2. Understand the reasons behind the wrap
Before starting any job, it is important to understand the nature of the customer’s business and what it hopes to achieve by having the wrap installed. The sides of the vehicle will act like a moving billboard, illustrating a trade or a product, and for this visual message to be effective, it should be designed with an understanding the message the customer wants to communicate.
This will require a meeting with the customer to get as much information as possible. The most important question to ask is, “What is this wrap going to advertise?” The answer could be a product, service, brand or corporate image—or the wrap could simply be intended to capture attention.
Not all wraps serve as ‘moving billboards’ to advertise a product or service. These race cars were wrapped by Iconography Studios for the Flying Lizard Livery to celebrate Porsche’s history with the annual 24-hour race in Le Mans, France. Photo courtesy Iconography Studios
3. Set customer expectations
While customers do not need to become vehicle graphic experts, there are some logistical issues they will need to understand about their wraps. They should be informed about the expected life-cycle of the media, for example, including the media supplier’s warranty policies. And it is a good idea to walk around the vehicle with the customer and highlight any areas with potential problems or where graphics may need to be relief-cut or seamed.
It is also a good idea to provide a ‘care sheet’ to the customer with each wrap, listing ways they can help extend the useful life of the graphics, including suitable washing techniques, restoration products and storage measures.
4. Inspect the vehicle
When the vehicle is being checked over with the client, this is an opportunity to inspect it completely for any problem areas, such as faulty or defective paint jobs, which can result in damage when the wrap is eventually removed.
To protect the sign shop from being blamed for any such problems, the inspection report should be reviewed with the customer, making him/her aware of any potential challenges, and then signed by both parties, to be kept on file.
5. Consider the difficulties of the wrap
Any complexities in the nature of the vehicle can affect a job’s requirements in terms of wrap material printing and installation time. These complexities could include extreme curves, rivets, door handles and other protruding parts.
By considering any expected difficulties early on, the wrap can be designed around the problem areas, saving time on installation and avoiding the need to reprint any graphics.
Spy Design in Okotoks, Alta., has wrapped a series of Smart cars in bold colour schemes. Photos courtesy Spy Design
6. Price the job
There are several important factors that should be kept in mind when pricing any wrap job, including:
- Design work.
- Production time required.
- Square footage of material used.
- Installation time required.
The customer’s budget should always be kept in mind when designing the wrap, to ensure it will be feasible at the appropriate price.
