6 top tips for sign-writing a lease van

Yes, you can get your lease van sign-written. But what’s the best way to do it?

So, you’ve got yourself a lease van. Now you’re wondering, can you get it sign-written?

The short answer? Yes, as long as it can be removed without damaging the van.

The real question, though, isn’t whether you can do it. It’s how to do it properly. Because a van covered in badly designed, hard-to-read signage is just another van blending into traffic.

Done right, it’s like a moving billboard, putting your business in front of hundreds of potential customers every single day—without lifting a finger.

Andy, our Sales Manager, puts it best:

“If your van is on the road with effective branding, it’s amazing how many people will notice it and make contact.”

Think about it. 

How many times have you been stuck in traffic, idly reading van signage around you? Maybe you’ve even jotted down a number or snapped a quick photo of one that caught your eye.

That’s the power of good sign-writing. 

Here’s how to make sure your van gets noticed—for all the right reasons.

Our top tips for sign-writing your lease van

1. Clear advertising is good advertising

You might be tempted to cram in everything—your services, your full business history, a glowing customer review from 2017… but the truth is, no one is going to read all that as you briefly drive past.

Stick to the basics:

• Logo
• Business name
• Contact details (phone number, website, or social media)
• A short tagline or service description if it’s not obvious from the name

Think about the last van that actually caught your attention. Chances are, it was simple and clear.

Bonus tip: The back of your van is prime real estate for extra details—people sit behind you in traffic for ages, so they’ll have time to read more.

2. Make your business stand out

Trust matters. 

If you’re a member of Checkatrade, TrustATrader, or a similar review platform, pop that logo on there.

People feel way more comfortable reaching out when they know you’re a reputable business. And if you’ve won any awards? Definitely shout about it.

3. Keep it simple

Bright colours, funky fonts, fancy graphics—tempting, right?

Here’s the thing: if your signage is a chaotic mess, people will struggle to read it. The goal isn’t to wow them with design. It’s to make sure they instantly know who you are and how to reach you.

• Use clear, bold fonts
• Stick to two or three brand colours
• Ensure strong contrast between text and background

Keep your branding consistent. Your van should match your website, uniforms, and other marketing materials.

That way, when people look you up later, they recognise your business straight away.

4. Proofread – and then proofread again

Nothing says unprofessional like a big, glaring typo on the side of your van.

Imagine investing in sign-writing, only to realise later that your phone number is one digit off, or your website is missing a letter. Nightmare.

Before you send your design to print:

• Check it yourself
• Get a second (or third) pair of eyes on it
• Triple-check contact details

Mistakes are expensive to fix, so it’s worth getting it right the first time.

5. Tell your finance company

Most funders won’t have a problem with sign-writing, but since it’s technically a modification, let them know.

Here’s a few things to keep in mind:

• Your signage should be applied with ten-year vinyl (this makes it easy to remove later)
• It must be removed before returning the van, or you could face extra charges

Better to check now than get a surprise bill at the end of your lease.

6. Choose your sign-writing company carefully

Your van represents your business. If the signage looks cheap or poorly done, that’s the impression people will have of your work too.

• Ask for examples of previous work
• Get a fixed quote in writing (no hidden fees)
• Shop around—compare a few companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal

A well-designed, professionally applied sign will last for years. It’s worth the investment.

What are the benefits of sign-writing a lease van?

There are a multitude of benefits to sign-writing your lease van.

Plain vans are, to put it lightly, pretty boring.

There’s all that space with nothing on it, and people will breeze by without a second thought for the services you and your van might provide.

But cover those same large surfaces with bold advertising, and you could bag yourself several customers without having to put any extra work in.

Adding your logo and company name to your van adds an extra layer of professionalism.

It also gives you an increased level of protection against van theft, as your signage will be unique to your business, and makes your van much easier to find if someone did try to steal it.

Getting your lease van sign-written is one of the easiest ways to market your business. Once it’s done, your van does the work for you—every time you hit the road.

Here at Vanparison, we have decades of experience in van leasing. We have access to all your usual dealership vans, but for affordable online prices.

All you need to do then is get your van sign-written, and you’ll be off to a flying start. And don't worry — we can help you at every step.

It couldn’t be simpler.