Billboard Truck FAQ's
MAKE YOUR SELECTION TO THE LEFT
BOX AND CHASSIS QUESTIONS
What's inside the box?
Our box is the strongest in the industry, made with welded, 2" square tubular steel, and finished with sheet aluminum. You have the option of diamond plate flooring, interior lights, air conditioning, electrical outlets, etc.
If you need any special outfitting inside the box-shelving, racks, tie-downs, etc., we can add those things for you as well.
Can you stand up inside the box?
Yes. You can stand up in the box of all our truck models. This is particularly important in the Scrolling Billboard Vehicle because the signs are serviced from inside the box.
For exact box sizes, click the appropriate link to see the Specifications for the type of vehicle you are interested in: Action Master Rotating Billboard Vehicle, Scrolling Billboard Vehicle, All Purpose Delivery Vehicle, Mobile Showcase Vehicle, Convention Display Vehicle, Billboard Utility Van.
Do the boxes have a ventilation system?
Yes, the scrolling truck has a built in 3-speed fan that circulates air at a maximum of 900 cfm’s. The truck box will not be pleasantly cool in the middle of the summer, but the ventilation system keeps temperatures at a reasonable level. If you live in a particularly hot climate, it may be advisable to purchase our optional air conditioner for the box.
Which chassis should I get?
We are happy to build on any appropriate chassis. We have built more trucks on more chassis than anyone else in the industry. Generally speaking, for purposes of appearance, we prefer the E350 for the tri-action rotating billboard truck, and the GMC W3500 for the scrolling billboard truck. If you prefer a different combination, just let us know.
Can I supply the chassis?
Yes, but there is usually little advantage for you to do so. We probably get a better price than you could, and we don't mark up the chassis in our price. If you do come to us with a chassis, we simply deduct the amount we would pay for that chassis from your total.
Will you build on a used chassis?
Yes - Doing do may require certain modifications, some of which may be costly and or time consuming. However it is no problem for us to build on a used chassis.
Which chassis gets the best gas mileage?
No one can really answer this one because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency exempts manufacturers of trucks of this size from testing; therefore, there is no true standard by which to compare the different models. (See www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/which_tested.shtml.) If you prefer a particular chassis for the purpose of fuel economy, just let us know. We have multiple chassis sources and can build on whichever one you like. All of our vehicles are also available with an optional over-cab wind deflector to increase fuel economy. These run about $750 and are purported to increase fuel economy from 10%-20%.
TRI-ACTION ROTATING BILLBOARD TRUCK QUESTIONS
How quickly do the tri-action signs rotate?
The signs rotate instantly, and they display for 8 seconds. The display time is easily adjusted within a range of 5 to 15 seconds. Additionally, you can set each sign separately to display only the sides that you want. For example, you can rotate between sides 1 and 2, 1 and 3, or 2 and 3.
How long does it take to install an ad on the tri-action billboard truck?
With our proprietary Fastrak system, an ad can be installed in less than ten minutes and removed in about five.
Can the rotating signs skip a side when rotating?
Yes. If you select the optional Deluxe Trivolution™ Controller, you can set each sign separately to display only the sides that you want. For example, you can rotate between sides 1 and 2, 1 and 3, or 2 and 3. No complicated programming is required to make these changes. You simply push a button.
Where are the controls for operating the signs?
The controls for the signs as well as the lights are conveniently located in the cab on the back wall. We use different controllers for different signs. Developed to our specifications by a NASA engineer, it has push-button switches for each of the three faces on every sign and uses indicator lights to show you exactly which sign face is displaying at any time on every sign.
Are the billboards lighted?
Yes. We use a high-powered commercial fluorescent lighting system, designed strictly for outdoor use. The lights are mounted at the top of the billboards, flooding the entire sign face with light.
Which is better on rotating signs – horizontal or vertical louvers?
