Anyone advertise on their car??

[SnapsbyPoteat]

My husband is all about trying to squeeze in every tax break option we can. He claims we can write the car off in taxes if we place a decal on it with my business logo, I'm sure he's right, but I'm just not sure if this is the way to go.

Any thoughts?

[Karl Johnston]

Something you need to ask someone who specializes in taxes or accounting in your state. I imagine you may be able to get the decal itself written off but the whole car sounds a bit iffy

[Mark1]

Depending on how you use it. Simply having a sticker on it while you take the kids to Soccer, will not allow the max deduction. However some is allowed as it is advertising. If it is used exclusivley for the buisness the whole thing is able to be written off.

Not sure if it is fixed yet or not... But at least a few years ago there was a bigger write off for large cars/suv's. So sompanies that have no real need for a Surburban/Expadition bought them because in the long run it was actually cheaper from the tax write offs to buy an SUV over a small car. This was just as the SUV hate was getting full steam and the enviromentalists were having a fit over this "mishap".

[Mike R]

I wouldn't advertise on my car. When the car is parked, it implies that there is expensive camera gear in it. Some newspapers in my area have also taken their name off of their cars because of them getting broken into.

[JWright]

I wouldn't advertise on my car. When the car is parked, it implies that there is expensive camera gear in it. Some newspapers in my area have also taken their name off of their cars because of them getting broken into.

California has a special license plate for press photographers and you don't even see those any more...

[asysin2leads]

There are things called car wraps (http://www.wrapvehicles.com/). If you were do something like that, then you might be able to write more off. Talk to an accountant, but I believe you have to use your car for >51% of business. Double check.

[FlyingPhotog]

AFAIK, you can take itemized deductions or mileage.

If you choose itemized, you'd better be prepared to account for every single red cent if Uncle Sugar comes calling.

[FELINEDEBOURGES]

I won't do it and neither will my husband who is in technology consulting for the same reasons as already mentioned: I don't want my car getting broken into because someone thinks there is valuable items inside. I've had my car broken into 3 other times without decals and before I was into photography - I really don't want it happening because I'm advertising my services on my vehicle. I Never leave my gear in my car for this reason, but I don't want it broken into regardless.

As far as a decal goes I don't think it would even be an advertising write off because you aren't paying someone for the advertising (only the cost of the actual decal.) But I'm not a tax attorney or CPA or anything of the sort, but this is just the logic I see behind it.

[FeXL]

Can't say how it's works stateside but up here in the great white north we can deduct the portion of the vehicle expenses (fuel, insurance, registration, maintenance & repairs, etc.) when the vehicle was used specifically for business.

As such, we keep track of all mileage (business & personal), then at the end of the year hand the accountant the percentages (ie. 60% business, 40% personal).

As far as advertising on your vehicle is concerned, it's like a great, big neon sign saying "Come and get free camera gear." Thx, but no thx.

[cdifoto]

I have a classy frame around my rear tag and a custom logo/url plate on the front. That's it. I write off my mileage (only the mileage related to the business - hitting McD's for a flurry at 2AM doesn't count) but I've always done that...even before I got the custom plate & frame.

As far as door magnets and such, I find that to be rather tasteless. Especially since my car is just a normal everyday blend in with everyone else sedan, not a truck or van.

[cdifoto]

AFAIK, you can take itemized deductions or mileage.

If you choose itemized, you'd better be prepared to account for every single red cent if Uncle Sugar comes calling.

Indeed. I put a spreadsheet on my phone for this very reason.

Column 1: Date
Column 2: Distance
Column 3: Reason
Column 4: Additional Expenses

Autosum is especially handy. :D Oh and keep the receipts. ;)

[cdifoto]

Oh and as far as theft...for me that's not an issue. My stuff is at home when I don't need it, in the car when I'm driving, and inside the venue with me or within eyesight when I'm working. And most of it is actually on me.

