Top 10 Bandit Sign Mistakes
I know I’ve been talking a lot lately about Bandit Signs and how to use them. Well, I really see the need in getting this information out there with spring being here, the new investors I see out there and the mistakes being made by those who use Bandit Signs.
I’ve done a couple of videos on Bandit Signs which I’m sure you’ve seen by now where i gave helpful tips. In this post I’m covering the Top 10 Bandit Sign Mistakes investors are making and how to correct them.
Lets get started:
BREAKING THE LAW – I can’t stress this enough! Know your locations laws on the usage of Bandit Signs. If they are outlawed then look to other means for getting your message out. We as real estate investors already have a negative image we’re fighting so don’t make it worse by breaking the law. ****Solution**** Use 4×6 postcards with your message on them and post them on message boards at your church, grocery store, laundromat, community center or any place where they have a message board.
WRONG SIZE – When using bandit signs you want to make sure your signs are able to be noticed by those who pass them by. I’ve seen signs that were 12×18; these may be cheaper but they are also harder to see by potential clients who are passing by in their cars. ****Solution**** Spend a few dollars more and get Bandit Signs that are 18×24. The cost will be more than the smaller signs but order 50 and not 100. The larger signs are easier to see plus you have the added advantage of more space for your message.
SAYING TOO MUCH – Investors often have too much to say on their Bandit Signs. Depending on who you’re marketing to, sellers or buyers, you must not have a long message or they may pass your sign trying to read all of it and not get your number off of it. ****Solution**** Make your message short and to the point. Use 1 liners, you don’t have to use a complete sentence.
THE WRONG MESSAGE – In many cases I see the old tried and true “We Buy Houses” message on the majority of the Bandit Signs out there. Ask yourself, does that really work? Most people in any decent size city with real estate investors has seen this message SO much that it’s not effective any more. When it comes to messages for buyers most investors will use the “For Sale By Owner” signs. This is another one that doesn’t garner much attention anymore. ****Solution****
- (A Couple Messages for Sellers)
- Sell Me Your House Today
- Need To Sell I’m Buying
- (A Couple Messages For Buyers)
- Help! Buy My House
- Tired Homeowner Sale
SIGN PLACEMENT – I see Bandit Signs placed wrong all the time. I understand many times you may be placing them out late at night, in a rush or in an area with other signs so you’re trying to get the best placement possible so that your sign is noticed. ****Solution**** Place your Bandit Signs in areas where people have to stop and look at them like traffic lights, stop signs, freeway exists, gas stations (if possible). Place your signs in an area where you don’t have to compete for views, if there are 3 or 4 other signs there find another place to put your sign. Place them in position so that they can be easily viewed and read by those who will pass them by. Never and I do mean Never put your sign in the middle of the block where people don’t have to stop, if you do, then you just wasted your time and your sign.
NO NUMBER – Believe it or not I’ve actually seen Bandit Signs with a message and no contact info. ****Solution**** Always, Always, Always, Always make sure you have your contact number on your Bandit Signs. If possible make your number as large as possible so that it fills up a whole line. As an added twist put your number first, on the top of your Bandit Signs. If you have a website, a short easy to remember website add it to your sign if it works and looks good.
OVERKILL – investors, especially beginners will fall victim to this. This is when you see a particular Bandit Sign at every corner you come to. You see it so much it’s annoying. ****Solution**** When using Bandit Signs to attract sellers target a specific area and put out 5 to 10 signs. Avoid the urge of wanting to blanket as much of the city as possible. By targeting specific areas at a time you can better track your leads and learn that area, plus you can avoid getting calls for areas you don’t want to deal with.
COLORS – I’ve seen Bandit Signs in black & white, blue & yellow, red & green, and purple & white. Some colors just wont cut it, some might. ****Solution**** When deciding on your colors for your signs use those that you know will work. yellow & black, red & white, blue & white and try the new hot colors hot pink and black.
FALSE MESSAGE – I’ve seen Bandit Signs that say “I’ll buy you house in 2 days” and other stuff like that. ****Solution**** Don’t say things on your sign that you can’t fulfill. If you do and you don’t perform the word will get around and your leads will dry up.
