Wholesale bandit signs

Marketing Your Property
13yFollow

Wholesale bandit signs

Cory Rogers
Upland, CA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 5 votes

I am preparing to place bandit signs out and was wondering if I could get BP's network to share some advice. I placed the traditional "WE BUY HOUSES," or "SELL YOUR HOUSE FAST" signs out before and received little response. It never got me a deal. So my question is this: Are these the best slogans to use or is there something else that has worked for some of you seasoned investors? I am afraid that this slogan might lead to another of the 100 wholesalers gaining a lead, or maybe this slogan itself has been overused and people automatically assume it is some scam. No offense to the other wholesales working in the IE. I have been trying to come up with something more original and catchy. Any thoughts would greatly be appreciated. It is important to mentioned that I have placed approximately 5 bandit signs out at one time in different locations. Maybe my numbers are not enough.

2Reply
38 views

Most Popular Reply

Michael G.
Wholesaler · Bay Shore, NY · Member since 2009 · 359 posts · 199 votes
13y

5 bandit signs in one location? Thats not a lot.

I have put out 25 and received minimal responses. IMHO you have to go big with bandits. I usually buy from banditsigns.com and use the "sell your house in 48 hours or less" bandit sign.

I'm a bigger is better kind of guy so I always order 18 x 24's and use 30" inch wire stakes but that doesnt mean smaller sizes dont work.

The other unknown is where are you are placing the signs?

They should be in very high traffic areas where people have to stop and see them. For instance one of my favorite areas to place is on 6 corners of a very busy intersection that has a Lowes, Target, Old Navy, etc. Well trafficked during the weekends and the weekdays.

Others may agree or disagree but i think bandit signs are a numbers game and the more is better rule applies to this method of marketing.

I made a bandit sign order last week for 50 bandit signs. I wish I ordered 100.

When I get them i will put out at least 25 minimum in a 10 - 20 square mile area

4Reply
See this reply in the discussion

42 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Michael G.
    Wholesaler · Bay Shore, NY · Member since 2009 · 359 posts · 199 votes
    13y

    5 bandit signs in one location? Thats not a lot.

    I have put out 25 and received minimal responses. IMHO you have to go big with bandits. I usually buy from banditsigns.com and use the "sell your house in 48 hours or less" bandit sign.

    I'm a bigger is better kind of guy so I always order 18 x 24's and use 30" inch wire stakes but that doesnt mean smaller sizes dont work.

    The other unknown is where are you are placing the signs?

    They should be in very high traffic areas where people have to stop and see them. For instance one of my favorite areas to place is on 6 corners of a very busy intersection that has a Lowes, Target, Old Navy, etc. Well trafficked during the weekends and the weekdays.

    Others may agree or disagree but i think bandit signs are a numbers game and the more is better rule applies to this method of marketing.

    I made a bandit sign order last week for 50 bandit signs. I wish I ordered 100.

    When I get them i will put out at least 25 minimum in a 10 - 20 square mile area

    4Reply
  • Cory Rogers
    OP
    Upland, CA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 5 votes
    13y

    Thanks Michael. I did place them in high traffic areas like freeway exits where they had to stop. Do you get good results with your slogan? I also used the 18x24's. I will take your advice and give it a try though. Thanks again.

    0Reply
  • Michael G.
    Wholesaler · Bay Shore, NY · Member since 2009 · 359 posts · 199 votes
    13y

    I get pretty good results. I like it because I don't see any other wholesalers using that sign in my area.

    0Reply
  • John Jackson
    Investor · North Richland Hills, TX · Member since 2011 · 789 posts · 403 votes
    13y

    5 signs?!
    That is not much at all.
    I'm about to branch out to wholesaling, and I just ordered 100 signs and I have a person that will be putting all of them out within a specific area/zip code in one weekend.
    I do direct mail for my lease option biz, and you can't send out a few and expect anything.
    You hit the same addresses 3,4,5 times...

    2Reply
  • Brian Gibbons
    Investor · Sherman Oaks, CA · Member since 2008 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    13y

    John Jackson frequency of mail pieces
    3 - 7 mailing over 6 months is the ticket to sucess!
    Following up on phone or by postcard and asking them how the home is selling is always good too!
    Brian

    2Reply
  • John Jackson
    Investor · North Richland Hills, TX · Member since 2011 · 789 posts · 403 votes
    13y

    You have to hit it and hit it hard Brian Gibbons !!
    I've had people that were frustrated because they sent out 400 brochures over a 4 months period and only got 3 calls.....really?!?! No crap!

