When you start a Realtor sign installation business, you have access to a wide variety of potential business sources, from residential to commercial to vacant land. You will also need to establish the geographic area that you can reliably cover.
When considering how to start a Realtor sign installation business, the first consideration should be organizing the production of sign materials. To print custom logos and colors, you will need to make agreements with a screen printing company. This is a specialized process in which the pattern is created on fabric using a strong material, then the ink is pressed in several color passes. You’ll also want to arrange storage of completed signs in a dry area covered with dividers to protect their surface when not in use.
The signs themselves almost universally mount to standard four-by-four construction grade Douglas-fir studs, plus larger commercial real estate signs may occasionally require four-by-six studs. The plywood for the letters should be exterior grade glued plywood with a smooth surface of PTS “plugged and sanded to the touch” on both sides. The half inch thickness should be sufficient for most applications.
You will need a good knowledge of the area to pinpoint the sign locations. A GPS device is helpful here, and you’ll also want to be able to read plat maps from the County Assessor if you’re going to be putting up signs on vacant land. You will also need to check local sign ordinances in developed areas. Learn about the restrictions on posting signs in gated communities, within developments controlled by HOAs, and in all areas with covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CCRs), such as planned unit developments or townhomes.
You must also have reliable transportation consisting of a full-size pickup truck with wooden spacer attachments designed to secure standard yard signs during transport.
Once your production capacity and storage arrangements are established but not yet activated, you need to protect your accounts. In addition to marketing to conventional real estate offices, you’ll also want to look into bank REO (real estate ownership) departments that need to clear up foreclosed properties and independent agencies that sell foreclosed properties wholesale.
Establish your price and service by comparing them to sign companies in areas adjacent to your service area. Much of your marketing will consist of networking in person with the managers of real estate offices in your area. Be presentable, be persistent, be cordial and serious. These people need to know that they can trust you to put up and take down their signs quickly and reliably.
Almost every business today can benefit from an online marketing presence. A digital camera can provide promotional photos for your website, and templates are available online to simplify the process of setting up your site. Be sure to include a call to action on each page to encourage your visitors to request a quote via email. Also get their name and phone number on your online form for constant follow up. The forms can be found by searching online for response forms.
