Posting bandit signs by yourself?

Question

Hi all;

I am unable to get my friends to help me post bandit signs with me, which means I'll be doing it solo this weekend. A driver makes the posting process easier, but I'll make do with what I have. I'm not going to stake any signs to the ground--all will be zip tied to poles.

If anyone else posts signs by themselves, do you feel comfortable parking right next to the target location for the sign, even if there's no parking allowed? Or will you park a distance away, where it's legal, and walk to the location?

I must admit I'm thinking of parking illegally and not event turning the car off! I might be able to get away with it since I plan on posting the signs at 12am. On the other hand my target area is bad enough for me to probably not take the risk.

Charles Cline · Answer

I guess the real question is, do they work?  I mean if they get a amazing response, maybe they are worth the risk.  If the get a insignificant response, maybe they aren't.

Jon Holdman · Answer

I've looked at several municipal codes over the years in response to posts like this.  Every one has some sort of sign permitting process.  They often have exceptions for political, realtor, and yard sale signs, but nothing that would cover "we buy houses" signs.  So, in the areas where I've looked, they're illegal.  Now, the penalties may be low and enforcement may be lax, but that doesn't change the fundamental illegality of the signs.

Steven Walter · Answer

Charles, like any marketing question it will depend on who's doing it. I know an experienced investor who has it down to a science, including when/where to post and what to say. He pays someone to put them up. They work for him, but like anything, I think you have to be consistent and test your results.

Steven Walter · Answer

Sean - when I was putting up bandit signs I used a roofing stapler on the end of a pole. It literally takes less than 15 seconds from the time you are out of the car and back in. There's a commercial outfit that sells them for around $120, or you can find directions how to make one on YouTube. Also, I would carry around a box of roofing nails and a heavy hammer for the occasional telephone pole that was too tough for the stapler. I was out of the house around 5:00 a.m. and usually back by 6:00.

I used a dedicated Google Voice number, although for even greater anonymity I would suggest an offshore voip service. Finally, I've noticed some areas are less forgiving than others. No surprise there, but worth mentioning.

Mike Carr · Answer

I talked to a local inspector/good friend of mine about bandit signs in my area. He said it is a $100 fine per sign per day. They also patrol the city at 6am on saturday and sunday mornings. They patrol that early because of a new fine they have pertaining to trash in the college area. I highly suggest finding out the laws in your area before doing so. You could rack up a hefty fine without knowing it.

Rob K. · Answer

I'm not a fan of bandit signs, but I think going out at 12am is a bad idea. In my state, bars have to close at 2am. I'm not sure about yours. At 12am, there will be more drunk drivers on the road than at say 4-5am. I think from a safety standpoint, midnight would be a bad time. Also, 6-7am on a weekend would be a better time. It's starting to get light and there's not a lot of traffic.

Joshua D. · Answer

What does "low risk" mean, Sean?

Are bandit signs legal or illegal?

R. Kerry Brooks · Answer

Sean I put them out every week. Usually around 2-3 am start. Usually I just pull over on the side of the road, or park close. If on a side street I will just stop in the road. Like the rest have said parking is still probably the least of your concerns. I have had cops drive right by me, they know what you are doing and usually leave you alone.

David Niles · Answer

Better to find out your "partners" are worthless early on and get rid of them, then after being locked together legally on deals.

Sean Dezoysa · Answer

Hi; the bandit sign issues are low risk around here (I know this because I gathered intel directly from the relevant code enforcement agencies). Parking illegally could be completely different which is why I asked. Posting a few signs doesn't mean I'm completely reckless with regard to the law :)

Posting bandit signs by yourself?

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