First impressions matter, especially when you first pull up to a client’s residence. The difference in trust a customer has when they see a well-maintained, clean, clearly branded vehicle vs. a damaged beater can make all the difference in how well your business performs and gets out there for other potential customers to see. However, new vans are expensive and can cost upwards of £20,000, plus the cost of branding. This is why van hire can be the perfect cost-saving solution for all trades.
What Do We Mean by “Branding a Hire Van”?
Branding a van is simply the process of putting your company’s brand name and image on the side, front, or back of a van. Common forms of branding include:
Magnetic Signs. These are temporary, reusable brandings that can be magnetically applied to a van and can be taken off and reused on another van. Expensive upfront but cost-efficient in the long stretch due to the reusability. Doesn’t look as uniform as other methods.
Vinyl Wrap. This is a more permanent solution which is cheaper initially, where vinyl lettering and images are applied using a long-lasting adhesive. A great cost-effective solution if you plan on hiring a van on a long-term basis. However, you will have to either remove it yourself or pay to have it removed upon return of the van.
Both are good options to consider, but it is entirely dependent on how much you’re looking to spend and how long you’ll be hiring a van for.
The Pros of Branding Your Hire Van
Brand Visibility. Great moving advertisement, especially if you travel a lot for work. You drive by hundreds, if not thousands, of cars a day, and a small percentage of these are potential customers that you otherwise would not have gained had your van been plain.
Increase Professional Credibility. There’s nothing dodgier than a shoddy plain van. A clean van with professional branding leads to a more trustworthy image to your potential customers.
Potential Cons
Extra hassle and cost. Vinyl and magnetic signage cost time and money to apply and may not be suitable for short-term hire.
Insurance Complications. May affect insurance depending on the hire company’s policy. Please check your rental agreement with us at Hire2You should you consider branding your van hire.
Legal & Practical Considerations in Kent
Before slapping your logo on the side of your rental, it’s essential to read your hire agreement carefully. Some companies don’t allow permanent modifications like vinyl wraps, and even magnetic signs can be restricted. Always double-check! If you are branding, stick with removable options like magnetic signs, and make sure nothing obstructs license plates, mirrors, windows, or any legally required signage. The last thing you want is a fine or penalty for a simple mistake.
When Branding Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)
Branding your hire van can be a smart move—but only in the right situations. If you’ve got a longer-term hire (we’re talking two weeks or more), it makes a lot more sense to invest the time and cost into magnetic signage or vinyl wraps. Especially if you’re working in one area like Maidstone, Strood, or Rochester for a while, your van becomes a moving billboard. Parking outside a job site for days on end builds name recognition with the locals and might even land you your next customer. It’s a great way to plant your name in people’s minds without spending a fortune on advertising.
On the flip side, it’s not worth the hassle for short hires. If you’ve only got the van for a weekend or a couple of days, branding it probably isn’t going to bring in much return. It’s also not ideal if you’re working in high-theft areas—bold logos can make your van a bigger target for tool theft. And finally, not all van hire companies allow branding, so if signage is restricted in the rental agreement, it’s best not to chance it. Always check with Hire2You or your chosen provider before making any changes to avoid unexpected charges or issues with your deposit.
Final thoughts
Branding can work wonders for your trade business, but only if the timing and situation are right. Think long-term, local, and low-risk—if it ticks all three, go for it. If not, keep it simple and focus on what matters: doing great work.
If you need a van, want to increase your brand awareness, and grow your brand to new heights then give us a call on 01634 780 720 or visit us at https://hire2you.co.uk/