If you’ve ever wondered whether you “should get your van sign written?” or “Is it worth the investment?”, you’re not alone! Across Sussex and beyond, thousands of vans are on the road every day with eye-catching branding, turning vehicles into mobile adverts. Here’s why having your van sign written could be one of the smartest marketing decisions you’ll make for your business.
At The Sussex Sign Company, we’ve wrapped and sign written thousands of vans for local businesses since 1995, and in this article, we’re going to answer this question in the most honest, straightforward way possible. No fluff, just what you need to know to make the right decision for your business.
First, What’s the Difference Between Van Wrapping and a Van Sign Written?
Let’s quickly clear up the terminology:
Van Sign Written typically refers to cut vinyl lettering and logos applied directly to your vehicle’s panels. It’s cost-effective and ideal for essential branding and contact information.
Van Wrapping is a more comprehensive method that involves covering all (or parts) of the van in printed vinyl, allowing for more detailed designs, full-colour graphics, or complete colour changes.
We offer both methods at our new Vehicle Branding Centre in Goddards Green, near Burgess Hill just off the A23, perfectly placed for Brighton, Crawley, Worthing, and the rest of the Sussex area.
1. Your Van Becomes a Mobile Billboard
The average van sign written gets seen by 30,000–70,000 people per day (depending on where and how often it’s driven). That’s serious exposure.
If you run a plumbing, electrical, building, or delivery business, you’re likely on the road and parked outside customer homes or job sites – so why not let your vehicle do the marketing for you?
When people see your name, logo, and contact info consistently, you’re building brand recognition. And brand recognition = trust.
2. Cost-Effective, Long Term Advertising
Let’s break it down.
A van sign written with a full wrap might cost between £1,250 and £3,500 (depending on van size and complexity), and basic vinyl sign writing starts from around £425 to £1,250.
If your wrap lasts 5 years (which ours typically do with proper care), that’s potentially over 100,000 impressions a month, for just a few pence per impression. Compare that to pay-per-click ads or print advertising, and you can see the value instantly.
3. Builds Instant Credibility
Imagine two vans parked outside a customer’s house. One is plain white. The other van sign written with a clean, professional wrap with logo, services, and contact info. Which one gives the impression of a trustworthy, established company?
You know the answer!
Customers are more likely to engage with companies that look professional. Your van is often the first impression people have of your business, make it count.
4. Captures Free Local Leads
We hear this all the time:
“I had my van sign written and within a week someone in the next street called me and booked a job.”
This happens because people want local, trusted services, and if they see your van regularly in their area, you become familiar – almost famous in your neighbourhood.
If you operate within a 15 – 20 mile radius like most Sussex businesses, a van sign written helps dominate that territory, without spending more on local advertising.
5. Your Van Sign Written Gets Paint Protection at the Same Time
Here’s something many business owners don’t realise: a full or partial wrap also acts as a protective layer for your van’s paintwork.
That means fewer chips, scratches, and UV damage. When it’s time to sell or return your leased van, the original paint underneath is often in better condition, helping preserve resale value.
6. Designs Can Be Updated or Removed Easily
Worried that your logo or details will change in a year or two?
No problem. Vinyl wraps and cut vinyl graphics are fully removable, and we can update individual panels or contact information without redoing the whole van.
So you’re never locked in to a design for longer than you want.
7. Works Around the Clock
No ongoing monthly fees. No subscriptions. No renewal costs.
A van sign written starts working for you every hour of every day, whether you’re driving, parked, or just grabbing a coffee at the local petrol station.
That’s the beauty of real world offline marketing, it’s constant, physical, and can’t be scrolled past like a social ad.
8. Professional Design & Installation
At the Sussex Sign Company we manage the entire process:
Here’s what to expect:
1. Free consultation, we’ll review your goals, vehicle type, and budget.
2. Professional design, our in-house designers create concepts aligned with your branding.
3. Preview and approval, you see exactly what it’ll look like before we print anything.
4. High-quality print and fitting, installed by our trained team using premium vinyl (Hexis, 3M, or Avery Dennison).
5. Aftercare guidance, to keep it looking sharp for years.
Plus, we’re, fully insured, and have more 5-star Google reviews than any other sign company in the UK. That’s peace of mind built-in!
FAQs: Van Signwriting in Sussex
Why should I get my van sign written?
It turns your vehicle into a mobile advert, builds brand recognition, and generates local leads while protecting your van’s paintwork.
How much does van signwriting cost in Sussex?
Basic signwriting starts from £425+VAT. Full wraps range from £1,250–£3,500+VAT depending on van size and complexity.
Does van signwriting last?
Yes. With proper care, vinyl graphics typically last 5 years or more.
Ready to Transform Your Van?
Call 01273 424900 or message us through our contact page for a free quote.
📍 Visit us in Portslade or Goddards Green to see how we can turn your van into your hardest-working sales tool.
Let’s turn your van into your hardest working sales tool.
After Vinyls Applied
Before Vinyl Applied!
For lots of examples of vans sign written see our gallery.