I'm starting a new side business, a roll off dumpster business. Technically they are "hook lift" dumpsters, but that doesn't matter. I currently have 5 brand new dumpsters I need to make logos & lettering for.

I bought a vinyl cutter machine to make the logos and other stuff that goes on the side of the dumpsters. I'm trying to decide if I make the company name logos with ".com" at the end. I already have the domain, but the website isn't finished yet.

Question:
Out of the 3 options below, which one looks best?
Is ".com" now assumed?



Choices:
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3

 

#3 - but only if you already own that domain AND it is set waiting for people to visit.

If I visit a site that is being advertised, I have an innate tendency to forget and avoid if the site is blank or otherwise not ready to be used (unless there is a note indicating the site is under construction and will be ready on such-n-such date

The dumpsters are currently hidden in a location where they are not visible to anyone.

This is what the sides will look like, a mock-up I made in Excel.
Just trying to decide if I add .com. I struggle with such simple decisions.

#3, agreed with the above.
May be implied, but having it visible makes it obvious.

I would make it as easy as possible to let people be able to contact you, a lot of people take screenshots or pics of something that catches their eye and save it on their phone.

Why not:

MOUNTAIN DUMPSTER (larger font)
MountainDumpster.com (smaller font)
303-XXX-XXXX (smaller font)

Channel your inner Gretsky, "Skate to where the puck is going to be."

Meaning, you will definitely want the .com on the side of the dumpsters as soon as your site is up...and probably won't want to go out and redo the lettering.

Even if the dumpsters are not visible to everyone, they'll be visible to your customers.

While you're at it (I did a few years in the vinyl lettering sign industry in the '80s) let me get on my soapbox and encourage you put all your text in a typeface and size that can be seen from a good distance.

If you want to test, do a mockup at size, and have some people try to read it from distance. If more than a few can't do it, consider upping the size or choosing a more legible typeface. Since you've got your own machine, you should have a lot of flexibility on size.

See no reason you can't put the .com at the end of the company name.

Great comments.

The vinyl cutter I bought will handle vinyl up to 24" wide. I have the height for each section on the left side of this image.

The vertical section of the dumpster is 32" tall.

Mountain Dumpster is 11" tall, then a 2" gap, then phone number 11" tall, then a 2" gap, etc...

The lower section is angled and I probably won't use that section. It has rails for straps, hooks, etc... in the middle of it

MOUNTAIN DUMPSTER
MountainDumpster.com 303-XXX-XXXX (this centered on the first line)

I don't see any reason not to include the .com. Why not? It gives more info. Everyone uses the internet these days.

Nobody needs a .com anymore in their advert. It isn’t 1999. Most people will just go to Google, search, and click. Or use voice to ask their device. Nobody wants to type out a company URL because one little typo makes it fail. This is why they go through a search engine. It will bypass small mistakes and get them there more quickly and with less effort.

Will the website have more information that just a phone number? I can’t tell you how many small business websites I’ve been to that were a complete waste of time.

I’d have rates, general explanation of how it works, the ability to reserve/schedule, etc. on the website.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Will the website have more information that just a phone number?

Yes, it will have all the information a potential customer will need. That's actually part of my strategy/niche...All pricing is up front, as well as on-line (immediate) booking/reservations.

Getting that sorted out is part of the delay in getting the website up and running.

Go with #2. As Sigcrazy7 said

quote:

Nobody needs a .com anymore in their advert.

I find these things are easier to "register" in my brain if it is 2 words and no .com at the end. Easier to Read and Easier to Remember. The space between the 2 words is important and the .com clutters it up. And, do not use ALL CAPS in the name. That also makes it harder to read and remember

This is an excellent biz to be getting into as people have SO MUCH SHIT to get rid of these days, it's ridiculous.

I needed to clean out my basement of just crap accumulated over 20 years or so and ended up filling a 15 yard dumpster to the top and barely got half out.

Good prompt communication and being upfront about pricing IS KEY!

I called and emailed around to various trash haulers abut dumpster rental and it was shocking how half them could not even be bothered to return a call or answer an email. I'm not chasing your ass down here And prices have gotten CRAZY.

Luckily a guy from church I know had a guy who gave me a really good deal.

quote:

I find these things are easier to "register" in my brain if it is 2 words and no .com at the end. Easier to Read and Easier to Remember. The space between the 2 words is important and the .com clutters it up. And, do not use ALL CAPS in the name. That also makes it harder to read and remember

I agree with this.
Also check to see if the name is registered with the State so you do not get sued. If the name is not registered most states allow registration.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
This is an excellent biz to be getting into as people have SO MUCH SHIT to get rid of these days, it's ridiculous.
Good prompt communication and being upfront about pricing IS KEY!

I called and emailed around to various trash haulers abut dumpster rental and it was shocking how half them could not even be bothered to return a call or answer an email. I'm not chasing your ass down here And prices have gotten CRAZY.

Yep, agree with all of this! That's what actually gave me the idea. Waste Management and the other "300 pound gorillas" don't care about a homeowner. They are my target customers. I live in a mountain rural area, and it's even worse trying to get someone to deliver a dumpster where I am. 15 yards are what I have, although I maybe should've gone with 20 yard.

quote:

Originally posted by Anush:
I agree with this.
Also check to see if the name is registered with the State so you do not get sued. If the name is not registered most states allow registration.

AGREED!!! I already did all of this! I've been working on this project since November!

Start with what you have now.

Soon as you get the website up and running, then add a new decal stating your website. Just add it on.

Best wishes to you.
.