neon

Custom neon signs cost: the ultimate guide for shopify store owners

Published December 5, 2022

Custom neon signs cost: the ultimate guide for shopify store owners

How you price a custom neon sign, can ultimately determine the success of your online store. In fact, according to Shopify’s Future of Commerce Report 2022, price is a crucial factor influencing 74% of consumers’ purchasing behaviour. Its important to get your custom neon sign cost right.

️️📌 This is chapter 1 in the custom neon signs hub

Custom neon sign for the nightclub with violet and pink color.
Image source: rebrandy.net

How much do custom neon signs cost on average?

The average price for a custom neon sign is from $200 to $1000 or more.
Image source: arizonacommercialsigns.com

Some of the most common questions neon sign stores receive from customers are related to pricing.

The cost of a neon sign varies based on the size, colour, design complexity and the type of material used to create the lighting elements.

The primary factors that make up the cost are the materials used to build the sign and the size of the sign. Regarding materials, there is a significant difference in prices between modern technologies like FLEX LED compared to a traditional hand-blown glass sign filled with neon gas.

Learn more: Why are neon signs so expensive? Shopify store owners guide

Factors that impact custom neon signs cost

The average price for a custom neon sign is from $200 to $1000 or more.
Image source: realhomes.com

The final cost of a neon sign will depend on several variables. Let’s take a bit of a deep dive.

Neon sign materials

Since the early 1900s, neon gas has been the primary gas to produce the light of the sign. In the last 10 years, newer technologies such as LED Flex have improved and taken over the market.

Image source: kingsofneon.com.au
Image source: kingsofneon.com.au

Glass neon signs require a professional artist (bender) to create the sign, the gases used to create the unique lighting are costly and the nature of the materials also requires careful consideration and handling.

Newer technologies such as FLEX LEDs are much cheaper and easy to make, assembly is also much easier and certain stages of the manufacturing process can be automated using CNC machines.

An attractive reason to use traditional neon signs as opposed to the modern alternatives includes creating genuine and authentic 1940s or 1950s nostalgia. This could be for architectural restorations of old landmarks or for related marketing campaigns.

Sizing custom neon signs

Size is a critical factor when determining the price of a neon sign. The larger the neon sign, the higher the price, as more material is required to create the sign. In addition, shipping and labour costs are also relative to the size of the neon sign.

Image source: neonpartys.co.uk
Image source: neonpartys.co.uk

The following are some standard pricing ranges that individuals might anticipate:

  • Small Size Neon Sign: 18 x 24 inch - $270 USD to $535 USD
  • Big Size Neon Sign: 3 to 5 feet - up to $1,300 USD or more

When creating a neon sign for a customer, clearly communicating how specific designs affect the overall size of the sign is an essential exercise. In addition, there are physical property limitations in the material used that must be considered before approving a design.

Pricing Strategies

Image source: rightwaysigns.com
Image source: rightwaysigns.com

A common approach for store owners selling custom neon signs online is to charge per letter; the overall size of the sign dictates the price per letter.

Another way store owners charge is by the sign’s final width and height dimensions; this can provide a quick and easy way to assign a price for the sign greater than the shipping/building and materials costs. For some online stores that create their signs in-house, shipping can be a majority of the overall cost for the product.

A newer approach is to charge based on the amount of material necessary to build the overall letters of the sign. This approach can create a fairer pricing outcome which is great for customer satisfaction.

Not every pricing strategy is suitable for all online stores selling custom neon signs; the correct pricing strategy is discovered through experimentation. Sometimes the winning strategy is a combination of what has been mentioned.

Variety of colours

For traditional glass neon signs, the neon gas can only emit a reddish-orange light when charged with an electrical current. However, with the combination of additional gases such as Helium, Argon, Xenon, and Krypton, the light colour can vary into certain hues. Inside the neon glass tube, the artists may mix neon with these gases or a little bit of mercury to improve the intensity of the light and create different light effects.

Image source: newtondesk.com
Image source: newtondesk.com

A bender, as some neon sign artists like to call themselves, will require more time and effort to add additional colours and will be priced accordingly.