If the car is sitting by itself, there's nothing in it except MAYBE some backgrounds, reflectors and/or umbrellas.

[golfecho]

I have advertising on my car every day . . .

. . . it says Subaru. I don't get any pay, and I can't deduct for it . . .

[Mike R]

I have advertising on my car every day . . .

. . . it says Subaru. I don't get any pay, and I can't deduct for it . . . But that's like the Canon logo on your camera. It tells people that you have the best.

[SnapsbyPoteat]

a lot of good info to think about, we are getting with a tax agent within the next week, so we'll see what he says about our state regulations. Thanks for all the in put.

[zagiace]

I wouldn't advertise on my car. When the car is parked, it implies that there is expensive camera gear in it. Some newspapers in my area have also taken their name off of their cars because of them getting broken into.
+1
I am probably paranoid but...
I would not want anything photo related on my vehicle. I also don't like carrying obvious camera equipment in and out of my vehicle.

There is an Apple store near me that had a problem with crooks following people who made large purchases and left them in their car. The broke in and took the products. When I leave an event I have worked I always try to pay attention to anyone taking notice of me or my equipment. Having a photo related advertisement would basically be a ad to having your car broken into frequently.

Think about it this way, you are a crook looking to steal a car, you see 3 potential cars but one has a photography ad on it. Which would you take?

[cdifoto]

Think about it this way, you are a crook looking to steal a car, you see 3 potential cars but one has a photography ad on it. Which would you take?
They'd probably take the nicest car, which ain't mine. ;)

[zagiace]

They'd probably take the nicest car, which ain't mine. ;)
nor mine, but I would be surprised if they did. Its not like they are keeping it. However the equipment they could.
Usually they are going for the easiest target for the most bang.
Either way, mine is not going to get chosen for its content or looks.

[cdifoto]

Either way, mine is not going to get chosen for its content or looks.

Haha mine either. It's nothing to look at and empty when parked. To get my gear they'd have to mug or carjack me, neither of which have anything to do with my business name/logo/url being on the car.

Besides, I don't really go into seedy places and I'm usually surrounded by hundreds of wedding guests with nicer equipment. :D

[ShotByTom]

Vistaprint sends emails out offering a bunch of 'free' stuff, you just pay shipping. I bought a large door magnet, among other things, and put that on my car sometimes. As far as writing it off, I think you would be safe with mileage, but if you try to write off a car, you probably need to be making an awful lot of money in photography!

I've never had a problem with my car being broken into and I'm not too concerned about it. I park where it's very visible with the magnet on it.

[FELINEDEBOURGES]

Haha mine either. It's nothing to look at and empty when parked. To get my gear they'd have to mug or carjack me, neither of which have anything to do with my business name/logo/url being on the car.

Besides, I don't really go into seedy places and I'm usually surrounded by hundreds of wedding guests with nicer equipment. :D

My car was broken into for the third time after my second stereo was already stolen and not yet replaced in a parking garage of the nicest malls around - South Coast Plaza - the day before Christmas several years ago. It's not at all a "nice" car either. No rhyme or reason, but I wouldn't want that to happen again, and I think that advertising your business which uses very re-sellable equipment is just asking for it to happen - regardless of if you actually have it in your car or not.

[cdifoto]

My car was broken into for the third time after my second stereo was already stolen and not yet replaced in a parking garage of the nicest malls around - South Coast Plaza - the day before Christmas several years ago. It's not at all a "nice" car either. No rhyme or reason, but I wouldn't want that to happen again, and I think that advertising your business which uses very re-sellable equipment is just asking for it to happen - regardless of if you actually have it in your car or not.

Okay so what were you doing that was asking for it to happen? After all it happened to you THREE TIMES.

Oh that's right, you didn't do anything. That's because there's no LOGIC to breaking & entering. Those types of criminals are low lifes with no brains. They're opportunists, not stalkers & planners. They don't hit a vehicle "because it has a lot of stuff in it", they hit a vehicle "to see what's inside"

In other words, it's totally random. For everything else there's insurance.

