Street/Business sign holders (San Antonio, Liberty: sale, credit, loans)

[LovingSAT]

Not even sure if that is what they are called but what I refer to are the people being paid to advertise a business by holding up a sign? They stand outside the Ceasars Pizza holding a sign advertising the price, or outside the Emergency Loan business holding a sign advertising their loans. Does this make a difference to you? Does the sign really help promote this business?

San Antonio is way too hot IMHO for anyone to be out in this heat holding a sign advertising for a company... What are your thoughts?

[majormadmax]

I see these people all the time and I give them credit for what they are doing, as you stated it is very hot to be working like this but it is low-effort compared to those doing construction or road work.

Obviously, it has to be a minimum wage level job as it requires no real skill and a lot of the time I see the sign holder talking on their cell phones while doing their job. But a few of them put some effort into catching your attention, especially during tax season when you see them dressed up as Uncle Sam or the Statue of Liberty. There are also a few who "spin" such as these guys...



but I haven't seen many folks with that skill level around here!

So what do I think? I think it is better than putting those annoying little signs at every intersection, or ailing signs to phone poles. I am sure they draw a few people into a business by bringing attention to it. I don't see anything wrong with it.

Cheers! M2

[sapphire]

You wouldn't catch me out there dressed as a mattress, but if someone else wants to do it, it's OK by me. There is a guy at Bandera and 410 (not dressed up) that really gets into it--he's funny to watch.

It doesn't make or break a deal with me, though.

[eightball]

Originally Posted by sapphire

You wouldn't catch me out there dressed as a mattress, but if someone else wants to do it, it's OK by me. There is a guy at Bandera and 410 (not dressed up) that really gets into it--he's funny to watch.

It doesn't make or break a deal with me, though.

I see him daily he is funny and I'm all for it, I rather see them earning their money rather than begging or worst stealing.

[Herbrocks]

I've actually given this some thought before. There are 2 types of sign holders, regular employees of a business who have to do it from time to time (I would quit first), and people (mostly "bums") hired just to hold the signs. I don't think it is very effective and it gives me bad feelings about the business in general and seems very desperate. Now, in our current heat, I think it is cruel to do to someone just trying to make a buck for themselves. And in the case of the "bums", why would you want one representing your business, no matter what kind of sale you are having?

I remember one guy who was dressed in a full body crayfish outfit, with his filthy, sunburned bearded face looking out with one of the most miserable expressions I have ever seen. I think that image will stick with me for a long time.

The only time a signholder "worked" on me was an oil change emp with a "bay open, no waiting" sign. I didn't need an oil change that day, but it did make me consider it.

[wellguy]

I would die in this heat especially if I were a Human Mattress.

I too have seen the less fortunate advertising for businesses. Its better for them to earn money that way instead of wandering through traffic.

I have seen Store Owners /Managers who hire the same less fortunate to pick up trash, butts, etc. in front of their businesses. That does not make me want to stay away from that paticular business.

It's something that the less fortunate are willing to earn a few dollars due to the fortunate lazy people that litter.

[LovingSAT]

Amazying how someone elses point of view helps put things in perspective.