Van wrap cost and ROI for trades: prices, design that converts and a simple payback calculator featured image
Marketing & Sales

Van wrap cost and ROI for trades: prices, design that converts and a simple payback calculator

TrainAR Team 1 month ago 5 min read

Van wrap cost and ROI for trades: prices, design that converts and a simple payback calculator

Category: Marketing & Sales • Niche: Lead generation, local SEO, reputation

UK trades van with bold wrap, clear phone number and QR code on a residential street

Contents

Quick answer

  • Full wrap for a medium van commonly lands around £1,600–£3,500 depending on coverage, design complexity and materials. See current price guides from UK providers like Complete Graphics and CJ Signs.
  • Many UK installers cite payback in months, not years, when the design is simple and you track leads. Case stories show increases in inbound calls when moving from magnets/basic signwriting to full wraps, for example JB Sales’ uplift after a wrap by Raccoon (case study).
  • Use a dedicated phone number and a QR code that lands on a short quote form so you can prove the lift.

Typical UK costs

  • Small van full wrap: from ~£1,200–£2,200
  • Medium van full wrap: ~£1,600–£2,700
  • Large/jumbo: ~£2,300–£3,500+
  • Partial/half wraps: ~£700–£1,600

Useful sources to sanity‑check today’s numbers:

Design that gets calls

Keep it simple and readable at a glance. A UK‑focused video from eFIXX runs through common mistakes and what to prioritise (watch here). Key points:

  • Big brand, big phone number. Don’t cram services lists. One main call to action.
  • Rear door is prime space for stop‑start traffic. Add QR to a short quote page with UTM tags.
  • Use the van base colour where possible to save cost and keep contrast high.
  • Keep text sizes readable at 10–20 metres.
  • Park smart at jobs. Neighbours see your van more than your website.

If you want inspiration, search suggestions like “van signage ideas” or “van graphics ideas” in Google for real‑world layouts.

Flowchart showing wrap cost to inbound leads to conversion rate to profit to monthly return to payback months

Simple ROI model and calculator

Here’s a straight‑forward model you can copy into a notebook or spreadsheet.

  • One‑off wrap cost (C): e.g., £2,000 for a medium van.
  • Extra leads per month from the van (L): measured with a dedicated number and a QR landing page.
  • Lead‑to‑job conversion rate (r): realistic range 30–50 percent for inbound trades.
  • Average gross profit per job (G): use your price book. As context, Checkatrade lists typical plumber rates if you need a benchmark (guide).

Monthly return = L × r × G

Payback months = C ÷ (L × r × G)

Example: C £2,000; L 10; r 0.4; G £120 → monthly return £480 → payback ~4.2 months. Wraps typically last 2–5 years with care.

How to measure results properly

  • Put a unique tracking number on the van. Cheap via VoIP apps like Twilio or RingCentral.
  • Create a QR code that links to a dedicated “van” landing page with UTM tags so analytics shows source.
  • Add a “How did you hear about us?” field to quotes with “Saw the van” as a tick box in your CRM.
  • Log van‑originated jobs separately for three months to establish a baseline ROI.

Related Academy reads you may find useful:

  • DVLA: If a full colour wrap changes the vehicle’s main colour, you should update the V5C logbook. See guidance from providers discussing DVLA updates (example explainer). Decals/partial wraps often don’t require an update.
  • Insurance: Tell your insurer about the wrap so it’s covered for replacement after an accident.
  • Leased vans: Wraps can protect paintwork. Confirm with the lease company about return condition.
  • Care: Hand‑wash, avoid harsh chemicals, follow your installer’s care guide to extend life.

What are people saying on Reddit?

Mixed views, but the consensus is QR codes are fine as an extra route for people to contact you, just don’t rely on them alone. Threads discuss placement and whether people scan at all. Example discussions: r/sweatystartup on QR codes on vehicles and r/smallbusiness on whether it feels odd to put a QR on a work truck.

FAQ

How much does it cost to wrap a van?

Expect roughly £1,600–£3,500 for a full wrap depending on size and finish, with partial wraps cheaper. Cross‑check with UK price guides like Complete Graphics and The Vehicle Wrapping Company.

Is a van wrap better than paint?

For branding and resale, wraps are usually cheaper and faster than a respray, and removable. Paint is permanent and typically costs more for custom finishes. See UK installer comparisons like CJ Signs.

Do I need to tell DVLA if I wrap my van?

If the wrap changes the main colour, update your V5C. If it’s just decals or partial graphics with the same base colour, you typically do not need to. See explainers such as Antalis and NOW Group.

Should I put a QR code on my van?

Yes, but pair it with a massive phone number and web address. Place QR on the rear so drivers can scan at lights. Services discuss benefits and cautions, for example QR Code Generator and Raccoon.

How long does a wrap last?

Usually 2–5 years in UK weather if looked after. Ask your installer about vinyl grade and warranty.

Call to action: Want to slash training times and increase revenue per Engineer? Join our Waitlist: https://trainar.ai/waitlist