Bandit Signs: The Ultimate Guide For Real Estate Investors

For a marketing campaign to be successful, a point of contact must be created for a transaction to be initiated. This is why bandit signs are considered an essential element of a real estate marketing system for many investors.

Even though some might dismiss them as ‘primitive’ when compared to contemporary techniques, bandit sign marketing can go a long way in generating unparalleled exposure for investors at all levels and can enhance brand awareness.

Do bandit signs work? Today, even the most successful real estate investors make use of different variations of bandit signs since they have been tested and proven for years.

Their simplicity disguises their complexity. You don’t need a lot of resources and effort to place bandit signs. However, if you want them to give you long-term success, there is a lot you need to learn.

Remember, the success of your bandit sign campaign will ultimately determine the profitability of your real estate business.

Make sure you familiarize yourself with as much information as you can about bandit yard signs so that they can help maximize your return on investment.

To do this, take a seat, grab your favorite beverage, and read on!

Enjoy the Ultimate Guide for Bandit Signs! Use this menu to jump to your section of choice:

• What Is A Bandit Sign?
• Why Do They Call Them Bandit Signs?
• Are Bandit Signs Illegal?
• How Do Real Estate Bandit Signs Work?
• How Much Are Bandit Signs?
• Where Can I Buy Bandit Signs?
• Where Can I Buy Blank Bandit Signs?
• How To Make Bandit Signs?
• Where To Put Bandit Signs
• How To Hang Bandit Signs
• How Many Bandit Signs Should I Put Out?
• Bandit Signs For Wholesaling
• Final Thoughts On Bandit Signs                  

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What Is A Bandit Sign?

Now, what are bandit signs you may ask? Bandit signs are essentially small variations of the common billboard.

They are poster-sized, printed signs that are often used by real estate investors to entice homeowners to sell their homes for money. More often than not, you will see such signs on the streets, with verbiage such as “We Buy Homes for Cash.”

Since bandit signs are intended to be the first point of contact between a real estate investor and his or her prospects, their usefulness is correlated with the strategic placement of every sign. 

Whether they are placed on the ground, pinned on telephone poles, or staked on a street corner, they are meant to catch the attention of people passing by.

Despite being coined the ‘bandit’ name by industrial jargon, these signs are essential in developing highly targeted leads.

This photo shows bandit signs with various designs, yet they contain a common message:

Why Do They Call Them Bandit Signs?

Where did bandit signs originally get their name? Well, it's fairly simple, it’s illegal in most states. It is considered littering in a number of states, so checking the legality of bandit signs in your area is essential to making sure you are following the law and benefiting from this marketing tactic.

This tactic can bring success to your business, although making sure you do your due diligence is essential to generating potential leads.     

Are Bandit Signs Illegal?

Using bandit signs is one of the prominent ways of achieving targeted marketing success. Nonetheless, the main concern about these signs is the legality of their use.

This is primarily because most local governments don't permit their use since they are a violation of city regulations and codes.

Before you use bandit signs, therefore, you need to check with local officials to find out the regulations governing sign placement. By doing this, you will ensure that you don’t fall on the wrong side of the law.

The legality of bandit signs varies from one city to another. This is because every city has the right to establish its own preventive measures.

As a real estate investor, you will be fined accordingly if you are found in breaking the law regarding sign placement. In some cities, you might be fined $200, while in others you might cough up to $500 per violation.

Also, before you put up bandit signs, you need to know that not all local residents will appreciate the act. For this reason, expect to encounter mixed reactions when you decide to use this type of marketing tool for your real estate business.

Placing bandit signs is risky if their legality is anything to go by. Over the years, nonetheless, they have proven to be highly effective, such that the rewards they tag along outweigh the potential fines you could pay if you are caught violating city codes.

They can generate leads and deals to your business, which override penalties imposed by local authorities. This means that the choice to use bandit signs is up to you. When you weigh the benefits against the risks, you will be able to make the ideal decision for your business.

Here is the good news – other than banning the use of these signs, some cities have developed laws that enhance their responsible usage. This has helped local authorities adjust their practices in a manner that accommodates investors.

