Get Involved in the Vehicle Wrap Business

The wrap business can be lucrative for shops of any size. Find out what it takes to get started in the wrap business‚ then learn some secrets about generating revenue.

Prepress & Printing
To invest or outsource – that’s one of the first decisions you’ll make when it comes to design and printing.

	Pros	Cons
Outsource	Lower start-up costs‚ lower overhead; benefits of work on demand	Less control over work flow‚ consistency
In-house	Greater control over work flow‚ consistency	Higher initial investments in hardware‚ software; higher overhead

Outsourcing may be beneficial in the earliest stages of business development. But in the long term‚ and as your business grows‚ you may find significant value in developing in-house capabilities.

When you choose to bring design in-house‚ understand that designing for vehicles is entirely different from designing for flat graphics. To bring yourself up to speed‚ consider connecting with a knowledgeable resource‚ such as Wrap Experts.

Pro’s Tip: Whether work is outsourced or completed in-house‚ keep in mind that consistency is essential. Maintain detailed archives so you don’t waste time matching films or colors when customers return for additional wraps or repairs.

Computer Hardware‚ Software & Basic Equipment
For a big picture of the essentials (computers‚ software‚ RIP stations‚ design stations‚ etc.) check out these tips courtesy of Wrap Experts.

Generally‚ car wraps are printed using solvent inks rather than UV inks. That’s because solvent inks offer greater flexibility and conformability over vehicle curves.

Reasons to use graphics printed with solvent inks versus UV inks:

• UV inks require greater pressure needed to squeegee out air through channels.
• UV inks are more brittle during application especially in cooler temperatures.
• Solvent inks stretch more readily allowing easier application over heavily contoured areas.
• Solvent printers usually have a lower initial cost if you plan to print in-house.

Pro’s Tip: Make sure that the solvent inks dry out properly. Otherwise‚ adhesion and adhesive features can be adversely affected.

Printers
Pictured below are options for wide-format printers by price range and output. A mid-range solvent inkjet printer is a great starting point for smaller shops.

For more information on printers‚ contact 3M printer manufacturer partners or Wrap Experts.

Media
Two-mil cast films are ideal for vehicle wraps — they deliver superior conformability and dimensional stability.

Opt for materials that are specifically designed to make installation easier. Of the many reasons to choose 3M‚ the slideability‚ repositionability and air release features found in many 3M media are unique from any other brand. Faster installation with fewer mistakes usually means greater profits for you and pleasing results for customers. That’s why 3M media is used for more wraps than any other brand and voted by readers of Wide-Format Imaging Magazine among the 2007 and 2008 Reader’s Choice Top Products.

Films	Overlaminates	Uses	Advantages/Benefits
3M™ Controltac™ Wrap Film with Comply™ v3 Adhesive IJ380Cv3	3M™ Scotchcal™ Gloss Overlaminate 8580	Vehicle and boat wraps with deep channels/severe curves	Stretch it‚ stick it‚ 30% faster.* Highly conformable cast film: graphics resist lifting in deep channels and severe curves No primer or relief cuts needed Fast installation by bridging channels‚ concave areas‚ stretching and adhering Slideable & repositionable (good “snap-up”) Ultimate in air release technology with smooth appearance Improved appearance with no relief cuts and no “design arounds” Removes cleanly with heat
3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film with Comply™ v3 Adhesive IJ180Cv3	3M™ Scotchcal™ Gloss Overlaminate 8518 3M™ Scotchcal™ Luster Overlaminate 8519 3M™ Scotchcal™ Matte Overlaminate 8520 3M™ Scotchcal™ Ultra-Matte Overlaminate 8915	Vehicle‚ trailer and boat wraps	Conformable cast film Slideable & repositionable (good “snap-up”) Ultimate in air release technology with smooth appearance Removes cleanly with heat

*According to a recent independent scientific study‚ film IJ380Cv3 with overlaminate 8580 was 30% faster to install on a 2008 Chevy HHR than the next closest competitor.

Installation
Installation can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours depending on the complexity of the wrap.

If you choose to outsource installation‚ consider using 3M-certified installers.

Installing in-house? Attend a 3M Advanced Wrap Training Seminar. Contact your 3M sales representative or Casandra at cnelson1@mmm.com for more information.

Marketing & Sales
Whether you’re expanding your business with wraps or starting a new wrap business‚ generating revenue will be your number one priority.

Wraps have shown double-digit growth over the last few years-how many other businesses can say that? Advertisers recognize that out-of-home advertising offers high impact and that wraps‚ in particular‚ are one of the most cost-effective forms of high impact advertising.

Pro’s Tips:

• If you’re already selling graphics‚ you're off to a great start. Talk to your existing customers about wraps and visit with their fleet managers or marketing departments.
• Leverage the fact that you are using 3M branded wrap materials. The brand is highly recognizable and should help instill trust with your customers. Warranties are also available from 3M. When using 3M inks‚ the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty applies. When using a 3M approved ink‚ applies. Additional warranties information including these matrices can be found on 3Mgraphics.Com
• Ideal markets to target for wraps include: plumbing‚ electrical‚ landscaping‚ insurance‚ realty‚ general contracting‚ home building‚ as well as auto/marine dealerships. Consider markets with large fleets and big advertising budgets or niche markets free of major competitors.
• Sell using testimonials about wrap advertising effectiveness. (Ask your customers for provide feedback on how their wraps are generating awareness and business opportunities.)
• Sell using impression data. Show prospects CPM and DEC vs. traditional forms of advertising.
• Take concept photos showing before-wrap and after-shots. If a business is already using cut vinyl‚ show them the progression of what a full or partial wrap looks like or what reflective film can do for them for extra attention.
• Let them drive your wrapped vehicles to experience the looks of admiration they get and the conversations they spark.

Capture Opportunities
We’re still at the beginning of a growth curve for wraps and all signs‚ and it’s not going to be leveling off any time soon. Interested? If you are‚ now is the time to get involved and established!

Consider the number of unwrapped commercial vehicles you see every day. Educate the owners about what wraps can do for their businesses.

Remember‚ wraps aren’t just for commercial use. Personalization of vehicles and boats is a market that’s also picking up speed. But‚ don’t stop there…imagine wraps on buildings‚ motorcycles‚ helmets‚ golf carts or even mailboxes!

Where will it next take you and your customers?

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