Reasons to Avoid Cheap Neon Signs

Let’s be honest here. Light signs are everywhere — from cosy cafes and restaurants to the windows of local shops. They are vibrant, eye-catching, and can really make a business pop.

But here’s the thing: not all neon signs are created equal. If you have been tempted to grab a cheap neon sign because, well, it’s cheaper… stop and think about this.

Does your neon sign flicker like it’s trying out for a horror film? Do you wonder if it will make it through the next thunderstorm because the wiring is shady? Believe me, you’re not the only one to feel this aggravation. Cheap signs may save you some cash up front, but the frustration they bring later can far exceed any discount.

In this blog, I’m going to talk about how staying away from low-cost neon signage could end up saving you time, money, and sanity. We will be talking about why you should spend on quality, how to make informed choices, and even some frequently asked questions to clear up all the confusion.

Let’s just dive in!

Table of Contents

Essential Takeaways

Cheap neon signs are appealing but carry significant risks such as a short lifespan, low visibility, and safety risks.
Spending money on custom signs designed for your brand is a good idea when it comes to visibility and professionalism.
There are affordable options for custom signs that bring long-term benefits without draining your wallet.
Avoid the pain of cheap signs and go for well-made designs with warranties and professional installation behind them.

The Appeal of Cheap Neon Signs

I get it — cheap signs are hard to resist. They offer the same general pop of light and colour but at a fraction of the price. That’s enough to tempt any business owner operating on a tight budget.

But let’s break this down. While a cheaper sign may have “that look” you are going for, it often comes with compromises. These signs are usually:

Mass-produced: In contrast to custom signs that are designed to suit your style or brand, inexpensive ones are simple, generic, and identical to hundreds of others. They don’t bring a personal aspect to your place.
Constructed with subpar materials: Economical signs tend to have substandard glass, compromised seals, and wiring that is not very dependable. With the passage of time, these materials may fail or become hazardous.
Assembled haphazardly: Since they’re made fast and at a lower cost, there’s little attention to detail. This means the signs don’t last long and can feel flimsy or poorly finished.
Boring and limited designs: You’re usually stuck with simple shapes or stock phrases that everyone else has. They don’t help your business stand out or match your identity.

See the catch here? Sure, they are cheaper upfront, but the negative lists grow fast. In the long term, you might spend more replacing or repairing them!

Common Cheap Neon Signs Problems

Let’s dive into the specifics of why cost-saving signs might not be worth it. Some of the most common issues include:

1. Short Lifespan

Honestly, inexpensive signs simply don’t last. Well-made signs are built to endure years of service, whereas the cheaper models fade out or fail utterly after a brief period.

2. Safety Hazards

This is gigantic! Flimsy wiring and substandard components reduce low-cost signs’ tolerance to electrical malfunctions. No one would want a fire hazard hanging in their store window.

3. Limited Outdoor Use

Ask frequently, “Can I have inexpensive neon light signs for outdoor use?” Unfortunately, the answer is frequently “no.” Inexpensive signs tend not to be properly sealed, which makes them vulnerable to water damage, rust, and inclement weather.

4. Visibility

A standard neon signage tends to be smaller and less bright, which can make it difficult for shoppers to notice. May as well just not have anything up.

5. No Warranties

Well-made signs usually have manufacturer warranties and guarantees behind them. Cheap ones? Don’t hold your breath.

Why Not Use Cheap Neon Light Signs

If the issues listed above weren’t persuasive enough, here’s an irrefutable fact: cheap signs don’t speak value. Consider it — signage on the outside of your company is usually the first impression individuals receive. A low-quality, generic sign fails to instil confidence or curiosity in your business.

Ask yourself: Will a flickering neon light sign that reads “Coffee” actually encourage someone to enter your cafe? Or would something personally designed with your name and logo make more of an impact?

Spend money on custom business neon signs that are tailored to your brand to differentiate yourself from competitors. And the good news? It’s not nearly as pricey as you might assume, due to affordable custom neon signs available.

Risks of Low-Cost Neon Light Signs

The risks of cheap neon signs are not limited to poor performance and aesthetics. They can directly impact your business and your customers:

Damage to reputation: A broken sign can make your establishment look unprofessional or neglected.
Costly replacements: When cheap signs inevitably fail, you will have to spend extra to replace them.
Troublesome fixes: Getting someone to fix a shoddy sign is not an easy task — and more hassle than it’s worth, too often.

Best Neon Signs for Business: Select Custom & Economical Options

If you own a business, investing in premium custom Neon glass or LED neon signs are the way to go. They allow you to personalise everything — from the text and colour to the size and type of lighting.

Not only do custom signs improve branding, but they usually include expert neon sign installation services, so you can have them safely and securely installed wherever they’re needed.

Whether a sign for cafes and restaurants or one to promote your boutique, a high-quality custom neon sign says it all. And the best news is that there are affordable neon sign business branding options available that won’t break the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How is a cheap sign different from a high-quality sign?

Low-cost signs utilise inferior materials that sacrifice longevity, safety, and intensity. High-quality signs are built to last with precision.

2. How to pick neon light signs for my store?

Find custom signs that suit your brand, are made of high-quality materials, and have warranties or guarantees.

3. Custom signs or premade signs: Which is better?

Custom signs provide the advantage of being able to design the sign according to your company, whereas premade signs are generic and less effective for marketing.

4. Are custom neon light signs more suitable for advertising?

Yes! Custom signs are more visible, long-lasting, and made to symbolise your brand, hence ideal for attracting clients.

5. How long do inexpensive signs last?

Affordable neon signs generally have a very short life, lasting only a year or two before they need to be replaced or repaired.

Final Words

At the end of the day, you should have signage that makes your business shine, not detract from it. Low-cost signs might save you money in the short run, but they usually end up costing more in repair work, replacement, and lost business opportunities to bring in customers.

Why accept less? Instead, invest in a solution you can rely on. Stop by Neon Signage for affordable, long-lasting, and handcrafted neon light signs that are crafted to help your business shine bright and shine forever.

Get the quality your business needs, without the financial strain!