[FELINEDEBOURGES]

Okay so what were you doing that was asking for it to happen? After all it happened to you THREE TIMES.

Oh that's right, you didn't do anything. That's because there's no LOGIC to breaking & entering. Those types of criminals are low lifes with no brains. They're opportunists, not stalkers & planners. They don't hit a vehicle "because it has a lot of stuff in it", they hit a vehicle "to see what's inside"

In other words, it's totally random. For everything else there's insurance.

wow I guess you have the title of "don't get pissy with me" for a reason, but I guess it should say "I'll get pissy at you if you don't agree with me"

[cdifoto]

wow I guess you have the title of "don't get pissy with me" for a reason, but I guess it should say "I'll get pissy at you if you don't agree with me"

Haha. You mistook "pissy" with "poking holes in your logic" ;)

Seriously. If your car is going to get jacked, it's going to get jacked. It has nothing to do with having door magnets, license plates, stuff in the trunk of the car, etc.

If you're worried, insure your kit. As a business, you should do that anyway.

[FELINEDEBOURGES]

Haha. You mistook "pissy" with "poking holes in your logic" ;)

Seriously. If your car is going to get jacked, it's going to get jacked. It has nothing to do with having door magnets, license plates, stuff in the trunk of the car, etc.

If you're worried, insure your kit. As a business, you should do that anyway.


I just disagree. Each time there was a reason. Twice it was to steal my CD deck, and another time they probably thought there was stuff in it considering it was done while I was at the mall and many times people go back to their cars to put stuff they just bought in it and go back into the mall to continue shopping. There was a bottle of wine in the back seat that I'd just won at my company Christmas party's gift exchange the night before, and they probably thought there would be more stuff to take. Luckily they were wrong, they just scared the **** out of me when I came back to my car with all my doors open.

I really think that if I were to put identifying decals or magnets on my car that it would be even more apt to be broken into and far less random than the average car break-in.

If you disagree with me FINE, just don't tell me I'm wrong - it's only your opinion, not a fact.

Oh and having insurance is not the point.

[cdifoto]

I just disagree. Each time there was a reason. Twice it was to steal my CD deck, and another time they probably thought there was stuff in it considering it was done while I was at the mall and many times people go back to their cars to put stuff they just bought in it and go back into the mall to continue shopping. There was a bottle of wine in the back seat that I'd just won at my company Christmas party's gift exchange the night before, and they probably thought there would be more stuff to take. Luckily they were wrong, they just scared the **** out of me when I came back to my car with all my doors open.

I really think that if I were to put identifying decals or magnets on my car that it would be even more apt to be broken into and far less random than the average car break-in.

If you disagree with me FINE, just don't tell me I'm wrong - it's only your opinion, not a fact.

Oh and having insurance is not the point.

That kind of makes sense then. If people looked in my car, all they'd see is an empty car.

[burntpixel]

When the lawyer sees photos from the accident report, will he/she be more likely to file suite against you (individual) or company advertised on the side of the car?

When another car with advertisement drives past you, do you grab a pen and paper and jot down the contact info or just keep driving?

Is this the clientele you want?

Those are 3 questions my accountant asked me, when setting up my business/llc. I have nothing on my vehicle that reflects my company.

I have a mileage book that is kept in the vehicle and given to her at the end of the year.

[kalee]

i have advertised on my back window for the last three years.
i do not have my phone number, just my business name.com
35% of my booked sessions are due to this.
i live in the southern california area and have never had my car broken into.

[zagiace]

i have advertised on my back window for the last three years.
i do not have my phone number, just my business name.com
35% of my booked sessions are due to this.
i live in the southern california area and have never had my car broken into.
wow, over a third of your clients book because of your ad on your vehicle? That's impressive. I would not expect that. If I could increase my business by 35% I would seriously put an ad on my car. Wouldn't care if they broke in. I would consider it a business expense.
just skeptical, I can't really see my clients jotting down a photographers website found on my mazda. Your car is probably nicer then mine. I would also have to keep it clean. Maybe its not worth 35%... lol

[LBaldwin]

California has a special license plate for press photographers and you don't even see those any more...

