Led by in Texas Houston, this informative guide navigates the complexities of identifying high-quality signs amidst a sea of potential scams. Unveiling the intricacies of product certifications, safety ratings, and warranty policies, learn to distinguish between a legitimate sign investment and a deceptive bargain. By adopting a discerning eye and incorporating expert insights, you’ll be equipped to make informed choices and safeguard your business interests.
How to Determine High-Quality Neon Signs
A bright, safe, high-quality custom neon or LED sign can be a great investment in your business’s future. When looking for a quality neon sign, there are key elements to consider, such as brightness and longevity. To determine the quality of a neon sign, it’s important to focus on product certifications, quality, and safety.
Product Certifications, Quality & Safety for Neon Signs
Determining the quality of a neon sign involves evaluating technical design, components used, and the manufacturing process. High-quality signs are typically certified for safety and quality under recognized bodies like UL and CE. These certifications not only indicate the sign’s quality but also attest to its safety, ensuring that the sign complies with vital standards for electrical safety.
What is a UL Rating?
Quality neon signs often carry a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification, reflecting that the product meets or exceeds fire and electrical safety requirements. A UL listing signifies that the sign has been thoroughly tested and evaluated, providing assurance that the sign is of high quality and safe for use. Checking for a UL rating is a crucial step in identifying a quality neon sign that meets industry safety standards.
Is Your Quality Neon or Neon LED Sign Safe?
Ensuring the safety of a quality neon or neon LED sign involves verifying the presence of safety ratings like UL or CE. These certifications indicate that the sign has undergone rigorous testing to meet safety standards. When purchasing a neon sign, it’s important to look for these certifications to guarantee that the sign is safe for installation and operation.
What is a CE Rating?
Another crucial certification to look for in quality neon signs is the CE (Conformitè Europëenne) rating, which signifies compliance with EU health, safety, and environmental protection requirements. While a CE certification doesn’t automatically denote a high-quality sign, it does validate the sign’s safety and adherence to European standards. Ensuring the presence of a genuine CE rating adds an extra layer of assurance regarding the quality and safety of the neon sign in question.
Waterproofing and IP Ratings
What is an IP Rating?
For business owners looking to invest in high-quality neon or LED signs, assessing waterproof capabilities is crucial. Assuming the signage will be exposed to varying weather conditions, understanding Ingress Protection (IP) ratings is necessary. These ratings determine how well a product can prevent solids and liquids from entering its components. Common waterproof IP ratings include IP65, IP66, IP67, and IP68, each indicating the extent of protection against different elements.
How Can You Tell If a Sign is Waterproof?
With the unpredictability of outdoor exposure, ensuring your neon or LED sign is waterproof is paramount. Businesses seeking signage for external use should pay attention to IP ratings for durability in all weather conditions. Signs with higher IP ratings offer better protection against water and other elements, ensuring longevity and optimal performance. Understanding these ratings can help business owners make informed decisions when selecting signage, ultimately enhancing visibility and longevity.
Waterproofing: When choosing outdoor signage, businesses must consider the waterproof capabilities of neon or LED signs. IP ratings offer insight into a sign’s ability to withstand exposure to water, ensuring durability in various weather conditions.
Pricing and Value
Is the Price Right?
To determine the value of a high-quality LED or neon sign, pricing plays a crucial role. While cost shouldn’t be the sole factor in deciding on a sign, it can be an indicator of quality. Typically, a high-quality LED sign can start at around $150-200 and go up to $1000 or more, depending on the size and type. For neon signs, the initial cost might be slightly higher, starting around $300-400 and going up to $4000 or more for a custom sign. It’s important to understand that investing in a quality sign can have long-term benefits for your business.
Is the Price Misleading?
An important point to note when considering the pricing of LED or neon signs is the potential for misleading advertisem*nts. Some companies may offer signs at exceptionally low prices, which could be a red flag. While a low-cost sign might seem appealing, it’s important to be cautious. Some sellers may hide additional fees or upcharges within the pricing, making the final cost higher than expected. It’s crucial to read the fine print and ensure that the price you’re paying reflects the quality and longevity of the sign you’re purchasing.
For instance, when searching for custom neon signs, be wary of overly discounted prices, especially below $50, as these may not deliver the brightness, durability, or safety certifications necessary for a high-quality signage solution.
