3 Tips for Ordering a Decal for Your Small Business

10/23/2019

As a small business, you’ll often order decals for one reason or another. It may include a simple image of your logo intended for customers, or a large colorful decal for the front window of your shop, or maybe you need a decal for your a vehicle to advertise your services.

The other week, I found myself needing the latter for the back window of my truck. And ordering this decal was unlike my others in the past, because it encompassed much more copy.

Image text: 3 tips for ordering a decal for your small business.

Three Things You Need Ahead of Time

The copy (the text)
Type of font (if there’s a specific one your company uses)
Measure the space

The Copy

When deciding on the copy for the decal, here are a few details to consider:

Make sure your copy is straight to the point, not flowered with unnecessary words.
Make sure your copy is proofread by three different people.
If you have a tagline for your services, use it.
List your phone number or website, and if there’s room for both, list both.
If you plan to use your logo, you may need the vector file.
Will you be using all caps, or not?
Will the alignment be right, centered or left?
What color will look best, such as white, black, or a variety of colors, and what are the specific codes for each color?

Type of Font

Most businesses have logos created for them, and some are given a “style sheet.” If you have the style sheet, find it and take note of the type of font used (the typography). This will be the font you’ll want to use for your copy. If you don’t have a style sheet, and you don’t have access to the graphic designer who created your logo, then make sure to use a similar style (serif or sans serif). Also make sure to use a font size that’s big enough to be seen by others (in my case, other drivers).

Measure the Space

Before you can structure the copy and position the format, you’ll need to measure the space where your decal will be placed. So, bring out the measuring tape. For me, the back window of my truck is divided by a small, centered window, splitting my decal into two parts (for the left and right side of the back window).

Once you have these three elements figured out, begin creating your decal or hire someone to create it for you. I ordered mine from Signs.com (view a picture at the bottom of this post), and they offer free designing services. Or better yet, shop locally! If you live in the Bryan/College Station area, check out M&M Apparel or Fast Signs.

If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it with someone you think would enjoy it too. Have you ordered a decal before? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

If you want to get in touch with me, email [email protected].

3 Comments

Mike Sanders link

4/28/2020 08:45:26 am

I like what you said about making sure that your copy straight forward when you want to make a decal. My sister has been telling me about how she wants to brand her business's cars in the coming weeks. I'll share this information with her so that she can look into her options for professionals who can help her with this.

open an llc link

6/29/2021 11:21:31 pm

Businesses should have a plan to put decals in their confidential business, especially startups. We always appreciate startup ideas and hope that they will have good business strategies to thrive. Thanks to the website owner for sharing such useful articles.

Platon Graphics link

3/29/2022 11:26:38 pm

This really helps everyone know the important factor to take into consideration when ordering your decals. I really with your statement on focusing on the free space available and the size of the decals which you should hire someone to do. Now, my advertisements can be memorable, have unique design, and be the most suitable sized decal possible.

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