Jason MacDougall from Next Era Homebuyers here, ready to share some tips on using bandit signs effectively. We rely on bandit signs a lot, and they’ve given us strong results. Here’s how you can boost your call ratio and convert those calls into successful deals.
Why Bandit Signs?
Bandit signs are great for grabbing the attention of people who need a quick solution. While direct mail works for probate, foreclosure, or absentee owners, bandit signs excel in capturing the attention of motivated sellers who need to act fast. They offer less competition and quicker transactions, typically closing within 10 to 14 days.
Crafting Your Message
Your bandit sign message needs to be clear and attractive. You can either handwrite your signs or have them pre-printed. Handwriting may feel personal, but it’s hard to scale. Pre-printed signs are more efficient if you plan to put out 100 to 150 signs weekly.
Stand Out
Stand out from the crowd by being creative with your message. A plain “We Buy Houses Fast” won’t cut it. Instead, add value to your sign with phrases like “Dependable Closing” or “Trusted House Buyer.” Unique propositions draw more attention and calls.
Choosing Your Sign Size and Color
Sign Size
The most common sizes are 12×18 and 18×24. Bigger signs tend to be more effective as they catch more eyes, even if they cost a bit more.
Sign Colors
Always be testing different colors. Yellow signs with black letters and white signs with blue letters have shown great results. Avoid reds and greens—they don’t work as well.
Mounting Styles
You can mount signs using H-stakes or zip ties:
- H-stakes: Easier to use and place in the ground.
- Zip ties: More durable but require poking holes in the signs.
If your area has steel telephone poles, H-stakes are your best bet.
Building a Team
Putting out 150 signs weekly on your own isn’t sustainable. Hire a team. Craigslist is a good place to find people, but be cautious. Pay them in cash immediately after the work is done. Use apps like Simple Crew to track their work in real-time.
Training Your Team
Create a simple, one-page training document with clear instructions and pictures. Specify where signs should be placed (intersections, on-ramps, off-ramps) to avoid issues with neighbors and code enforcement.
Tips for Handling Code Enforcement and Calls
Code Enforcement
Always assume callers could be code enforcement officers. Ask probing questions to verify the legitimacy of the lead.
Avoid Contractors
Contractors searching for work often aren’t the best. Be polite but don’t hire them.
New Investors
New investors might reach out to build their buyer’s lists. Cultivate these relationships as they could bring future deals.
The Downfalls
Legal Risks
Bandit signs are usually illegal. Be prepared for potential fines and difficulties in tracking results, especially when using a burner phone.
Hard to Automate
Automation is tough with bandit signs. You must answer all calls and manually input meaningful leads into your CRM. Scaling up requires a lot of signs—plan for 600 signs a month to see significant results.
Takeaway
Bandit signs can be a powerful tool for attracting motivated sellers and closing deals quickly. By crafting a clear and compelling message, choosing the right sign size and color, and strategically placing your signs, you can significantly boost your call ratio and conversion rates.
Building a reliable team and effectively handling code enforcement and calls will help you sustain and scale your efforts. Despite the legal risks and challenges in automation, the potential for high returns makes bandit signs a worthwhile investment in your real estate marketing strategy.
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