What’s the Real ROI of Vehicle Wraps for My Business?

What’s the Real ROI of Vehicle Wraps for My Business?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a wrapped van at a red light and thought, “Should I do this for my business?”, you’re not alone. Vehicle wraps have exploded in popularity in recent years—not just because they look great, but because they offer one of the best returns on investment (ROI) in the advertising world.

So let’s break it down like real business owners would. No fluff—just facts, numbers, and street-smart logic.

First off, what is ROI when it comes to vehicle wraps?

ROI stands for Return on Investment, and in the world of wraps, it answers one simple question:
Does wrapping my business vehicle actually bring in more money than it costs me?

Think of a vehicle wrap like a moving billboard. Except you don’t have to keep paying rent for it every month.

How much does a vehicle wrap cost?

On average:

  • Full wrap for a car or van: $2,500–$6,000

  • Partial wrap or branding decals: $500–$2,000

  • Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care

So if you break that down, a $3,000 wrap used over 4 years is about $62.50 a month—which is way cheaper than most billboard or online ad placements.

How many impressions does a wrapped vehicle get?

According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), a single vehicle wrap can generate 30,000 to 70,000 daily impressions, depending on your city and how often the vehicle is on the road.

Even if you only drive around town for service calls or deliveries, you’re still building brand recognition every single mile.

But… does it actually convert?

This is the million-dollar question. Here’s what business owners report when they track their leads:

  • Local visibility increases dramatically. People in your area remember you.

  • Call volume tends to spike after wraps hit the road—especially when paired with a good website and social presence.

  • Some companies report 30–70% of new inquiries come from people who saw their vehicle on the road.

  • Service businesses (plumbing, HVAC, cleaning, landscaping, etc.) often see the highest ROI, since they’re always on the move.

Bottom line: Yes, it converts—if your wrap is designed right and has a clear call-to-action (like a website, phone number, or QR code).

How do I calculate ROI for my wrap?

Here's a simple formula:

(Revenue generated from wrap leads – Cost of the wrap) ÷ Cost of the wrap = ROI

Example:

  • Wrap cost: $3,000

  • Leads from wrap over 4 years = $15,000 revenue

  • ROI = ($15,000 - $3,000) ÷ $3,000 = 400% ROI

Not too shabby for a mobile paint job.

So… is a vehicle wrap worth it?

If you’re a small business, especially one that services local areas or drives a lot—absolutely yes.

It’s a one-time investment that keeps giving for years, boosts credibility, and helps you stand out in a sea of white vans and unmarked cars. It’s like wearing your brand loud and proud, 24/7.

Final Tips to Maximize Your Vehicle Wrap ROI

  • Use a clean, readable design – people only have a few seconds to read it

  • Include a call-to-action – phone, website, or QR code

  • Keep it consistent with your brand colors, fonts, and tone

  • Track your leads – ask customers “Where did you hear about us?”

  • Keep your vehicle clean – it reflects your business quality

TL;DR: Vehicle wraps aren’t just about looking cool. They're about getting seen, getting remembered, and most importantly—getting business.

Need help designing or installing a wrap that actually brings ROI? Talk to the pros at Xpress Skins Wraps & Signs and get a quote today.

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