Billboard Truck FAQ's
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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?
No. We want for the sign and vehicle warranties to run concurrently. We also want to make certain all of our products are of the absolute highest quality. We can’t guarantee this unless all the components are new.
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.
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?
First you need to contract with a graphic designer to create the artwork for the sign. Generally, the designer will produce an electronic file that can be sent to a printer via email. We can recommend both graphic designers and printers to you for both the rotating billboards and the scrolling billboards. Soon, you will be able to upload your artwork directly to our FTP site for one-stop printing.
Will you paint my truck lime green?
In brief, the answer is No. Recently, we’ve been getting this question from people who have purchased a lime green truck from one of our competitors. They are ready for another truck, but are dissatisfied with the level of service and performance they’ve gotten out of their lime green truck. They want to buy their next trucks from us, but they want all of their trucks to match. The problem this presents for us is that we don’t want our vehicles or our reputation associated with this competitor. It would also be unfair for their reputation to benefit from the incorrect perception that one of our larger brighter vehicles was actually one of theirs. One way we’ve mitigated this problem is by offering a coordinating vehicle wrap to pull in the green color of the customer’s other vehicles.
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.
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.
What is the likelihood that I will get referral business from other businesses with similar trucks regionally or nationally?
Right now, the likelihood is not good. The majority of your revenue will come from developing relationships with local and regional advertisers, signing them to 3, 6, or 12 month contracts. When you start a mobile advertising business, you will be selling ads, not managing accounts already in existence. Do not expect that by buying a truck you will opt into some kind of “network.”
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.
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