For instance, some of them allow the use of bandit signs on particular days of the week, as long as the sign owner agrees to remove them on other days. Many local investors strategically place bandit signs only on weekends. 

How Do Real Estate Bandit Signs Work?

A bandit sign is simply a sign with big letters on it, normally on a colored background, showing that a real estate investor is looking to buy property in the local area.

Real estate investors themselves make bandit signs, or they can use the services of third-party printing companies or designers. Then, they are strategically placed in neighborhoods where it is highly probable that homeowners are ready to sell their homes hassle-free to an investor. 

These signs don't require a sophisticated design. They simply include:

1. Several words showing the investor's interest in purchasing houses 
2. Contact information

In fact, they can be designed using basic services such as Canva. Better still, you can hire a freelancer on Upwork or any other platform to design a custom bandit sign for you.

When the signs are printed, they are then placed on heavily trafficked areas or where motorists will see them with ease. With time, investors receive calls from interested sellers, and they attempt to negotiate a deal.

This is where a follow up process is essential. You should have a lead intake system in place to promptly capture and track any calls that come in.

While most investors send these calls to voicemail or answer themselves, some investors take it a step further. They hire phone service reps at a call center, often outside of the United States, to field these leads for them. 

When you place bandit signs, make sure you check on them regularly to ensure they are not vandalized or damaged by human-made and natural elements. This will increase the likelihood of homeowner contact, and increase the success rate of your campaign.

                                                

How Much Are Bandit Signs?

Once you've decided to proceed with a bandit signs campaign, the next phase would be to develop a budget.

Remember, you want to achieve maximum success from your campaign, while limiting your expenses. Therefore, take your time and develop a workable budget within your means. 

Determine the amount of funds you can commit on a weekly basis without hurting your business. Evaluate the estimated response rate and determine the return on investment. By doing this, you will be able to justify the amount of money you may use on the campaign.

Online printers such as Vistaprint sell customizable corrugated plastic signs starting around $19.00 for one sign. Search for the term "yard signs" since these sites may not advertise them as "bandit signs." Once you’ve customized your yard sign, you are ready to checkout!

Primoprint offers 4mm Coroplast signs (printed both sides) starting around $13. While their 10mm Coroplast printed one side start around $13 as well.

Who buys only one bandit sign? You'll want to buy in bulk to get the price of signs cheap. For instance, the unit price is only $5.40 when purchasing 100 signs. 

Search on sites like Amazon.com and Walmart.com to find even better bulk deals on cheap bandit signs. You may need to handwrite your phone number, but it's a great option if you're on a tight budget. 

Plan to spend an additional $10.00 to buy zip ties from a store like Home Depot to connect 100 signs. Budget another $120.00 for a heavy-duty bandit sign stapler to put up the signs on wooden structures and telephone poles. However, the price will vary depending on the store you choose, and the deals available.

Where Can I Buy Bandit Signs?

Where Can I Buy Bandit Signs? There are a plethora of places you may purchase bandit signs that are easily customizable online and most of the work is done for you. Here are some places you can customize and buy bandit signs near you:

• Amazon.com
• Walmart.com
• Supercheapdesigns.com
• Signsonthecheap.com
• And more…

Where Can I Buy Blank Bandit Signs?

You may be curious where you can buy blank bandit signs or how much for blank bandit signs and we are here to tell you!

Blank bandit signs range in price, whether you are trying to purchase one or purchase in bulk. Here are a few examples of where to buy blank bandit signs and the estimated pricing around them.

You can find the best blank bandit signs in your local store. However, below are some online stores that will give you the best deals on these products:

Buildasign.com - this is a reputable sign company that features thousands of pre-designed templates. To purchase in this store, all you need to do is fill out your personal information, select the number of signs you need, and complete the order. If you order five corrugated plastic signs with metal stakes for display, you will get a discounted price of $7.60.

BanditSigns.com - this is a store which has tons of pre-printed designs but also has several customizable options. Printed signs go for as little as $3.50.

DirtCheapSigns.com - This is a design company that has a myriad of bandit sign templates to choose from. The store allows you to decide whether to use wooden or wire stakes. The cost of 10 lawn signs is $6, but the cost of stakes is not included.

