Most people think competition is a threat. They see a new shop open up and immediately worry about losing customers, dropping prices, or fighting for market share. Me? I love it.
Every time a new competitor rolls into town, I get excited. Not because I think they’ll fail (though many do), but because I know exactly what’s going to happen.
1. Money and Hype Don’t Equal Success
A lot of new shops come in hot—backed by a big bank account, flashy marketing, or a connection that gives them a head start. Maybe it’s a trust fund, a loan from dad, or even a high-profile influencer hyping them up.
Cool. None of that scares me.
Because at the end of the day, money can’t buy work ethic. It can’t buy experience. And it definitely can’t buy the grit it takes to survive in this industry.
When the Instagram hype fades and the reality of day-to-day business hits, that’s when the real work starts. And most of them? They’re not built for it.
2. No Shortcuts to Quality
The vinyl wrap game isn’t about who can buy the most ads or talk the loudest—it’s about who does the best work and who stands behind it.
I’ve spent years perfecting my craft, learning from failures, and grinding through late nights to build something real. The reason customers keep coming back isn’t because I have the biggest shop or the cheapest price—it’s because they trust the work.
New shops often try to cut corners to compete:
- Rushing installs to push out more volume
- Using low-quality materials to save money
- Overpromising and underdelivering
And every time they do? It just makes my job easier. Because customers always notice the difference.
3. Hustle Will Always Win
Here’s the real truth: this business isn’t for the lazy.
It’s early mornings, late nights, fixing mistakes, dealing with picky clients, and constantly leveling up. It’s about pushing through even when things aren’t going your way.
Most people aren’t ready for that kind of grind. They think they can clock in, do a few wraps, and cash out. But when the work gets tough, when the customers expect perfection, when they have to redo jobs on their own dime—that’s when the excuses start.
Meanwhile, I’m still in the shop. Still putting in the hours. Still perfecting my craft.
Competition Makes Me Better
I don’t lose sleep over new competitors—I welcome them. Because they remind me why I win.
Every time a new shop pops up, I get sharper. I push harder. I double down on what makes us the best.
So if you’re a new competitor reading this, I’ve got one thing to say: bring your best. Because you’re going to need it.