Start a vehicle graphics and sign workshop

Trades and delivery firms with vans, small fleets, shops, restaurants, estate agents, clubs and local organisations.

Priced per job, with higher-value work from full or partial van wraps and fleet orders. Repeat work comes from new vehicles, rebrands and replacements.

• Design and print preparation
• Precise fitting of large graphics
• Quoting and job costing
• Selling to local businesses

• Public liability and tools or equipment insurance, and check cover for customers' vehicles while in your care
• Unit lease terms, business rates and permitted use, so check them before signing
• Some printing and cleaning materials need safe storage and ventilation, so check the health and safety requirements
• Spoiled vinyl on a large wrap is costly, so build in waste and a policy for errors
• Outdoor signs may need planning or advertising consent, so check with the council or ask the customer to

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, printer, cutter, laminator and other equipment you choose. Build in some allowance for spoiled vinyl, as errors on large wraps can be costly.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £14,000, depending on your mix of van wraps, fleet livery and signs, and how many local business customers you win. Quoting and job costing carefully will matter.

Check public liability and equipment insurance, including cover for customers' vehicles in your care. Also check unit lease terms, business rates and permitted use, safe storage and ventilation for materials, and any advertising consent for outdoor signs.