    0Reply
  • Dev HornPro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Arlington, TX · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    13y

    Totally agree with John Jackson - So many people put out a few signs and do a single mailing and say "I didn't get much" and think marketing doesn't work. It's a numbers game for sure (both bandits & direct mail). Good luck, Cory Rogers!

    1Reply
  • Cory Rogers
    OP
    Upland, CA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 5 votes
    13y

    Thank you everybody for that info. Let me update all of you just a bit so you know what I have tried, and where I'm going. I have tried direct mail marketing. I wrote a letter via Microsoft word and printed it to 2000 letters, red ink - yellow letter. I downloaded special font that looks like hand writing and figured how to automate the different names and address and printed them all out. I sent out 400 and recieved a lot of calls. I got my list for ABSENTEE OWNERS from a local title company, but most of those people were not willing to sell or were doing some form of investing themselves. I think my list might have been an issue, possibly. Can anyone suggest a list source and the requirements for your lists?

    I'm looking to save money right now since things are tough. Two things - I have about 100 signs that I can put out, but I want to put out maybe 25 instead of all 100. The second thing: I am going to purchase the magnets for my car, that basically match my bandit signs. I just want to use the best slogan available for return. So if you can give me your thoughts on the WE BUY HOUSES or SELL YOUR HOUSE FAST. Have you had great success with these or do you something else?

    Also, if anyone can make a suggestion on where they get there list and what requirements they use for best results that would be awesome. Thanks to everybody.

    1Reply
  • John Jackson
    Investor · North Richland Hills, TX · Member since 2011 · 789 posts · 403 votes
    13y

    Put all 100 out...if you only put 25 out...that tells me you are afraid of an owner calling and saying "tell me more"...
    Go for it Cory..
    As Yoda said.. "There is no try...there is only do...or do not.."

    3Reply
  • Cory Rogers
    OP
    Upland, CA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 5 votes
    13y

    Thanks John, I will do that and post my results.

    0Reply
  • John Jackson
    Investor · North Richland Hills, TX · Member since 2011 · 789 posts · 403 votes
    13y

    Cory Rogers we are here for you man!!! So..Let's assume worse case you get 50 calls in a week...and you have NO CLUE what to do?!?!?!
    Post it here or PM me or someone else and let us help you!
    Don't be afraid of the YES!!
    Keep this in mind Cory....
    You are doing nothing more than providing a service...
    The owner wants to sell, and you want to lock it up to sell to an end buyer..
    You bring in inventory to sell to the end buyer. (investor)
    You are the conduit amigo!!!!
    I've NEVER done a wholesale deal and I still get those stupid little twitched in my mind about "whit if"?...fight thru it.

    3Reply
  • Cory Rogers
    OP
    Upland, CA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 5 votes
    13y

    Thank you. It is awesome to hear that. When I was marketing before I had a lot if free funds, but I was working in Iraq. I would stay up really late so that I could talk to sellers on the phone. I got a lot of un-motivated sellers, but I enjoyed the fact that I was making progress in learning. Fast forward to now and I don't have as many funds, my time is tied up in 12 hour days, but my dedication never waivers. Sometimes I wonder though if the bandit sign concept or slogans are something that worked then and not now. Which is why I was asking. One thing for sure though is once I get a deal, I may really be asking a lot about the contract and procedures- disclosures etc... Talking does not make me nervous, but the contract process does. I'm not one to run from fear so no issues there. Just for the record; I never say I can't do something, but always ask how I can do something. So the support is outstanding and very much appreciated.

    Regards

    1Reply
  • Anissa Coury
    Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2013 · 8 posts · 0 votes
    13y

    Hi guys! I have a question that I think Cory was asking too! I am not sure if you answered it, but I am not clear on something. When you send out mailers, how do you pick who to target? Is there a list you can buy? Do you look in certain areas at preforclosures/forclosures? What criteria do you use that has the best response for mailers? Also, what do you include in your mailer? I am just starting out in the wholesaling space so any advice/information you could give me will be helpful and so appreciated! Thanks :)

    Best,
    Anissa

    0Reply
  • John Jackson
    Investor · North Richland Hills, TX · Member since 2011 · 789 posts · 403 votes
    13y

    Most people use listsource.com and you can select certain variables, such as absentee owner, year range of the mortgage origination etc.

    0Reply
  • Jack Bobeck
    SFR Investor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2012 · 285 posts · 83 votes
    13y

    Anissa Coury If you know a realtor, you can get data from the MLS by zip code and then search for people who are out of town owners, or who have at least a 3 bed home, all sorts of data in the MLS.

    1Reply
  • Anissa Coury
    Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2013 · 8 posts · 0 votes
    13y

    Thank you Jack & John! I will try both of those suggestions!

