Introduction

Neon signs are an excellent way to create a vibrant atmosphere, whether for a business, home decor, or a special event. However, finding the right place to buy a neon sign can be challenging due to the wide range of options available. This guide breaks down four main categories of places where you can purchase neon signs, highlighting the pros and cons of each. We'll also discuss what to consider when choosing a retailer, especially if you're looking for quality, reliability, and customisation.

1. Reputable Online Retailers

Reputable online retailers are often the go-to choice for those seeking high-quality neon signs with reliable customer service and genuine warranties. These companies typically have established local offices and staff in the countries they operate in, providing better support and accountability.

Advantages: 

• Local In-Country Offices and Staff: Having a local presence means faster communication, easier returns, and a deeper understanding of local regulations and standards. This is crucial for ensuring that your sign meets safety certifications and adheres to local electrical standards.

• Over-the-Phone Service: Many reputable retailers offer direct phone support, allowing you to speak with a knowledgeable representative who can assist with your order, answer questions, or help resolve issues quickly.

• Genuine Warranty: These retailers provide legitimate warranties that protect your purchase. A genuine warranty gives you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, the company will stand behind its product.

• Quality Control: Reputable companies invest in stringent quality control processes to ensure that each sign meets high standards before it reaches the customer. This includes ensuring that all components, such as power adaptors and accessories, are properly certified.

• Certifications: Power adaptors, LED components, and other accessories are certified according to the relevant safety and quality standards, reducing the risk of electrical hazards or product failures.

• Better Customer Service: Superior customer service is a hallmark of reputable online retailers. Whether you need help designing your sign, tracking your order, or troubleshooting an issue, you can expect prompt and professional support.

• In-House Graphic Design Teams: Many reputable retailers employ skilled graphic designers who can help bring your vision to life. They often provide 3D mock-ups and detailed design previews before you commit to a purchase, ensuring you get exactly what you want.

• Less Risk: The combination of quality control, local support, and genuine warranties means there’s less risk when purchasing from these retailers. You’re more likely to receive a product that meets your expectations and performs well over time.

• Higher Costs: Due to the additional operational expenses, higher quality materials, and local labor costs, products from these retailers tend to be more expensive. However, the higher price is often justified by the superior product and service quality.

Kings of Neon is an excellent example of a reputable online retailer, especially in the USA, Australia, and UK markets. They are highly reviewed, consistently rated as one of the best in the industry, and known for their outstanding customer service and quality products.

2. Local Signage Companies

Local signage companies are another option for purchasing neon signs. However, these companies often operate as intermediaries rather than manufacturers, which can lead to variability in quality and service.

Advantages:

• Local Presence: These companies are locally based, which might provide some comfort in terms of accessibility and the ability to visit their office or showroom.

• Wholesale Relationships: Many local signage companies act as wholesalers, sourcing their products from reputable online retailers or directly from manufacturers. This can sometimes lead to better pricing or bulk order discounts.

Disadvantages:

• Outsourcing: Most local signage companies outsource the production of neon signs due to the complexities and low margins of in-house manufacturing. This outsourcing can lead to inconsistencies in quality, as the final product depends on the supplier they choose.

• Variable Quality: There is a risk that these companies may use lower-quality suppliers, often from overseas, to cut costs. This can result in a product that doesn’t meet your expectations in terms of durability or performance.

• Slower Turnaround: The need to outsource production can lead to longer lead times, as the company must coordinate with external suppliers to complete your order.

• Lack of Design Services: Unlike reputable online retailers, local signage companies may not offer design services such as 3D renders or detailed mock-ups as part of the quoting process. This can make it harder to visualize your sign before it’s produced, increasing the risk of dissatisfaction with the final product.

3. Retail Stores

Retail stores, including home decor shops, lighting stores, and big box retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and Target, offer neon signs for budget-conscious buyers. However, these options often come with significant trade-offs in terms of quality and customisation.

Advantages:

• Affordability: Retail stores offer some of the most budget-friendly neon signs available. These products are mass-produced, which keeps costs low, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.

• Immediate Availability: Many retail stores have neon signs in stock, meaning you can purchase and take home your sign immediately, without waiting for production or shipping.

Disadvantages:

• No Custom Designs: Retail stores typically do not offer customisation options. The signs available are pre-made, meaning you’re limited to the designs they have in stock.

• Lower Quality: Signs sold in retail stores are often made from cheaper materials, such as plastic PVC instead of silicone. This not only affects the sign’s appearance but also its durability and lifespan.

• Small Warranty and Lower Lifespan: The warranties offered by retail stores tend to be minimal, reflecting the lower quality and shorter expected lifespan of these signs. They’re often designed for personal use and may only last 1-2 years.

• Best for Short-Term Use: Due to their lower quality and limited warranty, neon signs from retail stores are best suited for short-term use, such as temporary home decor or small personal projects.

4. Chinese Factory to Consumer

Purchasing directly from Chinese factories can be tempting due to the low prices, but this option comes with significant risks and potential drawbacks.

Advantages:

• Low Prices: The most attractive feature of buying directly from Chinese factories is the low cost. These signs are often much cheaper than those available from reputable online retailers or local companies.

Disadvantages:

• Deceptive Practices: Some Chinese factories may pretend to be local businesses, using fake addresses and providing no phone number for customer support. This can make it difficult to get help if something goes wrong with your order.

• Direct Shipping from Factory: Products are often shipped directly from the factory in China, which can lead to longer delivery times and higher shipping costs. Additionally, returns or exchanges can be complicated and expensive.

• Lower Quality: The quality of neon signs from Chinese factories is often lower, with less emphasis on durability, brightness, and long-term performance. Certifications and safety standards may not be met, increasing the risk of electrical hazards or product failures.

• No Genuine Warranty: Warranties, if offered, may be difficult to enforce, and you may have little recourse if the product arrives damaged or doesn’t work as expected.

• Spam and Upselling: Some consumers report being spammed with sales offers after purchasing from Chinese factories, which can be frustrating and intrusive.

• No Local Support: Without a local presence, getting customer support can be challenging. If you have issues with your sign, you may have to navigate language barriers or deal with unresponsive customer service.

• Funds Go Overseas: Buying directly from Chinese factories means that all your money goes overseas, contributing nothing to your local economy.

Conclusion

When purchasing a neon sign, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option. Reputable online retailers offer high-quality products, excellent customer service, and the peace of mind that comes with genuine warranties and certifications. Local signage companies can provide a more personal touch but often rely on outsourcing, leading to variable quality. Retail stores offer affordable, ready-made signs that are perfect for short-term or personal use, while buying directly from Chinese factories is a high-risk, low-cost option that may not provide the quality or support you need.

For those looking for a reliable, high-quality neon sign, Kings of Neon stands out as the most reviewed and highest-rated option in the USA, Australian, and UK markets, offering top-notch products and customer service to meet your needs.