Vehicle wrap providers can range from companies that focus only on creating and installing vehicle wraps to commercial printing shops, sign shops or graphic design companies that offer wraps as an additional service. Companies that work solely with vehicle wraps typically have the most experience. However, you may pay a little more for that level of experience because of the highly skilled knowledge and use of vinyl materials, design and installation level.
Wrap Certified
When shopping around for the right vehicle wrap provider, it’s important to find one that is certified by one of the top distributors like Fellers that work with multiple brands of vinyl – (3M, Avery, and Oracal) that provide certified training for vehicle wrap providers to ensure that they learn the best methods for applying vehicle wraps.
To become certified, exclusive vehicle wrap providers go through an intensive course to learn every aspect of a vinyl wrap installation – from properly aligning and affixing the material to wrapping more complex angles and rivets. This applies to vinyl and laminate product knowledge as well. Once vendors complete the course, Fellers certifies them and lets them promote their new status to potential customers. By working with a certified vehicle wrap provider, you can have increased confidence that your vehicle wrap will be done properly.
CONDUCT A SITE VISIT
Arrange a visit to the vehicle wrap facilities. This lets you watch various stages of wrap production and the level of attention that goes into each step. If the provider is confident and knowledgeable they should not have any problem with a visit. In fact should welcome the chance to show their highly experienced facilities.
Observe the process of designing, printing (production) and laminating, and examine the finished product for quality. View an actual installation, and take note of the installer’s attention to detail. Does the installer frequently reposition the graphics to get the right fit? Are there any noticeable creases or bubbles in the material after each panel is applied? How careful is the installer when cutting away excess material? This will give you a good idea of the type of service you can expect. Unexperienced installers may cut your vehicle and leave marks in your paint. Good questions to ask are: How many vehicle wraps have you produced? Chances are if they have only done 15 to 30 they are usually less experienced. How long have you been producing vehicle wraps? What are the experience levels of your designers? Have they done many vehicle wrap designs? Do you have any references that you could give us? Does your business mainly focus on vehicle wraps? Do you “farm out” your work or is it done at your facility? Chances are if they are “farming out” any part of your vehicle wrap it will not be a quality wrap. For example a so called vehicle wrap provider could just print your wrap but “farm out” the installation or they could “farm out” the printing and provide just the installation. Which in these cases they would not have complete control over various aspects leading to problems down the road for you. The best way is to choose a vehicle wrap provider that does all three — design, production, printing, and installing — all under one roof.
OTHER THINGS TO LOOK FOR
In addition to certification, there are other significant signs of quality and reliability you should look for in a vehicle wrap provider.
Since the average cost of a wrap will be similar across multiple vehicle wrap providers, look for ways vendors distinguish themselves from others. Are they solely a vehicle wrap provider or is their business concentrated on commercial printing and this is just a side venture? Can you meet with the vehicle wrap provider to discuss different design possibilities? Can the designer make suggested changes quickly? Will the vehicle wrap provider walk you through the finished project to make sure you’re pleased? You want to make sure to select a vehicle wrap provider that is committed to making you comfortable with your purchase. Not a provider that is in the learning curve with your vehicle while they are running a press for commercial printing. (Not good!)
Be very aware of vehicle wrap providers whose prices are far lower than their competition. A provider who quotes a rate half as much as your other bids should raise a red flag. Companies that name themselves as vehicle wrap providers that offer cut rates are unlikely to stay in business long, will not have an experienced crew and may not be around if you have problems down the line. They are usually quoting on low end materials that will surely peel off or fade within a few months. Sad to say but very true in the vehicle wrap business.
Last but not least, ask the vehicle wrap provider about their vehicle wrap warranties. Policies vary from provider to provider, but you’re usually covered for 3 years on installations and one year on window perforated (view thru) installations. Vehicle wrap providers’ warranties only cover installation failures due to their negligence (e.g., improper cleaning, faulty material cuts). Manufacturer product warranties cover the product against cracks, peels or fades. Vehicle wrap providers are typically not responsible for wrap damage caused by acts of nature or customer abuse.
This post was written by Larry LaPorte - President of Finelines Graphics, Inc. — a vehicle wrap provider with over 20 years in the vehicle wrap business. Please email him at or call him at 586-954-3463 with any questions regarding your vehicle wrap project. www.finelinesgraphics.com
©2012 Finelines Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved
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