Primoprint.com - is a low cost, high quality source for all sorts of marketing materials, including bandit signs, business cards, and direct mail postcards. 

How To Make Bandit Signs?

Bandit signs are made out of two major physical components:

1. The stake
2. The sign

The stake is made with metal, and features prongs that help to hold the weight of the sign. With a bandit sign hammer, you can easily strike the sign on soft ground.

Blank bandit signs are made out of corrugated plastic. This makes it possible to hang them on wooden surfaces using a bandit sign stapler.

The typical bandit sign size is 18 by 24 inches, or 12 by 18 inches, and is 4 millimeters thick.

If you have decided to make handwritten custom bandit signs yourself, below are tips that will enhance your success when learning how to make cheap bandit signs:

• Get an easy-to-remember number to place on the signs. Make sure that the number cannot be traced. Consider obtaining a Google Voice phone number. 
• Never put a company’s name on the sign. This will make it easy for authorities to catch up with you in case you knowingly or unknowingly break the regulations.
• Do not write your name on the signs.
• When writing a message, make sure you keep it clear and to the point. For example, simply write, “WE PURCHASE HOUSES QUICK CASH.”
• Make sure that the context includes a maximum of two lines and the phone number.
• Ensure that you use a big and bold font that is visible from a distance.
• Always choose a color scheme that is bright enough, and one that complements your brand.

Plan to draft about 200-500 bandit signs, since many of the signs will be torn, and others will be vandalized. To cut on costs when buying blank bandit signs, ensure you compare multiple stores so that you can get the best deals possible.

Remember, the more you buy, the more economic the costs will be.

Creating Cheap Bandit Signs: The Super-tips

Creating bandit signs is highly inexpensive. One sign will cost a few bucks. Nonetheless, the size of the signage, quantity, and quality of the stakes will determine its overall cost. The following tips will help you create cheap but effective signs:

• Keep the message to the point - the more elaborate the signage, the higher the price you will pay for your signs. To keep the cost down, develop a clear and concise message. Simply put, focus on what you want, and prompt your prospects to take your number and call you for more information.
• Create large signs - a large sign will cost you a little more, but it will significantly cut costs because you will not need to create many of them for your target market to see. With a larger sign, you will be able to input a larger font; which will enhance visibility from a distance.
• Strategic placement is vital - to save on costs, expose your signs to as many people as possible. Remember, motorists will not stop to read your signs. Therefore, produce a handful of signs and place them in high-traffic areas such as near traffic lights, gas stations, and/or near stop signs.

Where To Put Bandit Signs?

For a fact, you will not achieve maximum success with your bandit sign campaign if you don’t place signs in high-traffic areas.

However, before you pick an area to put up bandit signs, make sure you check with local authorities to find out regulations regarding placements on the areas you have identified.

Some of the best places to position your bandit signs include:

Public Medians 

Identify a public median in the area you want to target and strategically place your bandit signs. However, keep in mind that medians divide traffic. Therefore, make sure that your signs are visible from both directions.

The best way to do this is to place signs on both sides, which will enhance maximum exposure or purchase/create a bandit sign that is double sided.

In Busy Intersections

Busy intersections are some of the places where people are forced to stop. When you place your signs here, motorists will have no options but to look at them as they wait. Nonetheless, do not bombard them with countless signs in every corner.

Your goal should be to acquire 100% visibility but don't forget that having too much might make your prospects perceive your business as less professional.

In Front Of The Property You Have Bought

If you have acquired a property in your target location, placing a bandit sign in front of it will help you enhance your brand awareness.

If you haven’t acquired property yet in your target community, you can talk to a few homeowners and see if they would allow you to put up signs on their property.

In Front Of Shopping Centers

Shopping centers such as Walmart and Home Depot enjoy high volume traffic on a daily basis. If you put your bandit signs on such areas, you can rest assured that they will get the visibility you are looking for.

However, you need to talk to the store manager or property owners, because they might bring down your signs if you don't seek prior permission.

Before putting up bandit signs in front of shopping centers, make sure you have an outstanding design that will stand out from others that were placed with the same intent.

