How Can Rental Companies Use Decals to Help Prevent Equipment Theft?

Common Questions About Equipment Theft Prevention Decals

What makes a decal effective for equipment theft prevention?

The most effective equipment theft prevention decals combine three things: a permanent adhesive that resists peeling, bold visible branding or asset numbers, and placement in a spot that's hard to hide or scrape off without damage. Many rental companies pair a large exterior decal with a smaller, hidden asset ID label so equipment can still be identified even if the visible decal is removed. Reflective materials and tamper-evident placement add another layer of deterrence. 

What material holds up best on outdoor equipment exposed to weather?

For equipment that lives outdoors, 3M™ Controltac™ vinyl is the most durable flat-decal material Decals.com offers, rated for up to 8 years outdoors. It's built with patented air-release channels that make installation easier and reduce bubbling, and while it's most commonly used for vehicle wraps and fleet graphics, it also holds up well as a general-purpose decal wherever extra durability matters, such as excavators, ATVs, and trailers. Calendered vinyl (up to 5 years outdoors) is a solid, lower-cost option for lighter-duty equipment, and it's worth noting that true cast vinyl is generally reserved for full vehicle wraps rather than flat asset tags. 

What size should asset ID decals be for equipment like excavators, mowers, or trailers?

Size depends on the equipment and how visible you want the ID to be. Small asset tags for tool boxes or hand equipment often run 2 to 4 inches, while fleet vehicles and trailers can use decals sized much larger. Custom vinyl decals from Decals.com print as small as 2" x 2" and, depending on the material, as large as 52" x 120", giving you room to scale ID numbers, logos, and contact information to match the size of the machine. If you're not sure what size fits your fleet, request a custom quote and a designer will help you spec it out. 

Can I add barcodes, QR codes, or sequential asset numbers to my decals?

Yes. Variable data decals can print a unique barcode, QR code, or sequential number on every single decal in a run, which is exactly what fleets need to track individual units. Decals.com's variable data decals come in Standard (3–5 year outdoor lifespan) and High-Performance (up to 8-year outdoor lifespan) material options, in glossy or matte finish. This makes it easy to log check-in and check-out records and match recovered equipment back to your inventory. For rental-specific listings, QR code decals can also link directly to a rental listing, contract terms, or contact information. 

How much do equipment identification decals cost in bulk?

Pricing depends on size, material, and cut option, and larger fleet orders typically qualify for better per-unit rates. Because pricing varies by spec, the most accurate way to price out an entire fleet of trailers, generators, or mowers is to request a custom quote. If you want to see and feel the material before committing to a full run, Decals.com also offers sample packets and custom printed samples of your own artwork. 

How long does production and shipping take?

Standard production is 3 business days. Priority production is available in as little as 1 business day for an added rush fee, a 2-business-day express option splits the difference, and a 5-business-day saver option is available if you want to save on cost and aren't in a rush. Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST begin production the next business day. After production, most U.S. addresses see delivery in about 2–4 business days via standard UPS Ground service. Full details are available on the production times and shipping information pages. Note that domed decals run on a longer, roughly four-week production schedule because of the resin-doming process, so plan ahead if you want that finish. 

How do I install decals on curved or textured equipment surfaces?

Curved or textured surfaces need the right cut option. Kiss-cut and transfer-cut decals make it easier to apply text and graphics around curves on equipment like tanks, rollers, or ATV frames, since transfer-cut work weeds away excess vinyl and leaves only the design, held in place by a temporary application tape. Die-cut decals are best for flatter panels where a single contour-cut shape needs to go down clean. For step-by-step guidance, check the installation videos linked from the cut options page before your first install.