Horizontal louvers are better for several reasons. First, they allow for more readable text at a closer distance. Remember, mobile billboards are smaller than roadside billboards, and your readers will be much closer to the signs. The less chopped up your text, the clearer your advertiser’s message will be. See the example below. Second, horizontal louvers can cut down on the time and difficulty of ad installation. For example, on a side sign, there are 20 horizontal louvers as compared to 36 vertical louvers. That’s sixteen additional louvers and 45% more work
Which makes more money - a Rotating Billboard Vehicle or a Scrolling Billboard Vehicle?
The good news is, that either type of billboard vehicle can produce a great income. The number of signs you can sell is also a factor in your success. This number depends partly on the skill and perseverance of the sales person and partly on the overall appeal of the product to the potential advertiser. Many people like the rotating billboards better than scrolling. Many others like scrolling better than rotating.
Others have said that tri-action trucks can’t succeed with only 12 ads. Is there any validity to this?
To date, hundreds of tri-action vehicles have been built and sold to entrepreneurs, delivery companies, and businesses all over the country and all over the world. Many of our clients have multiple vehicles and enjoy healthy six-figure incomes. The key to succeeding with any mobile advertising vehicle is selling ads. With a tri-action truck, there are fewer ads to sell, but the market will bear a much higher price for each ad.
SCROLLING BILLBOARD TRUCK QUESTIONS
How important is the size of a mobile billboard?
It has proven to be very important to potential advertisers. Our trucks offer more advertising real estate than any other mobile advertising vehicles on the market. For a scrolling billboard truck, compare our 156 sq.ft. of advertising space to our competitors’ 130—an additional 26 sq.ft. of advertising space every time the ads scroll. That’s a difference you can see, and your clients will see it too.
How important is the number of possible ads on a scrolling billboard truck?
The specific number is important, but not in terms of “more equals better.” It’s important to be able to scroll enough ads that your income stream from the truck is very sizable. However, you don’t want to offer so many ads per side that you meet resistance from potential advertisers. When pitching the mobile billboard idea to a business, you will inevitably be asked “how often will my ad be displayed?” The shocking answer on a truck with 20 ads per side is only once every 3 mins. and 40 sec! The real key is finding that “sweet spot” where the number of ads (revenue for your business) intersects with the appeal of the advertising medium (exposure for your customers).
How many ads can your trucks scroll?
Our trucks will scroll up to 18 — 6’x10’ ads per side, and 18 — 6’x6’ ads on the back (45 total).
What does Mobile Master know about the process, marketing and public relations aspect of this medium?
Mobile Master literally invented this medium in 1998 and has more experience with the sales and marketing of mobile advertising than anyone else in the industry. Not only do we know mobile advertising, but we also own and run a multi-million dollar ad agency based here in Nashville. That gives us access to an invaluable wealth of market data and statistics on which we can base our own business model. When you buy a Mobile Master truck, not only do you get the best vehicle in the industry, you also benefit from our years of experience in buying, selling, and marketing mobile media.
What is the success rate of your affiliates?
We have affiliates with as many as six trucks, and as few as one. Roughly 95% of our affiliates are running healthy profitable businesses. Some are currently adding additional trucks, and some are pleased enough in their market with the income from a single vehicle.
Do you personally own, operate and sell advertising on your own vehicles?
We personally own and operate four mobile billboard vehicles in and around Nashville, TN.
Do you recommend running multiple campaigns with the same vehicle?
Yes. Both mobile display campaigns and special events should make up approximately 20%-25% of your total gross revenue. We coach our affiliates on how to sell, setup, and manage such campaigns. Bluetooth and text-messaging campaigns can also provide additional revenue for your company, and utilizes the base of advertising clients you’ve already established.
Do you have a national network?
Yes. We have the largest national network of any mobile billboard truck manufacturer or importer. We have more trucks in more cities in more states in more countries than any of our competitors, and Mobile Master is usually the first company contacted when an advertiser wants to place advertising in given markets. This year we’ve placed dozens of ads on our affiliates’ trucks from national companies such as Remax, Charter Communications, Miller, BET, and The Home Depot. In the first quarter of 2008 we will be formally rolling out the Mobile Master network. We have put a national sales team in place who will market this medium aggressively to national advertisers and place media in first, second, and third tier markets. Unlike other “national networks,” you won’t be left out of the mix if you don’t happen to be in a market like Chicago, Miami, or San Diego.
