Car magnets

Hi, I've been looking into the different ways of trying to get my name out there and think that car magnets (or in my case - 'van magnets') might be one good way to go.

But I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping you can help me with:

1) For those who've chosen to use them; Do you find they're helpful in your advertising?

2) Do they mark your vehicle?

and lastly (and a biggie for me) - how easy are they to remove? I live in a bad area and if something is left outside it usually gets taken or broken and I am wondering if a) the kids could easily pull it off and run off with it somewhere, or b) if it *Is* easy to remove - could I just take it off and bring it in with me each night?

...I'm also wondering if maybe they make vinyl stickies that we can put our details on, that we could put inside the vehicle (kind of like the adhesive sunscreens that they sell for kids for car windows...) Does anyone know of such a thing?

Thanks for your help

I usually wait for a sale and get mine at Vista Print for free. I'm unsure if it has done a whole lot for actual sales, but it is nice to be able to show your business and be able to be 'seen'. It may trigger when combined with the internet or your banner when you are indoors or a biz card a past client has picked up. Repitition and visability add up to brand recognition. This is not an overnight process, but it has worked for me! As far as kids peeling the magnet off of the car, it's unlikely. I've had no problems. BUT if you wait until it's free....then no worries anyways!!

Good point!

Thanks Mehndi

Hi Helena

I have been shopping around for just this kind of thing. Of course Vista Print offers car magnets. I recently found that Walgreens offers window clings. I don't know what size but thats a pretty good idea if it works.
Laurie

Thank you for the idea Laurie.

And Perry, that's what I'm afraid of. I just checked out vista print and see the clings you're talking about - they're just what I was hoping for!

A bit of a silly question, but can you see through them okay, or are they better to one side so as not to inhibit vision?

I have 3 car magnets on my van. I got them from vistaprint for "free". You still pay for shipping & photo uploads. They can be removed easily(if you remember to take them off... I never do). They can be stolen & after time will blow off your car. So, don't get too attached to them as you will replace them. I've gone through about 7 in the last 3 yrs. As far as advertising, I notice I get attention at the drivethru & it gives an opportunity to give your card to the manager. I will have people approach me in parking lots. I've never had anyone say the saw my magnet & had to call. But, everyone knows me & it's a constant reminder(I believe in continually jogging peoples memories as one of the best advertising tools).
I bought the decals & they are completely invisible if you have tinted window. They were a waste. I got the clear ones, so I'm not sure if there's a better option.

Perry Noia wrote:mine have always been stolen.... I've had several and they always disappear.

I now have a vistaprint large decal INSIDE my rear window.

I ordered those with that same intention and on the back of the decal (I think, it's been a while) it states that they're not meant to be used on vehicles? You've found that they've been ok?

Does that effect the defrosty bits on the rear window at all?

Thanks for all the info! I might try one of each 'type' when a special comes up and just see which I prefer... if the vinyl's not too big then maybe it'll be okay for the window and I'll be able to remove the magnet version for outside my van at night when I'm home.

Thanks again

Or... go to a sign shop and have them do a vinyl sign for you and attach it. It is the same adhesive vinyl used on car wraps.

I had car magnets for about 4 yrs. and never worried about them or had any problem. But I also live in NH in the country. You do have make sure your car and the back of the magnet is clean if you take it off and on.
I changed my name or I'd still be using them.
It was worth the $150. for them and I received a lot of comments about them and some work.
The only thing is car insurance, my carrier said I used them all the time my car would have to be listed as business car and the insurance would be some what higher. Just a word of caution... Good luck, I would like to look into the vinyl clings to wrap the car now that my insurance is low because of the age of the car.

my 2 cents...my husband is a magician and a part of a magic forum. He is looking into vinyl wrapping for advertisement, according to many on his forum it is well worth the price, both for the wrapping itself and the increase in the insurance. Its advertising that goes with you whereever you go and since he puts about 3300 miles/week on the vehicle - it gets seen a lot!

He had tried the magnetic signs and the one time he forgot to take them off...someone else did!

by the way, the car dealership said that vinyl wrapping is a great way to keep your car looking new and if you are someone who will trade-in the car down the road, it's great for the trade-in value.

Oh good points!

It never crossed my mind about insurance increasing either - I'll have to inquire and see.