Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Make £100 a month with ads on your car
Reading Time: 5 minutesYou can have ads on your car, just like taxis and buses do.
Unbelievable? Not really.
If you’re someone who drives around a lot, then loads of people see your car. It makes sense for an advertiser to splash their logo across your bonnet. They’re going to get a lot of eyeballs on that space!
The concept has been widely used in both the US and Europe, where advertisers such as Gillette and the Transformers movie have worked with Moscow based StickerRide.
So, if you don’t mind driving around with ‘Vimto’ or something similar spread across your car, you could make around £100 a month for very little effort.
- What’s involved in getting ads on your car?
- How much can you make from ads on your car?
- Can anyone do it?
What’s involved in getting ads on your car?
First things first, you’ve got to get the ads on your car.
The company that you sign up to will do this by professionally applying an adhesive vinyl wrap to all or part of your vehicle. Special transparent vinyl is used on the windows, so it won’t interfere with your driving visibility – phew!
Such ‘vehicle wraps’ can be added and removed easily without spoiling the paintwork, providing it is of original factory standard. Every decal is applied using specialist technology, which prevents bubbles from forming underneath the newly-placed vinyl. The adhesive is also very strong and is rain and UV ray resistant. These wraps typically come in three forms: panel, partial and full wraps. Full insurance is provided against any damage to the paintwork of your vehicle caused by the advert’s placement, so you don’t even need to worry if something does happen.
You may even get freebies from the advertisers such as samples and discounts. Most car wrapping companies will also pay you if you refer other people to them.
So, it’s a win-win situation!
Some car wrapping companies will then require you to drive a certain amount each month before paying you.
Others won’t ask you to change your driving habits, but will match your driving routine to their advertisers’ needs.
Most companies accept vehicles of all sizes, from large vans to small hatchbacks or even flashy convertibles. All the adverts are custom made to fit your car and the specifications of their clients.
Saying this, many advertisers prefer cars that are newer or in good condition. You will also be required to keep the outside of your car clean while the advert is on it – you should report any damage to the ads or your car immediately.
Also, you’re free to turn down any branding allocated to your vehicle that you would not feel comfortable advertising.
Find out more about making and saving money with your car by reading our car guides.
the ideal ‘vehicle wrap’ driver
In order to be considered for a wrap, most companies have the following requirements:
- Be over the age of 18 at least (some companies request 20 years and over)
- Hold a clean driver’s licence
- Have a current MOT and road tax for the vehicle
- Have valid insurance for the duration of the contract
- Hold no convictions for drink driving, manslaughter or dangerous driving causing death.
Remember, you will be expected to always drive responsibly. An erratic, speeding driver is probably not going to create the best impression for the advertiser!
You can still become part of the scheme if you happen to drive a company car, providing your company gives you permission of course.
Car wrap companies can also offer corporate packages if you have a fleet of cars, vans or trucks that you are interested in registering.
Still interested? If you meet the above requirements and think you can handle a little artwork on your car, then read on to find out just how much money you can make from a vehicle wrap.
How much can you make from ads on your car?
The rate of pay varies according to the company you go with and how much of your car you’re willing to get wrapped.
Over in the US, Carvertise, the award-winning marketing firm, matches brands with high-mileage car owners – typically those owners who drive at least 30 miles a day. Drivers are normally paid $100 a month, although this can increase to $200 for the more specialist of campaigns.
Then there’s adverttu which claims to pay up to £150 a month for ads on cars (though there are limited reviews for this company).
StickerRide is another company that connects drivers to advertisers and even calculates potential driver earnings before the registration process is complete. Like other companies, their operator will check the campaign request and approve your application (dependent on criteria). You can increase your earnings by taking part in flashmobs and quests too; however, you need to launch the app before you begin driving.
Drive a lot in the US? Then, Wrapify may be the perfect pick for you. They approximate driving earnings on their site as anything from $196 to $452, depending on the type of wrap coverage that is applied.*
Drivers are paid monthly, so it’s a nice way to supplement your income; however, varying payment models exist across companies, so remember to check payment terms before you register. Plus, there’s a chance to get freebies or samples from the advertisers you are working with to boot!
Can anyone do it?
Well now, there’s the rub.
In a word – no.
Obviously a lot of people want to do this – and there’s nothing to stop you signing up – but the advertising companies are often looking for a specific type of car and driver. They could be looking out for someone who:
- Drives a LOT (such as a travelling salesperson)
- Has a really cool or expensive car
- Drives in a certain area (maybe the South East only or the North West only)
- Or lives within a commuter postcode.
They also look into other factors such as where the car spends most of its time and its total mileage.
So don’t be surprised if you sign up and then never hear anything, as a lot of factors are at play. Don’t let it put you off as it’s worth a try but just be realistic. If, like me, you have a tired-looking Citroen C1 and you only pootle about town every now and then, you’re not going to be top of the list, but there may well be a campaign out there just for you.
And, while you’re waiting to hear back, read our 10 real-world tips for cheaper driving.
*There are numerous car wrapping companies out there, be wary of scam artists, and always check company practices.
Have you had ads on your car?
Do you think it’s a good idea or have you had a bad experience with it?
Let us know about your vehicle wrapping experience in the comments below.
Hi if anyone is interested in advertising on my vehicle contact me.I work at an airport so I’m on a motorway for an hour a day and in a car park with thousands passing my car.
Hi I am looking for sponcership I am a professional boxer ranked number 10 in uk at minit I am British and English senior aba champion also have sponcership with gcasino always in papers on skysports and local newsplease get in touch via my email [email protected]
hiya i have a boy racer corsa in blue , and it is very appealing to young adults, its a good little car to advertise on as its very noticeable and its a real head turner , would be happy to hear back as i am very interested thanks !! 🙂
i have a ford transit (white) nothing on at the min loats of room for ads [email protected]
Can you contact me or tell me more about advertising on my car.i drive a VW Polo and drive everywhere!!
Do you get paid monthly?
[email protected]
Cheers
Did you read the above article?
hi there i am interested in advertising on my vehicle i have a road legal quad bike with plenty of advertising space on it i do alot of miles on this all through the week and this is a good head turner. get back to me if your interested. Chris
I AM A FULLY QUALIFIED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR I LIVE IN WIGAN I PICK UP PUPILS FROM MANY COLLEGES IN THE AREA AND MANY TOWN CENTERS MY CAR IS A FORD FIESTA IN BLACK IF YOU WISH TO CONTACT ME MY MOB NO IS 07932164833 THANK YOU
hello im really intrested in advertising on my car.
I live in essex, and im driving around all the time to local shopping centers and busy towns. I also commute to work every day atleast a half hour journey through villages and towns. Parked in a lesiure centre car park where its always very busy!!
I am intrested for to make add on my car.
My car is TATA Indica vista LX.
My Car is Daily on road..
i have a very smart gun metal vauxhall grey corsa sxi.
i am really interested in this, i drive reguarly between lanarkshire and stirling (twice a week) and drive around the city of stirling nearly every day.