Auto Billboards Revisited
by Late Nite LeRoy
August 7, 2000
Since writing about Autowraps.com a few months ago, another firm doing about the same thing has come on the scene, also from Southern California. The new one is Freecar.com. Both use advertiser revenue to place vinyl advertising on the car that you use to commute to work in every day, and remunerate you nicely for the task. The basic difference between the two companies is Autowraps.com expects you to already have the car in your ownership, but Freecar.com chooses to use only a select few new models and thus arranges a new lease for you covering a large percentage of the cost, sometimes up to 80%. You are offered the standard lease buy out price at the end of the lease period.
Both companies demand an impeccable driving record. Looking at the application forms, they also seem to prefer folks who travel a regimented path to work every day, in a high traffic location, burn over a thousand miles a month just doing that, and also frequent large social gatherings like sporting events where the car can be seen in large parking lots every weekend.
If all this sounds like the advertisers are getting too picky, I agree. But supply and demand are calling the shots. I understand Autowraps.com now has over 1500 applicants waiting for an advertiser. If Freecar.com actually gives you a new car, it only makes sense they want it to recoup their investment. Both companies seem to prefer primarily the new VW bug and only a few other eye catching shapes. A loaded bug can run $21,000. As I've previously said about the stupid economy, transportation costs have NOT gone down.
When I talked to Autowraps a while back I learned it costs about $1,500 to vinyl wrap a car. If you have your own business or web site, you might consider competing with the big guys and have a custom wrap made for your own business and just hope it generates over $400 a month in additional business. I think I'd try a few cheap web URL bumper stickers before blowing $1500 though. Each company offers both the design expertise and the shop installation know how to create an eye catching display for any kind of product or service. The few I've seen on California Freeways are startlingly professional. I wouldn't think of trying it myself.
The two companies offer full details and application forms at their web sites.
--LateNiteLeroy
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