Will you make a reference list of all your 100+ affiliates available to potential buyers?
No but we always have a dozen or so affiliates available to field calls from potential buyers at any given time. This list rotates throughout the year and always comprises a representative sample of our affiliates. Our 10 years of experience in this industry have shown us that fielding multiple calls from potential buyers can significantly cut into an operator’s own time. By rotating our affiliates on and off of our reference list, no one is asked to bear too much of the burden. Another reason we don’t offer people a comprehensive list of our clients is because, unfortunately, this is information that can be used for solicitation. Experience has shown that this information is valuable enough to our competitors that they will even impersonate potential clients to get it. We value our affiliates too much to hand their personal information over to anyone who claims to be interested in a mobile billboard truck.
What do you offer in the way of support after the purchase of the truck? Will you help me be successful?
Absolutely. Nothing is more important to us than the success of our clients. At Mobile Master, we provide you with every tool necessary to be successful. If you have questions on the financial side of things, you can always speak with our Financial Services Director. We have a full-time team of Graphic Designers who can help in designing your ads. They will work with you, or directly with your clients. Members of our sales team are always willing to answer questions or help you with an important sales presentation. Our employees include an automotive electrician who can troubleshoot anything with your auxiliary systems such as GPS, FM Transmitter, etc, a fully certified auto/diesel mechanic, multiple AWS certified welders, a structural engineer, and two fulltime service technicians who can field calls about everything from sign tabbing to controller operation to light bulb replacement. We also have our own dedicated GMC rep., a distinction usually offered only to fleet companies. We are a rapidly expanding, multi million dollar company with the type of infrastructure you should demand when making a purchase such as this. You need to know that the company you buy from today will be there tomorrow. Never underestimate time-in-business as a factor in making your decision.
Will I be charged for time spent answering technical/mechanical questions?
Absolutely not. Unlike our bi-coastal competitors who charge $50/hr. to answer your questions, support comes standard when you buy a Mobile Master truck. It’s all part of your comprehensive 3 yr. warranty.
Do you offer your clients sales and marketing materials? Are these the same materials you use to sell advertising on your own trucks?
Yes to both. We offer customizable media kits that can be tailored specifically to your market and include your own custom designed logo, contact information, and market statistics. We developed this material in-house and have ample experience using it to sell advertising on our own trucks.
Is the chassis Gas or Diesel?
We can build on either platform. Typically though, we recommend the 6.0 liter V8 Vortec gas engine due to its proven reliability over the diesel. Based on statistics compiled from some of the top Isuzu/GMC Medium Duty Truck service centers from around the country, the diesel engine trucks require service/repair at a rate of nearly 3 : 1. That means more time spent in the shop and less time spent on the road for your advertisers.
What are the benefits, if any, of a diesel for a mobile advertising truck?
Because diesel fuel combusts at a much lower temperature than unleaded, a diesel engine stays cooler and lasts longer than a gas engine. This is great for a service or transport vehicle, and ideal for an over-the-road truck that will log a quarter of a million miles per year. For a mobile advertising vehicle, however, you’re unlikely to realize any of these benefits. For starters, there is a $6K-$7K price difference between the gas and diesel chassis, and because it has a much lower amp alternator, the diesel requires an auxiliary alternator to function properly for these purposes. At present, you will also pay roughly $.030 more per gallon for diesel at the pump and see an increase in fuel efficiency of only 2mi./gal. With GMC’s new 5 yr./75,000 mile warranty on the 6.0L gas engine, your vehicle is covered through the vast majority, if not the entirety, of its service life. After 5 years and 75,000 miles, only catastrophic engine failure would produce an out-of-pocket service expense equivalent to a) the cost of your diesel upgrade and b) five years of paying for more expensive fuel. The powerful 6.0L V8 Vortec gas engine also has the distinction of being the only gas engine offered on a class 3 or 4 LCF truck.
