Have you considered an electronic sign in your car window?

21 replies
Several years ago, I had briefly tested putting an indoor electronic sign with outdoor-bright LED lights in my car window both parked and driving (where legal back then). I used a kit that connected to my car battery to power the 4-line AC unit.

It contained the message, phone number and web address. Surprisingly nice results. Others I met did the same for an extended period of time including at Flea markets, parking lots at swap meets, etc. who put a unit in their cars and RVs and/or mounted the removable unit to their pickup truck roof with surprising positive results. Some had their units encased in weather-proof cabinets.

Note: Many jurisdictions don't allow you to drive with it running in the window, so find a good place to park.

Maybe check it out?
#car #electronic #led #sign #window
  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    There's a guy that runs around my area with an indiglow decal on his car. It's a sticker, but it lights up and glows kinda like those rice burner guages that the honda kids put in their cars.. It definitely draws looks... I have no idea how/where he got it though. But I have seen him a couple times.
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  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    OR, you could do something like the pizza drivers and taxi drivers to.. haha.. but I don't think that would draw as many views since people are accustomed to seeing that stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author pennynickels
    There are license plate holders that scroll LED messages. You have to check the jurisdiction, though.

    Similarly, there are LED badges you can pin on a shirt or blouse that gets people to stop you when you are walking e.g. at trade shows. I've tried it and it works!
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by pennynickels View Post

      There are license plate holders that scroll LED messages. You have to check the jurisdiction, though.

      Similarly, there are LED badges you can pin on a shirt or blouse that gets people to stop you when you are walking e.g. at trade shows. I've tried it and it works!
      That sounds like quite a show-stopper which could give you a lot of additional exposure for your business, especially if you drive around a lot. I think that their effect would be especially striking in the evening and after sundown.

      As you've mentioned, the only issue here is checking whether you're in compliance with the local DMV rules where you live. Parking it in a prominent spot where many people congregate may not be a bad idea as well (as long as you know that your target market is there).

      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Amir Luis
    This is actually and excellent marketing tool.

    Having a decal that doesn't light up on the back windshield of your vehicle is really cost effective. Around $60 full glass (on a Jeep Cherokee, prices may vary). Having one made that glows in the dark... like the sides of Police Cars... is about the same price, search the web. Actually... I haven't looked them up in a couple of years. But if someone in your local area sells them.... even better. That way you can have it installed professionally and right the first time.

    With window decals... You want to tint the windows. IF you don't already have tint. Get a $20 roll of tint at walmart, costco, where ever....

    It will make it easier for the window decal to be seen in the daylight.

    I ride a motorcycle.... So what do I do? I have florescent colored shirts that have my company name, Call to action, website and phonenumber. REALLY big on my back.

    So people in traffic can't help but see it.

    or me....

    and it makes it easier to see me and safer on the bike.... so it's a win win.

    One thing to keep in mind.... if you are going to do this.... don't fllip people off in traffic.

    Everything you do in that vehicle will be a reflection on your business. So letting people cut in front of you, and just being a good driver will have a positive refllection on you and your business.

    Something to think about.....
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    • Profile picture of the author jake244
      I have never seen or heard of this before... Seems like a good idea for some people.
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      • Profile picture of the author Gerry Humphrey
        I know this isn't the same thing, but it reminded me of what the local franchises of Little Ceaser's has been doing in this area.

        You know those orange/black light up message board road construction signs that tell you things like "Prepare to Stop" and other flashing messages?

        They have one that they rotate to their different parking lots near busy streets that announce their new pizza and bread. At first you don't really pay that much attention to, until you realize that it isn't talking about traffic =)

        Not sure how much they cost, but just seemed to be an interesting idea to break out of the norm.
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        • Profile picture of the author chris916
          I think this is a good marketing idea. Think about the exposure. It is not often you see anything like this so I think you would capture a lot of eyeballs. Good share.
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    I wonder if doing this would affect your vehicle insurance. I don't know what it's like in other countries, but here when I insure my car, I have to specify whether it's for business or private use.

    If I was paying for private use insurance, but using it to advertise my business, would that be a loophole that the insurance company could exploit if I had an accident?
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  • Profile picture of the author Amir Luis
    The insurance thing is really putting the cart before the horse. That is something that I really wouldn't worry about. I mean come on... really?