Return Policy and Warranty
A Return Policy Can Be Telling
Keep an eye out for the company’s return policy when considering a purchase. If a sign company allows returns, it’s a good indicator that they stand behind the quality of their products. Many companies accept returns on stock signs, which can be reassuring for customers. On the other hand, some companies may refuse returns on custom signs or have unclear policies. By checking the return policy, you can get a sense of the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and product quality.
What is the Warranty?
To understand the warranty offered by a sign company, it’s crucial to investigate the details of what it covers and for how long. While some manufacturers offer warranties ranging from one year to several years, the extent of coverage can vary. Be sure to read the fine print to know exactly what the warranty includes and whether it aligns with your expectations. A clear warranty policy can provide peace of mind and assurance that the company stands behind the durability and performance of their products.
This is particularly important as the first time a customer sees their sign is often after they purchase it. Some companies make no mention of their warranty, leaving customers uncertain about their purchase. By understanding the warranty terms and coverage, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you are investing in a quality LED or neon sign.
Keeping an Eye Out for Possible Scams
Company Information
For starters, pay attention to the company’s information. How long have they been in business? Established companies will typically have readily available information online. Check if the business is accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as this can indicate their authenticity. A legitimate company usually has a website that provides comprehensive details about their products and services.
Social Media
Scams often avoid having an active social media presence. Legitimate businesses, especially those dealing with signage solutions, should have a digital footprint. Check if the company engages with customers on social media platforms and responds to feedback. Lack of social media presence, especially when combined with the absence of a website, could be a red flag.
Social media is becoming a vital part of a business’s image in the digital age. It’s not only a platform for marketing but also a channel for customer interaction and feedback. Therefore, a reputable sign company should maintain an active and engaging presence on social media to showcase their products and services.
Search Appearance on Third-Party Sellers
One way to spot scams is to analyze how a company appears on third-party sellers like Amazon. If the seller uses vague brand names consisting of random numbers or sources products directly from China, it could be a cause for concern. Additionally, scrutinize reviews on these platforms to gauge customer satisfaction and product quality.
Take note of the authenticity of reviews and ratings, especially on e-commerce platforms like Amazon. Pay attention to the reviews with moderate ratings (3-4 stars) as they provide a balanced perspective of the product and the company’s performance. Diving into these reviews can offer valuable insights that can help you make an informed decision.
Search Placement on Amazon
To further assess the legitimacy of a sign company, examining their presence on Amazon is crucial. Be wary of excessively positive reviews or unrealistic ratings, as they may indicate fabricated feedback. Look for consistency in reviews and ratings, especially focusing on the 3-4 star reviews for more honest opinions about the products and services offered.
When evaluating a sign company’s Amazon presence, consider the overall pattern of reviews and ratings. Honest, moderate reviews can provide a balanced perspective on the quality and reliability of the products being offered. This insight can aid in making a well-informed decision about your purchase.
Other Third-Party Reviews of Quality Neon Signs
Social proof from third-party reviews is a valuable resource in identifying reputable sign companies. Check platforms like Trustpilot, Sitejabber, Google Reviews, and Yelp for insights into customer experiences and product quality. Scammers may manipulate reviews, so exercise caution and look for patterns in feedback to determine the company’s credibility.
Exploring third-party reviews beyond the company’s website can reveal valuable insights into the quality of their neon signs. Pay attention to recurring themes in customer feedback and verify the credibility of the company based on external evaluations. These reviews can assist you in making an informed decision when choosing a sign company.
Upon reflecting
Upon reflecting on the key indicators of a legitimate high-quality LED or neon sign versus a potential scam, it becomes evident that thorough research and attention to detail are crucial. From ensuring safety certifications like UL or CE ratings to examining return policies, warranties, and customer reviews, the process of vetting a sign company requires diligence. Furthermore, considering factors such as IP ratings for waterproofing and carefully analyzing pricing can help in making an informed decision.
By following the outlined guidelines and utilizing various resources to assess the credibility of a sign company, individuals and businesses can confidently invest in a sign that not only attracts attention and enhances visibility but also stands the test of time. Ultimately, the goal is to secure a high-quality sign that aligns with your branding and advertising goals, ensuring a solid return on investment for years to come.