Do your vehicles conform to US Department of Transportation laws and is it legal to run them in all states?
Yes.
What is the standard delivery time?
Standard delivery time is 4 weeks, but we try to give a range of 4-6. We’ve also been trying to keep one to two trucks in stock and available for immediate purchase.
TECHNICAL, WARRANTY, AND PRODUCTION QUESTIONS
How long does it take to get a truck?
It takes one of our crews only 5-6 working days to complete a truck, but we always have orders in production; therefore, you have to get in line. Currently the average delivery time is six to eight weeks, but the possibility exists that we’ll may have several trucks in stock. Speak with a member of our sales staff for details
Delays from the factory or special orders could take as long as 10 weeks, but that is generally the maximum wait time. Please keep in mind that, due to our dependence on suppliers, we can never give you an exact date for delivery in advance.
What do I do if there is a problem with my billboards, the truck, or other equipment?
All of our trucks and equipment have manufacturers' warranties ranging from one to five years. We also have taken into account availability of nationwide service for any product we put into the truck.
We are a vehicle manufacturing company with links in Canada, Europe, and the U.S., and we feel a serious obligation to all our customers. We and our vendors have technicians on duty for phone support as well as onsite repair. What few problems you may ever have with the signs can usually be solved over the phone, but if the problem requires a technician on site, we or our sign partners will provide one within 48 to 72 hours.
We have a 30 year reputation to uphold, and because we also manufacture and fabricate other vehicles, we are very vested in our reputation and that of our vehicles. We're still around backing up our warranties long after many of our competitors have gone out of business.
Where are your trucks built?
All of our vehicles are manufactured completely in-house at our 30,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility in Nashville, TN.
What differentiates your vehicles from the competition’s trucks?
Many things go into making Mobile Master trucks the finest in the industry. Some of those things include solid steel frame construction, control over the entire manufacturing process from start to finish, superior components (batteries, motors, lights, gears, etc.) more advanced technology, and the ability to customize any vehicle.
Does it really make a difference that your trucks are made in America and not imported from China?
Yes. While we certainly support economic globalization, there is a reason companies choose to have their products manufactured in China. Low wages paid to factory workers in China make for cheap products and higher profit margins for importers. The lack of quality materials used in production also helps to cut costs. Unfortunately, this manner of production results in a high rate of product failure. Any engineer, machinist, or craftsman will tell you; you don’t buy machinery that was manufactured in China. Period.
How big are the mobile billboards?
Sign sizes vary by model, but the dimensions for our two most popular models are as follows:
Tri-action Rotating Billboard Vehicle
Side signs: 11ft. 8in. wide by
Back Sign:
Front Sign:
Scrolling Billboard Vehicle
Side signs: 10ft. wide by 6 ft. tall
Back sign: 6ft. wide by 6ft. tall
Front sign: 6ft. wide by 3ft. tall (Front sign is optional)
If you require a specific sign size, we can generally accommodate you. Contact a member of our sales team at 888-303-7666 for particulars.
If there’s ever a problem with my signs will I have to send off somewhere for parts?
No. In the event you ever have a problem with one of your signs, we will coordinate and perform your repair from start to finish. We will take care of ordering and shipping any parts your repair may require.
Other companies claim they can put out 250 units per month. What is your production capacity?
We don’t put out “units.” We build high-quality, specially engineered trucks, from start to finish, in our manufacturing facility in Nashville, TN. Because we have many skilled employees, our production capacity is scalable, but our standard waiting time is four to five weeks. If a company does put out 250 “units” per month, assuming a standard 40 hr. work-week, that means each little pod is given about 38 minutes of attention. At Mobile Master, we spend twice that much time just giving your vehicle a final once-over before releasing it for pickup or delivery.
Does it actually take 4-5 weeks to build a vehicle?
No, but because we’re always building multiple vehicles, it takes some time to get new orders into the production schedule, but we do everything we can to complete your vehicle promptly.
FINANCING QUESTIONS
How much of a deposit do you require to start on my truck?
