If you’re a business owner in Sussex, or anywhere for that matter, you will have seen many thousands of vans driving around with eye-catching graphics and branding. And you may have asked yourself: “Should I get my van sign written?” Or maybe: “Is it really worth the investment?”
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. A Van Wrap Turns Your Vehicle Into a Mobile Marketing 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. It’s One of the Most Cost-Effective Forms of 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. It Gives Your Business 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. You’re Missing Free Local Leads Without It
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 Protected 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. It’s a One-Time Investment That Works 24/7
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. We Make It Easy at The Sussex Sign Company
From design to installation, we manage the entire process in-house at our dedicated Vehicle Branding Centre.
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!
So, Should You Get Your Van Wrapped or Signwritten?
If you want to:
· Increase local visibility
· Win more trust
· Get more leads
· Stand out from the crowd
· Protect your vehicle
· Build long-term brand awareness
…then yes, it’s one of the best investments you can make in your business.
Whether you’re a sole trader with one van or managing a fleet of twenty, vans sign written pay for themselves many times over.
Get a Free Quote Today
Ready to explore your options?
Call: 01273 424900
Email: enquiries@sussexsigns.com
Or visit our vehicle branding page to request a free consultation.
Or better yet – pop in to see us at either Portslade or Goddards Green. We’d love to show you around.
Let’s turn your van into your hardest working sales tool.
After Vinyls Applied
Before Vinyl Applied!