INTRODUCTION
Thinking about getting your van sign written but worried about the cost?
You’ve probably seen prices all over the place £100 here, £3,000 there and now you’re wondering what’s realistic and what’s overpriced.
Here’s the twist most business owners don’t realise:
Van signwriting isn’t an expense.
It’s one of the cheapest forms of advertising per impression you will ever invest in.
You don’t want to overspend.
But if you go too cheap, your branding looks amateur and that costs you customers.
Let’s break down the real costs, what affects pricing, and how to choose the smartest option for your business.
Keep reading because if you wait, your competitor might already be turning their van into a mobile billboard.
What Is Van Sign Writing?
Van sign writing is the process of applying vinyl lettering, logos, graphics or full printed wraps onto your vehicle for branding and advertising purposes.
It can include:
- Cut vinyl lettering (name, phone number, website)
- Printed graphics and logos
- Partial vinyl wraps
- Full vehicle wraps
It turns your van into a moving advertisement seen by thousands daily without monthly ad fees.
Key Questions People Ask
1️⃣ How much does it cost to sign write a van in the UK?
Typical pricing:
| Type of Signwriting | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic vinyl lettering | £150 – £400 |
| Logo + contact details | £250 – £600 |
| Partial wrap | £600 – £1,800 |
| Full wrap | £1,500 – £3,500+ |
Prices vary based on van size, design complexity, materials and installation.
2️⃣ Is van signwriting worth the money?
Absolutely.
Compared to:
- Facebook ads (monthly spend)
- Google ads (ongoing budget)
- Leaflets (one-time distribution)
Van branding works 24/7 for years.
One van can generate 30,000–70,000 impressions per day depending on location.
3️⃣ What affects the cost?
- Van size (Transit vs small van)
- Number of panels covered
- Printed graphics vs cut vinyl
- Lamination & finish
- Installation time
- Design work required
Pricing Breakdown:
Let’s simplify it.
Basic Vinyl Lettering
Feature: Cut vinyl text
Advantage: Lower material cost
Benefit: Affordable branding without looking blank
Best for tradespeople starting out.
Printed Graphics
Feature: Full-colour design
Advantage: Stronger visual impact
Benefit: More memorable → More enquiries
Partial Wrap
Feature: Large coverage area
Advantage: High visibility
Benefit: Looks premium without full-wrap cost
Full Wrap
Feature: Entire van covered
Advantage: Maximum exposure
Benefit: Brand authority & dominance in your area
5 Benefits
✔ 24/7 Advertising → No ongoing ad spend stress
✔ Builds Trust → Avoid looking like an unbranded “side job”
✔ Professional Appearance → Win more commercial contracts
✔ Local Visibility → Get recognised in your service area
✔ Long-Term ROI → Avoid wasting money on short-term ads
What most business owners don’t realise is this:
The #1 mistake is under-branding your van.
A plain van loses opportunities every single day.
Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Choosing the cheapest quote without checking materials
❌ Overcrowding the design with too much information
❌ Using low-quality vinyl that fades in 12 months
❌ Not including website or QR code
Authority Tip:
High-performance vinyl should last 5–7 years when professionally applied.
Cheap materials may peel within a year and removal costs extra.
Loss aversion matters here: saving £200 today could cost you thousands in missed leads.
How to Choose the Best Option
Ask yourself:
- What’s my monthly lead goal?
- How long will I keep this van?
- Am I targeting domestic or commercial clients?
- Do I want to look budget or premium?
If you’re starting out → Basic lettering works.
If you want authority in your area → Partial wrap minimum.
If you want dominance → Full wrap.
Your van is often the first impression before a customer even speaks to you.
Real Use Case Example
A local plumbing company upgraded from simple text to a bold partial wrap.
Result:
- 30% increase in direct phone enquiries
- Customers mentioned “We always see your van around”
That’s familiarity bias working in your favour.
Final Thoughts
Before:
Plain van. Invisible brand. Missed leads.
After:
Moving billboard. Recognisable brand. Daily exposure.
Van sign writing cost isn’t just a price.
It’s an investment in visibility.
👉 Ready to grow your business with professional van sign writing? Contact Social Media Max today.
Don’t wait your competitors won’t.