freeway going nowhere and no air conditioning or worse, a Phoenician in New York during the winter trying to get to work in the snow. I can feel the stress.

Teri - I'm not sure if people look for Realtor specifically, but I do know that I feel more comfortable calling upon service people (or whoever) to come to my house if I have seen their vehicle at a neighbor's home. It's not an actual recommendation, but in a sense it could be.

FEB

2007

Calie,

I've had logos & names/numbers on my PT Cruiser for 6 years... No problems, altho it makes it harder to speed thru school zones!

I'd do it again, but keep it tasteful... We have enough fully wrapped vehicles already!

I have a question for those who do use the magnetic signs or the car wrap. Do you feel there's any additional risk that your vehicle will be broken into while you're inside getting groceries etc? Many people know that agents use & keep with them a lot of techie toys. Our cars can also be roaming offices with clients files which often contain bank account numbers or SS numbers.

I realize that all cars can be subject to theft if a laptop can be seen, but if I were a thief and saw a Realtor's car, I would think the probability of finding something of value just increased a hundred-fold.

MAR

2007

I am a home stager, and there are always curious neighbors wanting to know who it is that's moving furniture in and out of a house. I think a magnetic car sign would be a good idea just to let them know what's going on, and hey, if I get a few calls out of it along the way, even better!

MAR

2007

I have vinyl signs on the back window and both rear quarter windows of my Scion XB. Now I look at it a bit differently than the above post and comments. I have always been able to physically intimidate folks, luckily I have quite a bit of experience tuning it down so as to not come off as a challenge to any but the most drunk. But it is a skill I honed back in the Punk Rock days of my youth. Now I use the awareness of my signs as a sort of training tool for myself. The ID keeps me on my best behavior. I even go out of my way to stop, and of course pull up in front of people I see in cars stopped along the road. I ask if I can help them with anything like a phone call or such. I have changed a few tires for people and given lots of directions. I haven't got any business from it yet, but lots of good Karma, and I know folks out here in the foothills notice the car. I get stares and questions all the time. I am quite aware, I always keep an eye out for trouble. But really I'm just not willing to live in fear.

Thanks,

Congrats on the post, Great job, keep people thinking!

MAR

2007

Callie, I dont have the signs as of yet! Even after the gun incident, Im still wanting them!

MAR

2007

I think for stagers, like myself, it may be a little different because it can be a little harder to find us and there aren't as many of us out there. I think as far as advertising dollars go for stagers, it's a good idea. I'm planning on adding them to my back and side rear windows of my car but because of this posting, I think I'll put my website and either my office number (NOT my cell number) or no phone number at all. I'm in the book so they can jot down my company name and look me up if they don't have time to write down the entire website address.

Good things to think about. . . thanks.

APR

2007

I've been wondering the same thing. Is it worth it? I'm so hesitant to do this, so I guess I better listen to my gut feeling.

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