Who has their van sign written?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Right, on the back of a thread in the gallery section. Who has their van (or car as the case may be) sign writen up for their business. I know that it can attarct theives etc, but was wondering who has it.

Steve

[deltic]

i have a pair of magnetics - don't seem to use them tho

[sgldisco]

My van has graphics fitted and has done for 5 years...:D

Gains me free advertising & i've had no problems.

As i've said on this question before, If someone is going to steal from a vehicle, They will steal regardless of whether it's signwritten or not....

[MagicMusic]

I don't have a van yet but I chose the second option as I will get it done as soon as I do.

In my opinion the Pros outweigh the Cons.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If someone is going to steal from a vehicle, They will steal regardless of whether it's signwritten or not....

That doesn't make sense. If they know what is inside because of the sign writing then they are more likely to steal from it.

[Tony Scott]

My van has graphics fitted and has done for 5 years...:D

Gains me free advertising & i've had no problems.

As i've said on this question before, If someone is going to steal from a vehicle, They will steal regardless of whether it's signwritten or not....

My vans have never been sign written and I've had 2 break-ins so I would agree if they want to have it away they will... that said I would be worried about drawing attention to the fact that the vehicle is being used in a DJ business as I've heard personal accounts of DJ's being followed and robbed :(

[MagicMusic]

I think any type of commercial vehicle puts you at risk. Even Tesco delivery vans have "no cash is held in this vehicle" (or words to that effect) written on the driver door.

I'm sure that DJ equipment is more desirable than a lot of other things that might be stored in a van but I have a pal who's had plain old tools nicked so you never know.

[ppentertainments]

I have my website along the back of the car if it counts? ? Works well for me

[Corabar Steve]

I'm thinking of getting some wording put on my rear doors

"This van has been broken into 3 times since I've owned it. Do you really think I'd be that stupid to still leave anything of any value in it?"

[yourdj]

NO chance. I would rather have a removable sign saying

"Tobys garden refuse removals" or something.

[Shaun]

Mine is sign written.



Here's a few other old threads on the subject matter...

http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7666
http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=10785
http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=11392
http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2950
http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=25167
http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=14816

[rob1963]

If someone is going to steal from a vehicle, They will steal regardless of whether it's signwritten or not....


That doesn't make sense. If they know what is inside because of the sign writing then they are more likely to steal from it.

Exactly what I was thinking.

Common sense would suggest that someone is more likely to break into a van which has sign writing advertising the fact that it's likely to be full of expensive disco gear rather than a plain white van with no sign writing & which therefore does not stick out.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

mine is not sign written and the only time gear is stored in there is when traveling to and from gigs. Otherwise its stored in a secure lock up "safestore".

added insurance costs as well as increased risk of break ins far out weight the one or two extra gigs i may gain.

[Pazz]

My van is has sign writing on but it should all be coming off this Friday (if all goes to plan). Some of you may recall a post by me earlier this week about possibly selling my van - this is one reason I'm removing them. The other is I don't really get any bookings from having them on there but I get a lot of people staring at me which makes me a bit uncomfortable!!! I would rather not draw attention to myself or my vehicle (for obvious reasons) so I have decided to take them off and be normal again or just another white van driver!

[DeckstarDeluxe]

My van is has sign writing on but it should all be coming off this Friday (if all goes to plan). Some of you may recall a post by me earlier this week about possibly selling my van - this is one reason I'm removing them. The other is I don't really get any bookings from having them on there but I get a lot of people staring at me which makes me a bit uncomfortable!!! I would rather not draw attention to myself or my vehicle (for obvious reasons) so I have decided to take them off and be normal again or just another white van driver!

surely if people are looking thats a good thing? If your a dj you gotta be ok with being the focus of many peoples attention?

[sgldisco]

A lot of this topic is very dependant on a few factors. Where you live, What you use your van / car for i.e transport to and from gigs or a mobile storage area.

Thankfully theft isn't high in my area.

ALL of my gear is removed from my van after every gig anyway, So unless someone plans to break into my secure premises or jump me at a gig, They really will be wasting their time:p :p ...

For people who seem a little confused by my last statement, What I meant was if someone wants to nick your gear, Isn't it possible to get your address details via internet, websites, phone books etc?? :eek:

Mostly all vans have high value equipment in them, Even you're gardeners as someone brought up can have equipment in excess of thousands of pounds on board.

I certainly wouldn't hesitate on having a vehicle signwritten stating what your business is because I still believe that if someone wants your stuff, It WILL be gone regardless...

[rob1963]

I certainly wouldn't hesitate on having a vehicle signwritten stating what your business is because I still believe that if someone wants your stuff, It WILL be gone regardless...

Which of the following do you think is most likely...

1) For someone to see a van with sign writing advertising that it contains expensive mobile disco gear & as a result of that to break in with a view to stealing that gear.