    Just because you put a decorative sticker on you vehicle doesn't automatically constitute a legal obligation to claim the vehicle as a work vehicle. It is your personal vehicle that happens to have a sticker advertising a business, that's all. No more no less.

    If you are going to worry about something like that.... Then shouldn't you be worried that if you take your vehicle to a free consultation appointment - then you need to raise your insurance rates as a commercial vehicle? As weird as that may sound.... it is the same logic.

    In a previous life... one of my employees wrecked my Ford Truck. Heavily loaded down with equipment, ladders, and company decals running down the side of the vehicle. I did not have it registered as a company vehicle with the insurance company. Why? Because is was my old personal truck that I used to use before getting a new one. The thought never even crossed my mind.

    So... When he wrecked my truck. I got a new truck thanks to the insurance company.

    No questions were ever asked about commercial this or personal that. I wasn't even driving the truck when it was wrecked.

    You really don't have to pole vault over mouse turds with this one....

    DONT THINK, JUST DO!

    Thinking is going to lock you up with fear or reservations.... those are detrimental to success.
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  • Profile picture of the author Amir Luis
    Nice....


    40" sign.... wow..... I bet that really got a lot of attention...

    Of course when I go through the not so good neighbor hoods. I see these guys driving Jaguars that have tv screens in the back headrest playing rap videos...

    I ALWAYS notice that... so if you did the same with a Camtasia Video and a 40" screen in your back windshield... I could see you getting calls...

    Maybe do it in a tasteful way.... though... no pole dancers....
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  • Profile picture of the author DaSlowMoseS
    Have you heard of Luma Brite? its a "sign" that lights up on your vehicle. just thought I'd throw that out there. Its not cheap

    Luma brite technologies, llc
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  • Profile picture of the author Amir Luis
    I TOTALLY want one now... there is not even a mention of price..


    I know the standard wraps are around $3,000 pending on the vehicle size.. But this?

    How much? Anyone know?
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Why not go all out for one of these - Digital Mobile Billboard. It has 62,208 attention-getting LEDs, capable of full motion video. And actually very cost-effective.

      Outdoor Mobile Truck Advertising
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  • Profile picture of the author stealthpromo
    Do you guys really drive around enough to make this effective? I design and print wraps for local clients and that usually does the trick....although we have put in lcd's with ads for tradeshows and car exhibitions
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    • Profile picture of the author Amir Luis
      Originally Posted by stealthpromo View Post

      Do you guys really drive around enough to make this effective? I design and print wraps for local clients and that usually does the trick....although we have put in lcd's with ads for tradeshows and car exhibitions
      It only takes one.... I can't tell you how many times I have been sitting at a stop light and my phone rang from the car behind me.

      No... I didn't have anything elaborate like what has been mentioned. But I did have a window decal on my back windshield over a dark tinted window.

      It works... It really does... It is just one more marketing stream to add to the mix.

      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      Why not go all out for one of these - Digital Mobile Billboard. It has 62,208 attention-getting LEDs, capable of full motion video. And actually very cost-effective.

      Outdoor Mobile Truck Advertising
      I really like that.... I think for my next trip to Vegas I might use this for something... What? I don't know yet... But I got some ideas a brewin'
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  • Profile picture of the author eshber
    Excellent form of advertising! In the UK, this is 2nd best form of advertising (property for sale/sold boards being the 1st) for Estate Agents (Realtors).
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    • Profile picture of the author DaSlowMoseS
      Originally Posted by Amir Luis View Post

      I TOTALLY want one now... But this? How much? Anyone know?
      Originally Posted by nando1125 View Post

      That is amazing haha! Does anyone know the price?
      Was waiting to talk to neighbor in person (Haven't seen him in a while). Prices could start as low as $500 for simple light up logo or something small, to $5k+ for full lit wrap (depending on vehicle size/wrap/design complexity)

      The van in the slideshow gallery he said would be about $2k
      Creative AUTO Boutique -LUMA Brite Technology (fyi, I had to open in IE)

      Ohh, Nando, I see your in Miami, I believe the Luma Brite HQ is in West Palm. I'm surprised you haven't seen any vehicles down there lit up. I'm sure they'd have a listing of Miami area distributor/installers you could call to get a quote for a particular project.
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