I tried to get those 3 times with creds... not available any longer. NONE of the TV stations use them. They figure that the large antenna and the CBS logo on the side are ID enough.

I thought about putting my info on the side, of my truck, but I think the security issues are more important.

[kalee]

wow, over a third of your clients book because of your ad on your vehicle? That's impressive. I would not expect that. If I could increase my business by 35% I would seriously put an ad on my car. Wouldn't care if they broke in. I would consider it a business expense.
just skeptical, I can't really see my clients jotting down a photographers website found on my mazda. Your car is probably nicer then mine. I would also have to keep it clean. Maybe its not worth 35%... lol

i've got an expedition... and to be honest, the hardest part IS keeping it clean. {on the inside} i've got 4 kids plus a husband so it's a struggle with them constantly to keep their crap picked up. because i do realize that anyone who walks by while i'm parked at the grocery store, library, little league game, school etc... is a potential client.

[asysin2leads]

i've got an expedition... and to be honest, the hardest part IS keeping it clean. {on the inside} i've got 4 kids plus a husband so it's a struggle with them constantly to keep their crap picked up. because i do realize that anyone who walks by while i'm parked at the grocery store, library, little league game, school etc... is a potential client.

I know the feeling. With 5 kids under 10, we have fruit snacks, wrappers, cups and something that just sticks on the seat regardless of what I try in our van. All kidding aside of course, you're right. Between the grocery, numerous soccer games, the YMCA, the mall, Target and anywhere else the kids are dragging us, anyone who sees the van IS a potential client. I have a friend who does custom decals and he's working on something for me. I plan on putting my web address only rather than my phone number. The best part is that he does them for free for me.

[KrautFed]

I'm a handy mechanic, so I bought a van needing some work (shocks/struts, window motors, misc stuff). Purchasing another vehicle specifically for work/photo is the best money I've spent on ANY photography equipment yet. Astro passenger van with seats removed = carpeted cargo van. Cardboard covered in cheap dark fabric on the windows (from inside) = removable limo tint for prying eyes. No signs/decals on the van makes it look like everyone else in the herd.

I have a total of $1260 invested into the van not including insurance/tag and the only thing I have left to fix is the A/C, which I expect to fix for $300-$400 in the coming weeks. It averages 18mpg and carries everything I could ask for including 9' seamless paper. I can even add the middle seat if I need to transport people with me.

[DDCSD]

I'm a handy mechanic, so I bought a van needing some work (shocks/struts, window motors, misc stuff). Purchasing another vehicle specifically for work/photo is the best money I've spent on ANY photography equipment yet. Astro passenger van with seats removed = carpeted cargo van. Cardboard covered in cheap dark fabric on the windows (from inside) = removable limo tint for prying eyes. No signs/decals on the van makes it look like everyone else in the herd.

I have a total of $1260 invested into the van not including insurance/tag and the only thing I have left to fix is the A/C, which I expect to fix for $300-$400 in the coming weeks. It averages 18mpg and carries everything I could ask for including 9' seamless paper. I can even add the middle seat if I need to transport people with me.



I've considered doing this and actually putting a large decal on it. I'd only use it for when I'm shooting games or tourneys, so there wouldn't be any worry about it attracting unneeded attention.

[chakalakasp]

Also, unless you're driving a Saturn (which has a non-metallic body), remember that most places that will print signs will print magnets, as well. Magnets can be the best of both worlds in that they advertise and are removable for when you don't want them. You have to care for them and make sure they don't scratch up your car finish, but they work.

I have magnets that read my website "BIGSTORMPICTURE.COM"; I put them on the car whenever I go storm chasing.