NO MARKETING – How many so-called real estate investors do you know that say they invest but yet they don’t do any marketing. ****Solution**** As long as Bandit Signs are not against the law in your area you are fighting an uphill battle by not using Bandit Signs. They can be your key to getting leads and massively increasing your real estate investing business. Get them and use the. Get them here BanditSigns.com
Please share your thoughts or comments and let me know if you witness any other mistakes investors make with their Bandit signs.
Comments (29)
Wow! Well Thank You So much for This information !
After lots of learning about Wholesaling I was literally about to order my first 100 signs ! Now I can really get Creative with Your suggestion on wording and colors& sizes! Love it! Austin Texas is Growing like crazy will research Now on if legal or not
Thank You So much !!
Marika😁😁
Marika S. McDonald, about 6 years ago
I own a Sign Company and am happy to work out a deal for everyone on BP or potentially pay for the signs and work a deal out with you to split the deal.
Feel free to message me and we can chat!
Brandon Stapper, almost 7 years ago
where to buy these Bandit signs? what website do you recommend?
thanks
Maggie G., about 7 years ago
Where do you go to see if it's legal or not? I live in Boise Idaho and want to do the surrounding areas. Thanks (Band spanking new at this!)
Amber Holland, almost 8 years ago
Lot's of great info. Thanks!
Davit Gharibyan, almost 8 years ago
Great job. This is very helpful!
Guy Keou, almost 8 years ago
Whoa, cant thank you enough John. 18X24 it is, Thank you.
Robenson Alisme, over 8 years ago
Great Stuff!! THANK YOU!
Austin Stack, almost 9 years ago
Hello My BP Members,
Could anyone please tell me is it Legal to place Bandit Signs in Dallas / DFW area and surrounding Metroplex? Do we need to get a Permission for that. Just wanted to make sure there is No harm to me in placing those signs.
Thanks,
Kash.
Kash Siraj, almost 9 years ago
Where can I check if the bandit signs are not legal in my area?
Thanks.
Nelly Licona, about 9 years ago
Great post @John Glover
Heera S., over 9 years ago
The sign placement point is a good one. It reminded me of how many times I've seen realtor 'for sale' signs facing perpendicular to the street as if the only people they are marketing to are the folks across the street.
Andrew Syrios, over 10 years ago
I feel like bandit signs are illegal everywhere in Atlanta. At least the counties ive contacted
Stevie Johnson, over 10 years ago
yea, i definitely will implement some of this information into my marketing plan. thanks,
Garrett C., over 10 years ago
finally something worth reading!! I've been trying to find specific info like this and finally you hit the nail!
Addiel Flores, almost 12 years ago
WATCH YOUR BACK!!! I cannot wait to catch one of you losers in the act of hanging signs on my block
Kernel, about 12 years ago
Guys, I have read all the comments and gotten the most out of this forum. I work for a national credit restoration company, a legit one. We have a contract with the NFL and are a human resource benefit for employees at over 30 Fortune 500 Companies and several major universities. I am in Dallas, Texas and have never used "bandit signs" but like you, I need to keep the leads flowing. I get 100% of my leads now from Realtors and loan officers but want to sprinkle in a new channel. My target audience is similar to those on here except I am the "step" in between. Any ideas?? I appreciate any advice. :) Steve
Steve Emerson, about 12 years ago
This is great information: the problem and then a solution. Excellent.
Yolanda Loafer, over 12 years ago
Thanks Yolanda, I'm glad you enjoyed!
John Glover, over 12 years ago
There are places they're not illegal?
Shane Woods, over 12 years ago
For sure Shane, my warning on breaking the law applied to places where they are not legal.
John Glover, over 12 years ago
Where are they legal? Can you point me to some specific locations where their use would not be breaking the law?
Joshua Dorkin, over 12 years ago
there are some location that don't have laws on the books that make them unlawful. Where I am, as long as you use your own stakes and don't post them on utility poles you're ok.
John Glover, over 12 years ago
John great job...
Yvette Coles, over 12 years ago
Thanks Yvette, I'm glad you enjoyed the article.
John Glover, over 12 years ago
Kevin nailed it. Great information!
Nicole Williams, over 12 years ago
Tenisha & Nicole Williams, thanks for reading.
John Glover, over 12 years ago
very powerful post John. Really enjoyed the way you presented the problem and a solution. This is a must read for those looking for investment deals! Great job.
Kevin Kaczmarek, over 12 years ago
Thanks Kevin, I'm glad you found the article helpful and enjoyable.
John Glover, over 12 years ago