2) For someone to notice a plain van & decide to break in on the off chance that there may be something inside it which they might be able to sell on?

Do you REALLY think that every sign written mobile disco van that's broken into would STILL have been broken into if it was just a plain white van?

If so, I think that's rather naive.

[sgldisco]

I think everyone has an opinion regarding this issue and i've stated mine which other people support too...

My van is fully insured, My equipment is fully insured. I struggle to see a problem??

Am I going to stop parking my high theft risk £10000 GSXR1000 where I decide I want too??

Put simply NO

The pro's outway the con's for me i'm afraid & I also think turning up at gigs with a signwritten van looks a lot more professional than the white van man but this is ONLY my opinion & that's what the original poster asked for:cool:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I also think turning up at gigs with a signwritten van looks a lot more professional

..and your other job just happens to be a sign writer. What a coincidence! :D

[rob1963]

..and your other job just happens to be a sign writer. What a coincidence! :D

Ahhh...NOW we know why he's so in favour of sign writing!

[rob1963]

Used to be about 2 years ago, yes....:D

Mobile dj full time at last....:cool:

In that case, I'd change your occupation on your profile.

[sgldisco]

Yes but regardless of my employment, I can't see why that has any relevance to the original question...

Do you have signwriting on your vehicle?? YES & my reasons for it

THIS WAS MY OPINION, THAT'S ALL..

I can see everyone's meant to be saying NO to this question..

Don't have signwriting on your van, Your gear will get nicked :bang: :bang:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Why do so many people seem to think that just because the majority have a different view to them, they are being 'got at' in some way? :confused:

You have your opinion and you're entitled to it, but most people on this thread disagree with your views..... that's all!

[sgldisco]

I stay in an area with 2 houses in a 2 miles radius, Nearest village is 3 miles away (250 residents) and the nearest town is 16 miles away (4-5000 residents)

It's called rural countryside.

I have already highlighted that where you stay is a contributing factor.

I have NO worries about security, As theft is classified low risk & everything's insured (very cheaply I may add due to my surroundings)..

If you stay in a busy or high theft area, Then people will have different views because insurance is more expensive etc..

Is this a valuable point or should we still not have signwriting on our van??;)

[DJMaxG]

I totally agree that signwriting looks smart and professional (it can do), but the downsides with vinyl/airbrushing is that it can't be removed.

Another advantage is that the client(s) are aware of your presence, and know who you are, a bit like how companies have uniform.

Driving Instructors use magnetic signs and they work a treat, but what that would look like on a panel van, I don't know.

My opinion is that a VAN poses a security risk full stop, with or without signwriting, if you want to go totally covert, then use a car. Most vans carry some form of expensive tools, not just discos, yet it is discos that decide not to have signwriting, builders and carpenters have graphics on.

I guess that may be down to the fact the vehicles are being used at night, and could possibly be parked in the most insecure of areas, where's most other trades just operate during daylight.

Burgularies occur with all commerical vehicles.

If you think about it, whilst you are working at a function, all (if not, most) of your equipment required on that night will be inside the venue in use, when you get to your storage unit or office, it will then be secured, and when you're driving back, it will also be under your close supervision.

I don't think leaving expensive items in vehicles is ever appropriate, you wouldn't leave a sat nav on the dashboard of your car, so why do it with equipment. If storage is an issue, then a shed would do the trick, anything is better than a van parked on your front drive.

[sgldisco]

Agree with you fully djmaxg.

When you say the vinyl can't come off, I presume you mean as and when you want to, like the magnetic signs for instance.

Airbrushing poses a problem without respray for van sale though..

Vinyl graphics can be removed very easily for the likes of van sale, bored and want a change etc..

Bodywraps look fantastic but you have no end of problems with the laminate lifting at sharp corner creases etc but for turning the white van man into a advertising billboard for the duration of van ownership/lease, Nothing comes close to just pulling it off when need be...

The white van looks like new when it's removed..;)

[DJMaxG]

Yep, I meant vinyl couldn't be removed constantly, I'm aware that customers update their graphics.

So, do your customers have to provide graphics in a certain resolution?

Do you design the artwork for the signs, generally?

[Charlie Brown]

Mine is sign written.


Shaun,

Have you got a picture of yours?

[sgldisco]

Don't do much in the graphics now butstill the odd job when quiet..

Usually the customer sends us a letter head and we draw it from there but with sign printing capabilities now, A lot of companies can just print what you want from a jpg,bmp,cdr etc file..

Of course for people with no direction, we can draw something for them..

[Shaun]

Shaun,

Have you got a picture of yours?

There's images of it in one of the links I've posted above.


Edit: Here you go... http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showpost.php?p=140528&postcount=16

I've had varying comments on it here on the forum. I like it though, and it's brought in it's fair share of enquiries/bookings.

[sgldisco]

Looks the business Shaun..