Your ultimate goal should be to compete with business rivals for business and visibility.

Uniqueness is the only thing that will make prospects consider calling the number on your bandit signs instead of others.

How To Hang Bandit Signs

You want to put up bandit signs, but you don't want to be caught breaking the law, right?

Below are some of the tips that you can use to remain safe:

Put Signs Out At Night

In most cities, putting up bandit signs is not only illegal, but it is considered a form of littering. Therefore, you might be forced to pay huge penalties if you are caught in the act. To avoid getting a citation, place your signs when darkness falls.

Place Signs On Friday Evenings

Don’t attempt to place bandit signs on weekdays, unless you are ready to accept the consequences. You will be better off if you place them on Friday evening. By doing this, you will be taking advantage of the fact that authorities will not be patrolling the area until Monday morning.

As mentioned earlier, make sure you don’t put up the signs in places where you don’t have permission, such as in a neighbor’s compound.

Hang Two Variations And Test The Results

A secret that can help you acquire maximum results with bandit signs is to test their results. You can do this by getting two phone numbers. Use one in a printed sign, and the other on a handwritten sign.

Then, hang the two signs on the same area, and identify the one that will receive the most calls. Once you do this, you will be able to develop a plan that will speed up the attainment of your goals.

Don’t Flood One Area With Signs

Since you have printed hundreds of signs, you might be tempted to hang them all in one high-traffic area to increase visibility. However, you should know that as soon as people see your signs everywhere, they will lose their attractiveness to it.

When your prospects are put off by your ads, you will certainly get little or no leads. Therefore, don't spread your blankets everywhere. Identify key areas and put out fewer signs in a strategic way.

How Many Bandit Signs Should I Put Out?

You can put up as many bandit signs as you want, considering that most of them will be pulled down, vandalized, or go missing for some reason.

Nonetheless, there are some questions you should ask yourself before you put up your signs: How many calls am I able to handle? What is the size of my target market?

Look – if you put 1000 signs throughout the city, would you be able to handle all the calls that will come as a result?

You should start slowly and put up a few signs strategically in your target area. Then, start adding more without overwhelming yourself.

When one is pulled down, be quick to replace it. This practice will show your prospects that you have a continued presence and not a ‘fly-by-nighter.'

Most people might not need you when you first hang the signs.

But, by continuously seeing your contact information, they might eventually take a photo and save your number in their contacts.

Then, whenever they need to sell their homes, they will undoubtedly get in touch.

Basically, you can do well by placing about 200 signs in a small town, and about 500 in a bigger one.

Bandit Signs For Wholesaling

Bandit signs aren’t just useful for real estate investors. They are useful if you want to wholesale real estate.

Just like other investors may use bandit signs to promote their business, bandit signs for wholesaling can increase visibility and generate leads if done correctly. Wholesaling real estate is a great first step when wanting to pursue the world of real estate investing and get your feet wet.

Bandit signs can be a very inexpensive way to get your phone ringing, however there are better ways to market for distressed properties. The point of these signs is to get a motivated seller to engage in your bandit sign, resulting in a call to your business.

The pro of bandit signs are unlike other marketing strategies like direct mail, the seller comes to you, which takes part of the hassle and stress off of your load.

Final Thoughts On Bandit Signs

Every real estate investor needs to determine if bandit signs are a worthwhile marketing tool for their business.

The best place to start is by looking at the laws governing these signs in your locality. Then, find out what the fines are so that you can be able to weigh the risk vs the benefits.

Without a doubt, this is a tricky method to navigate, but most real estate professionals swear that the tactic generates viable rewards. If you incorporate some of the tips and insights provided in this article, you should have your phone ringing before you know it.

In case bandit signs are strictly outlawed in your locale, there are a host of other alternative methods you can try including social media, search engine advertising, Multiple Listing Services (MLS), lead generation software, and direct mail. Best of luck!

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Ready to Take the Next Step in Real Estate Investing? Join our FREE live webinar and discover the proven strategies to build lasting wealth through real estate.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, we'll show you how to take action today. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the insider tips and tools that have helped thousands of investors succeed! Seats are limited—Reserve Your Spot Now!

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*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.