10% is standard, but we have multiple financing options available. If you’re approved for more than 90% financing, we can usually get started on your truck with whatever amount you’ll be putting down.
I don’t have perfect credit. Will this keep me from getting financing?
No. There are plenty of qualified buyers who, for whatever reason, don’t have perfect credit. We have multiple financing sources with different financing packages. Our financiers will take into account your complete financial picture when making their decision. With less than perfect credit, you may be required to put down 15%, but we’ve never had any of our financiers ask for more than that. This puts your maximum total up-front investment at less than $14,000, leaving you more capital to invest in your new business.
Can you describe how an Operating Lease works?
An operating lease is considered “off balance sheet” finance, so it will not show up as debt on your company’s credit record. With an operating lease, the entire monthly lease payment can be taken as a write-off. The term is usually 60 months, and there is usually a 10% initial deposit, and a 10% residual buyout at term end. Because this 10% isn’t financed at the beginning, your monthly payments will be lower throughout the course of the lease term.
Can you describe how a Finance Loan works?
With this type of loan, you have ownership of the vehicle from the beginning. Usually at term-end, there is a $1.00 buyout. The payments are generally a bit higher because you’re financing more from the beginning. Only the interest on your monthly payments can be written off. The loan will show up as “debt” on your company’s balance sheet.
I’ve been approved for multiple trucks. Does this entitle me to a discount?
We do offer multiple truck discounts, but simply being approved for multiple vehicles will not affect the price of your first truck. If you place a deposit on multiple vehicles simultaneously, then absolutely, we can adjust price to reflect this.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Do I need to buy a printer?
The short answer is no. While, on paper, it may seem that printing your own ads will save you money, you’ll likely find that your time would be better spent growing your business. Additionally, printers are like computers, in that they become obsolete very quickly. So investing in a printer isn’t a one-time thing. That $15,000 investment every two to three years could probably be much better spent. That said, we’ll be glad to sell you a printer at cost if you require one.
Do I need a GPS?
A GPS can track the location and speed of a vehicle, and software associated with a GPS system can produce reports about where a truck as been. This information can be made available to your advertisers in printed reports, or you can allow advertisers to track your vehicle live online. You might use the ability to provide such reports or online tracking to advertisers as a selling point. Additionally, a GPS allows you to monitor your drivers and keep up with the whereabouts of your vehicle at all times. GPS is available as an option on all Mobile Master vehicles. You can choose your own GPS unit, and we charge only for installation. We make no money on the unit itself.
Is a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required?
No. Because all of our vehicles weigh less than 10,000 pounds, drivers are not required to have a CDL.
Can I count on Mobile Master to protect the value of my investment?
Absolutely. At Mobile Master, we will always offer our vehicles at a stable, competitive price-point, ensuring that the vehicle you bought for $85,000 in January isn’t being offered for $65,000 in February. We want you to build equity in your vehicle, not debt.
Where do I get the ads to put on the truck?
Generally speaking, you will need to contract with a graphic designer to create the artwork for the sign. The designer will produce an electronic file, at (billboard-size) high resolution, that can be sent to the printer via email. We have an in-house graphic designer here at Mobile Master, who can help you with this process. We can also recommend printers to you for both rotating and scrolling billboards. Soon, you will be able to upload your artwork directly to our FTP site for one-stop printing.
How much money can I make with mobile billboards?
We have had mobile billboard businesses report that they have consistently averaged between a 50% and 70% profit. You may be able to do the same thing if your expenses are low and your sales are high. No one can really predict what will happen in any given market with any given owner. You should try to estimate your own profit by considering the number of sign faces on the truck, the number of trucks that you have, the price you are able to charge for your signs, the size of your market, your expenses, and so on.
Do you offer any type of consulting service for my new advertising business?
Yes. We’ve been in this business for longer than anyone else, and we’ve advised hundreds of clients on how to run their mobile advertising business successfully. We offer a media kit, promotional video for your website, even on-site training with our sales and marketing professionals. Talk to a member of our sales team for details.
|
