At first, i didn't even know that what I was thinking of was called a wrap. I finally figured that out after a few Google searches. Then I had to find someone to do the wrap. I happened to be driving by one of the local sign companies (Fastsigns to be exact) and saw a panel van that they had done. You know the type - 'Use our truck to move...' So, I figured if they could do that, they could do my Scion.
I went in for my estimate, and the franchise owner was the one to do my estimate. He explained that they didn't do the actual wrap on site, but took the car to the Richmond VA shop for that. He measured my car, crunched his numbers, and came up with a figure of $3000. I figured, that in eight months, it would pay for itself - not through generated business, but through saved advertising costs. The local newpaper charges about $90 for a little self-promotional ad that runs once a week. So, at $90 a week, it would take about 33 weeks to pay for itself - and I'd still have the advertising.
It turned out that my timing for getting the wrap done wasn't the best. The graphic designer was on vacation. So I told them I'd design it myself, but that they would have some artistic license in the implementation of the design. Finally, the design was done and I had proofed the final look.
Now it was ready to get the wrap done -- oops, not so fast. A bit of a rush came in when one of the companies they had a contract with needed part of a new fleet done. No problem, just another couple of weeks to wait. Next, one of the guys who does the actual wrap quit and moved out of state. A little bit more of a delay. After a couple of months it was time to send my car to Richmond. Once there, it took a couple of days longer than expected to get it back.
Was I unhappy with them for all the delays? No. They were timely in keeping me informed of upcoming delays and the reasons behind them. To top it off, they discounted the job and added a back window treatment to my wife's 4Runner at no extra cost. I never had to ask for the discount. It was given to me when I went in to pay the final bill. That's customer service.
I don't use them for my real estate signs as they're a little pricier than my normal sign company. I do, however, recommend them to anyone who wants to have similar work done to their car.
A little added touch to the back of our cars is a business card holder. As long as you can accept the fact that a stranger will be touching your car, it's great to have. We even got a listing when the office was closed and our car was sitting out front. The person grabbed a card and called us to list a house later in the day.
Oh yeah, I suppose I should put up a picture of the Scion.
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