Bandit signs.... where to start?

Question

Rachel H. · Answer

@Michael Guzik Wouldn't solely rely on bandit signs as your main marketing method. Most times, the calls are people who are just curious about what you do. Or even worse, people who want to sell you their services. Found it to be somewhat of a time waster in the past. You may want to scout out an area and start farming neighborhoods. Personally, I've had more luck using this method over anything else. Good luck!

Frank Chin · Answer

While bandit signs are a cheap and easy way to advertise, they must be done in a tasteful way, respecting the right of others.

The complaint I called in, the person used large index type cards, 7x10 in size, colored pink nailed on every utility pole in the neighborhood. On the main road, as far as the eye can see, the signs were everywhere. The color pink was very annoying, but because it's made of cardboard, not waterproofed, it will disintegrate at the first rainstorm, creating a holy mess in the area.

I found out later it's a $50.00 fine per sign, and based on the $13,000 penalty the guy was complaining about, he must have hung 260 signs in the neighborhood, and if all of them will get messed up in a rainstorm, it would create a major health hazard.

The other issue that got me annoyed was it's a "we buy cars" advertising, is I had a "tire and car care business", he placed one of the signs on the pole in front of my business knowing I also sell used cars. I consider it rude to put advertising right outside of someone's business if you're in the same business. You just don't do that.

The other thing is should we feel sorry for him. If he's a struggling entrepreneur, yes, maybe. But a few years later, he retired, and put up the commercial building where he had his collision shop for sale for $1.5 million, or a NNN lease for $500,000. I knew he owned a collision shop, but didn't know at the time that he also owned the building, so all the offensive clutter he put up in the neighborhood for cheap advertising was totally unnecessary.

One other time, some guy hung a "we buy houses" bandit on the corner where I live. What's wrong with it you asked? It's about 1-1/2 ft. by 3 ft. in size. The problem is, the piece of plywood it's painted on looked like it's pulled out of a dumpster, jagged on the edges, and dirty. So if you're a small struggling businessman, show enough respect for you neighbors by at least putting up a nice tasteful attractive sign.

I didn't call my complaint in on this "we buy houses sign" and thankfully it came down in a few months. But when people put up ugly, dirty, tasteless signs, should we say, "hey, it's OK, lets keep quiet and let this struggling entrepreneur get started?" I wouldn't.

LaPorsha Edmun · Answer

@Frank Chin lol 😂 they are illegal in TX as well but I would never call in on bandit signs. Most small businesses don't have money for marketing for a huge billboard right off the bat... to each its own, but that's crazy to try and block another person hustle especially if you have a small business too. At least he was taking action.

Tanya Lechner · Answer

If you want to try bandit signs, you should think about using a burner phone. That way it’s untraceable if someone tries to fine you. As for the permit, they are primarily used for real estate signs advertising open houses and can only be used Friday through Sunday and cost about $5 per permit. Only worth it if your trying to get a list of home buyers! Something I’ve been considering trying is printing signs and posting at via bus stations because you don’t need a permit for that (yet)!!

Frank Chin · Answer

I don't use bandit signs myself, but I'll relay an experience I had once calling in complaints about bandit signs.

Each municipality has regulations on bandit signs They are illegal in NYC, and it's up to citizens to call into "311" to file complaints.

Some years back, someone posted "we buy cars" bandit signs all over the neighborhood. I owned a business, the signs looked ugly, so I called "311". They ask me what the sign said, what the phone contact number on the sign is, and I provided the info. Said they'll take care of it. Told the manager of my business what I did.

Some days later, found out a customer of mine put up the signs. He had no idea I called it in, he was very angry and told my manager he'll kill whoever wise guy called it in. My manager asked him what happened and he said city marshals rang his doorbell at 6:00 am, with an order to take down the signs within 24 hours, demanded a fine of over $13,000. He actually hired someone to put the signs up, and was not sure he can find someone that quickly to take it down.

I had no idea at the time there were fines involved, but found out later fines are for each sign, which runs in the $50 to $100 range. It seems he put up more signs than I thought.

I don't know what happened afterwards or if he actually paid the fines. I didn't ask because the guy threaten to kill the guy responsible if he ever find out, and he's about 6 foot 5 and must weigh 300 lbs. I'm half his size. The signs were removed though.

I have called in several other times on bandit signs and I assume they all receive fines as well.

Bandit signs.... where to start?

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