When you have ever parked car next to a flouted bakkie or a van at a traffic stop and you wondered, that is clever advertising- you are not mistaken. When you wrap your commercial vehicles, you transform your business into a moving billboard and it is working on your brand each and every kilometre. But the big question is always there before you commit, what is this going to cost?
The fact is that there is no single price. A commercial vehicle wrap in South Africa costs a certain amount, and this amount is dependent on a number of factors--and it is by knowing these factors that you will be able to budget adequately and not get any unpleasant surprises.
What Are the Standard Price Ranges?
According to the current market prices offered by wrap specialists in South Africa, the following is a rough estimate of the cost of a full wrap (including VAT):
An average hatchback or sedan costs between R16,000 and R22,000. One of the most widespread commercial vehicles in SA that is also commonly wrapped is a double cab bakkie that costs between R18,000 and R24,000. A SUV or a bigger panel van will range between R22,000 to R30,000 and above based on size and complexity. When it comes to full-chrome finishes or high-end specialty vinyls, you can pay anywhere between R35,000 and R65,000.
The partial wraps and decal branding are much cheaper and most of the time the option of choice when a small company needs to have a professional appearance of branding without having the full-wrap cost.
What Increases or Decreases the Cost?
One of the biggest differences is made in the material used which is the vinyl. The cheapest are plain gloss or matte black and white films. Finishes made of metallic, satin, carbon fibre or chrome are much more expensive - two to four times the base price. Other premium brands such as 3M and Avery Dennison are also priced higher than the entry-level options but offer a lot of durability and warranties.
Another significant factor is the size of the vehicle. Big surfaces imply increased material, increased labour time, and increased final bill. The minibus taxi wrap or a delivery truck is naturally more expensive than a regular sedan.
Also involved is the complexity of design. A mere colour change is much faster and less costly than a complete custom-printed digital graphic with gradients, finer details, and more than one panel. When your design involves a significant amount of precision cuts and alignment work you are likely to pay to have that knowledge.
Is It Worth the Investment?
In the majority of enterprises, yes - and the figures support it. A wrapped vehicle creates thousands of impressions per day as it travels in the traffic, parking outside the client locations or in a busy shopping centre. A one-time wrap investment of three to seven years is an outstanding value of money compared to the cost of a digital advertisement and print media expenditure that continues.
It will also safeguard the original paint on your vehicle and this can affect your vehicle in a positive way when it comes to selling or upgrading your fleet.
The trick is that it is not to compromise quality. Use a wrap shop that is well known, demand to see their past work, demand references and never accept the lowest quote without enquiring what materials they are using. An excellent wrap is an asset. A low-cost wrap is a poorly done one that is an expensive sticker that peels.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about our company.
Good wraps can last between 3 and 7 years in accordance with the vinyl, care and sun exposure. The greatest factor that causes fading of SA is its harsh UV rays and thus a UV-resistant laminate and frequent hand washing will go a long way in prolonging the life of SA.
Not when it is put on the right with the best cast vinyl. Quality wraps can be completely removed without leaving a dent on the underlying paint. Only bad materials or unskilled workers can be a problem in this respect, therefore, it is always better to go to a reputed shop.
It is usually cheaper to wrap. A professional respray cost more than R30,000 and becomes permanent. A wrap is cheaper, also appears as sharp, and you have the freedom to change or remove your branding when there is a need.
Yes -- the option of partial wraps on doors, rear panels or the bonnet is a popular cost saving choice. Even basic cut-vinyl decals including your logo and contact information can be professional. It is a good place to start before going on a full wrap.