Last Updated on: 9th February 2024, 11:37 am
The most impactful gifts are custom-made, heartfelt, and lasting. For those looking for a distinctive Valentine’s Day gift, especially for last-minute shoppers, Plates4Less has an intriguing proposition.
A private number plate is an ideal gift that meets these criteria, and Plates4Less has highlighted its popularity as a gift choice. It turns out that approximately two out of every five customers are purchasing personalised number plates as gifts, mostly for partners to celebrate significant events like anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentine’s Day.
The major challenge for some is the complexity of selecting, buying, and assigning a private plate to a significant other. To alleviate this, Plates4Less has put together the Plates4Gifts Guide, which simplifies each step in plain language.
Insights into Private Number Plates
Referred to as private registration marks or cherished number plates, these are gifts that not only last a lifetime but also add a personal flair to a vehicle, and can even act as investments.
The Surge in Popularity for Private Number Plates
“We’ve seen a big increase in the demand for private plates over the last five years with a 30% increase in marketwide activity since 2017,” explained Antony Clark, number plate expert and Marketing Manager at Plates4Less.
With Valentine’s Day on the way, he’s shared some insights into the industry. He said: “Since cars are more expensive than ever but also more reliable and comfortable, it seems that some people prefer to purchase a new plate, rather than change their vehicle.
“People also enjoy private plates because they are personal and unique, so they can make their mass-produced vehicle more individual and special to them.”
Selecting a Private Plate for a Loved One
There are a few tried-and-tested insider methods that the Plates4Less team uses to find the perfect number plate. Starting with personal attributes like the recipient’s name, initials or a hobby, is always a good idea..
Once you’ve got the basic idea, you can add in fillers like significant dates or initials!
Things like K155, XXX, XOX, LUV, HOT, 69, TNT, WOW, SX51 or MI55 are cute, romantic and even raunchy, so they help complete the plate!
You can find many tips for gifting in the Plates4Gifts Hub Search Guide, but finding a good partner plate is pretty simple.
Partner Plates – A Unique Concept
Plates4Less has categorized “Partner Plates” as those combining the names or initials of two individuals plus a significant number.
For those considering this unique gift, it’s best to start with your partner’s name or initials. Below are some formats that comply with government-issued plate standards:
- Your initials + 04 + Partner’s Initials
- Your initials + significant number* + Partner’s 3 initials
- First Initial + significant number* + 3-letter Abbreviated Surname
- Marriage Month Letter + Day + 3 initials
- MI55/ MR MR51 + Initials/ 3-letter name/ 3-letter Abbreviated Surname
*Significant numbers could be anything from marriage years to personal lucky numbers, adding a personal touch to the plate.
For those whose significant others may not have a vehicle or a driving licence, brainstorming private number plate ideas can be a heartfelt and cost-free way to express care. Plates4Less offers a platform for this, where you can also compile a shortlist to gauge their preference.
VRM Swansea – Plates4Less is a premier UK agency for the trade of private plates, boasting over 67 million registrations and an advanced search engine to assist clients in finding their ideal plate. Established in 1997, the company prides itself on its expert service and customer satisfaction, as reflected in its numerous 5-star Trustpilot reviews.
Despite its name, Plates4Less has set a record for the highest-priced private sale in the UK, with a transaction exceeding £600,000 in 2022.