    0Reply
  • Cory Rogers
    OP
    Upland, CA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 5 votes
    13y

    Update:
    I put out only 25 signs in high traffic areas this last weekend and got no responses. I know I said I was going to post 100, but I barely had enough time to do the 25. Just a little note: it is hard to tell the whole story in a one little blog. So, I work 12 hour days 5 days a week. I put the signs out Thursday night causing me to get only 3 hours sleep. I believe in investing whole heartedly. I want to breath it, eat it, live it. I believe there is a process which is why I am trying to figure out what "YOU" ( the investor living the dream) is doing to be successful. Going off on tangent, sorry! So, I put "we buy homes, sell your house fast, sell your house in 48 hours or less, you have tried the rest now try the best- all cash offers, #1 network for all cash home buying specialist." Just trying to get creative. So, I didn't get nothing. I picked up the signs on Sunday might before the city gets them. Next weekend I will so the same thing. Next I'll send some direct mail. A little at a time since I don't have a lot of cash. I was thinking about targeting people going through probate. Questions:

    1. What can I say in a letter respectfully and without callous to marketplace this group?
    2. I wish that I could wave a magic wand and people would call me and I can wholesale, but since this is a continuous process of diligent marketing and patience (perseverance), what might some of you suggest so that I can get into the investing market full time ASAP?
    Notes* keep in mind I'm working on obtaining my real estate license. Another week and I'll be sending required paperwork to the DRE to test. I have a tri-plex, no equity there. I have considered rehabbing and hard money loans. Any suggestions?

    0Reply
  • Michael G.
    Wholesaler · Bay Shore, NY · Member since 2009 · 359 posts · 199 votes
    13y

    I see you have 5 different messages for your bandits. Are they printed messages or are you hand writing these Bandit signs?

    I've never handwritten on a bandit sign but rumor has it that it works. My sucess has been with printed signs.

    Inbox me and I'll send you a copy of a probate letter I use.

    0Reply
  • Cory Rogers
    OP
    Upland, CA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 5 votes
    13y

    Michael,
    Yes, they are all hand written. I heard they have a better response rate. I just got a call from one of the signs just before writing this. She wants 400k for an old house dated 1910. I'll have to pull some comps, but zillow has a zestimate of 323k. I screwed up a bit because I have to remind myself to build rapport. We only talked for a moment and it was simple and straight to the point.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Orlando, FL · Member since 2013 · 165 posts · 62 votes
    13y

    Cory You asked about sending mail to heirs. Stop and ask yourself this question. When your loved one died did you get a letter from a Realtor or a person offering to buy your house? No you did not. Do not hesitate to contact heirs. No one does this and it is a fabulous idea. You will never offend an heir by contacting them. My advice forget the bandit signs and send a simple card to heirs.
    You mention that are getting your California real estate license. Check with your license bureau. In Florida, the DBPR will waive the license fee for a recently discharged veteran. Some of my students have told me that the VA will reimburse your real estate school tution.

    1Reply
  • Cory Rogers
    OP
    Upland, CA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 5 votes
    13y

    Thanks Ron. That is great advice and also very helpful. I will definitely look into that. I was listening to Joe McCall and Sean Terry a lot. Not sure if they are considered gurus or not, but they both spoke about sending letters to the heirs. I've never seen an example of the letter though.

    0Reply
  • Gary Parker
    Real Estate Professional · Salt Lake City, UT · Member since 2010 · 608 posts · 163 votes
    13y

    For an example of a letter go to BP > Resources > File Place > Letter and look for probate letter.

    1Reply
  • Rick H.
    Lender · Greater LA/Orange County area, CA · Member since 2012 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    13y

    @Cory Rogers - suggest you go to the local real estate investor (reia) meetings in your area. One is SoCalreia that meets monthly in Ontario near the airport.

    Ask others that you meet about their marketing efforts and direct mail, in particular.

    I know Upland and can assure you that bandit signs will not endear you to local code enforcement officers. It might be funny (to me) if they track you down in order to admonish you and back-charge you for their disposal.

    Consider that a letter that appears more personalized may out perform a postcard that just anyone can read. However, the opposite may be true.

    Test, test, test!

    1Reply
  • Dev HornPro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Arlington, TX · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    13y

    We like the lists from Listsource.com, which is CoreLogic. They collect data from county courthouses, etc. and you can dial in things like % Equity, Loan to Value, etc. They may offer the best list for REI's.

    Click2Mail.com offers a pretty good list - they have one (filter) called the Real Property List that make it easy dial in your targeting criteria. Their printing and mailing services are on the high-end of cost, but their list cost (per record) is very good...

    1Reply
  • Cory Rogers
    OP
    Upland, CA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 5 votes
    13y

    Thank you for your help.

    0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free