Very classy.:cool:

[Charlie Brown]

Yeah...I like it very much. :approve:

[SC Events]

Looks great! :)

[Charlie Brown]

Sorry, I asked Shaun to show us the pictures...but

:ontopic:

Magnetics seem the way forward for the time being. I'm tempted to stick some on Mum's car. :sj:

[ppentertainments]

Magnetics seem the way forward for the time being. I'm tempted to stick some on Mum's car. :sj:

I had some on my last vehicle and they damaged the paintwork - beware, especially if it's your Mum's car :D :D

[Pazz]

surely if people are looking thats a good thing? If your a dj you gotta be ok with being the focus of many peoples attention?

I'd rather be the centre of attention when I'm dj'ing and not when I'm driving that's all. So all vinyl logos being removed Friday morning. I'm also cutting back on bookings for this year now so I will not need the advertising as much!

[rob1963]

I'd rather be the centre of attention when I'm dj'ing and not when I'm driving that's all.

Interesting.

I'd rather not be the centre of attention at either.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Here's mine.

[Charlie Brown]

Huh!???

That's fake! Unless it's new?

Very very very nice though.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That's fake! Unless it's new?



:whistle:

[Charlie Brown]

I can never tell with you...

I'm :confused:


........for a change. :p

[Jiggles]

Shuan's been at at work again. :P

[Shaun]

Huh!???

That's fake! Unless it's new?

Very very very nice though.
I mocked it up when Daz first bought his van. He was too cheap to get it done though. He'll probably post saying that it was for insurance reasons or security reasons....but he's just cheap. :D :D :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I think i will defo be getting mine done (when i get round to getting a van that is)....just keep windows in the back so people can see theres nothing in it!

You may be getting a message for a mock up within the next 12 months Shaun ;)

Anyone else whant to show photos of their van...... :D

[DJMaxG]

I am NOT going to read the posts before I write this message, so I have not cheated, BUT I'm guessing that's fake Daz :lol:

[sgldisco]

Here's a few pics of my van.

I have my hard hat on, So any comments welcome.;)

It's not quite as bright in real life but due to the low light outside the camera flash went off.....

[Charlie Brown]

I don't particularly like it.

I'd expect Auntie Happy the Children's magician to drive that...

I prefer "classy" I think...

If it works for you then ... :beer1: :approve:

[DJMaxG]

Nice :D

I'm not fond of text and images crossing panels though, and the colour theme doesn't take my taste, but that's a personal thing.

[sgldisco]

Fair point, I suppose my van is the other side of the spectrum..

While Shaun's Is very classy, Mine is very in your face (BOLD & BRASH)..

I don't specialise in any type of disco entertainment & that's why the van was designed to appeal to any age group, As it stands out and grabs everyone's attention.

And I would have too say a BIG YES It certainly does work for me...

Cheers for the comments..;)

[DJMaxG]

It's in McDonalds colours :p

[Charlie Brown]

Loving the private number plate too. ;)

[sgldisco]

Believe it or not charlie, I had that number plate on my old car for 4 years and never once noticed with a number plate screw and popper on, It was as near as damn it sgl....

A mate asked me a week before I sold the car if I had bought a new number lol...

Needless to say, I kept the number:cool:

[Shaun]

I don't particularly like it.



Really?!?!

I think his van looks great. The yellow goes great with the red van.

[Charlie Brown]

Really?!?!


Don't you think it looks cheesy?

[Shaun]

Don't you think it looks cheesy?

Vibrant and fun, yes! Cheesy, no.

[Jiggles]

the graphics sute the colour of the van and work well! I like it too!

[sgldisco]

Thanks for the comments Shaun..

TBH, I was very limited to vinyl colour choices because of the van colour..

But as the van was FREE GRATIS because of a :Censored: Diesel fuel pump which cost £350 to get rebuilt & lots of my man hours, I lived within my means for an 04 plate..

I love my little van & it doesn't go far without being noticed..:cool:

[Excalibur]

Vibrant and fun, yes! Cheesy, no.

Postman Pat, Postman Pat................................:D :D :D :D

It's certainly eye catching. ;)

[sgldisco]

Hehe, The vans actually more maroon than red in the flesh.. It's no where near as RED as in the pics lol..

[DeckstarDeluxe]

sorry that red van looks awful

[sgldisco]

Thanks Callum..;)

[visualdjmax]

Here's a few pics of my van.

I have my hard hat on, So any comments welcome.;)

It's not quite as bright in real life but due to the low light outside the camera flash went off.....

No sign of Jess the Cat?

[DJMaxG]

I often wonder why van manafactures use several panels and not just one, The previous Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Partner for example, had one panel on each side, which was ideal for graphics, as it doesn't have to cross panels.

Do you agree SGL, that graphicising a single panel looks better?

[sgldisco]

Yes, Good point but I think it is due to reinforcement of the body shell. Although they seem to be changing nowadays as most big vans have a suitable area for graphics.