Design complexity and cost impact for neon signs

Image source: nuvomagazine.com
Image source: nuvomagazine.com

The cost of custom neon signs increases with more detail/complexity of the design. Just like size, the more complex a neon sign design results in an increase in materials used and labour costs. A simple design of a single word with a sans-serif font will be cheaper than a detailed and complex image even if they both end up being the same size.

Custom neon sign backboards

Backboards are not just used to support the light-emitting elements. They can also be a significant part of the aesthetic that ties the whole sign together. Some common types of backboard options are acrylic or mirror backboards. Popular choices for backboard options are the following: cut-to-letter, square, box and stand backboards.

Image source: customneon.com
Image source: customneon.com

Cut-to-letter offers an almost hidden look with just a tiny fraction of the backboard material visible. Cut to shape requires cutting around the design of the neon sign to match the overall shape. Box backboards are two rectangular pieces of material with four pegs between each piece to create additional depth. Some stores will charge an additional cost for a box backboard or for a mirror backboard.

Coloured jackets

Image source: neonsignly.com
Image source: neonsignly.com

When not illuminated, the tubing for both traditional glass and LED neon signs is usually white. The solution is to apply a coloured jacket over the tubing. This jacket keeps the neon signs coloured when turned off. Neon sign store owners may include an additional charge for this option.

Dimmers and other controllers

A popular choice for stores is to offer a dimmer for the LED signs via a. Having a dimmer can make the light emitted from the sign milder and easier for picture-taking. This option may come with additional charges.

Image source: amazon.com
Image source: amazon.com

Production timelines and shipping

Image source: pbs.org
Image source: pbs.org

Since every neon sign is handmade, production timelines will change depending on the material, size, and complexity of the design. A common offer that e-commerce businesses provide is free shipping for all custom neon signs with a 2 - 4 week shipping time frame. Some stores provide a fast-track option for delivery, this option usually comes with an additional charge.

Indoor and outdoor neon sign

Image source: whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Image source: whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au

Glass and LED Neons signs are by default built for indoor use. However, they can be shielded from rain, dew, snow, and ice using a protective layer that is rated up to ip67 standard. Having an additional option to select either inside or outside usage is a great way for business and individual customers.

Online store costs

Having an online store allows store owners to sell their products globally. Shopify is the top choice to start an online store for both startup and enterprise sign businesses. Shopify provides online sign store owners with the simplicity of use, and an extensive feature set, at a very reasonable price.

Online sign store owners may pay between $200 USD and $1000 USD in initial startup costs when starting an online store with Shopify. If store owners also need to sell in-store, the hardware cost will increase from $30 to $300 in addition to the $89 monthly subscription for a Shopify POS Pro per location.

Image source: shopify.com
Image source: shopify.com

So this business fee can impact the cost of a neon sign. Online sign store owners must consider this operation fee in the neon sign price.

Top pricing strategies for custom neon signs

Image source: conversionfanatics.com
Image source: conversionfanatics.com

Competitive pricing

Competitive pricing is an effective tactic that considers customer behaviour. This tactic allows an online sign store owner to edit the price based on the competitor’s charges. Although it is straightforward and low-risk, it ignores how buyers evaluate the worth of the items.

Value-based pricing

Value-based pricing, the favoured technique employed by many eCommerce pricing experts, enables individuals to determine a price based on how much buyers think things are worth.

It often yields more significant markups and is more lucrative than competitive and cost-plus pricing, making it the best choice for expanding organisations considering long-term strategy.

Price skimming

Price skimming could be the best tactic for marketing a genuinely unique or revolutionary product. It entails setting a high price and then decreasing it when other rivals show up and provide a comparable result. By using this strategy, businesses may increase sales while there is less competition and reduce prices to remain competitive.

Penetration pricing

Penetration pricing, the reverse of price skimming, performs best when a brand enters a market that is already highly competitive. Additionally, this technique, marketing tactics, and discount coupons effectively bring in new clients and raise brand exposure. Store owners should initially set their pricing modest and then increase them.

Psychological pricing strategies

Psychological pricing techniques, also known as appeal pricing, explain why retailers are more inclined to sell an item at $19.99 than $20.

How to calculate the custom neon signs cost precisely, faster, and more profitably?

To price a custom neon sign effectively requires a team of industry professionals to trace and measure the design submitted by the customer, this process involves a lot of time and effort and can be quite an expensive process, especially when a majority of the quotes are lost.

The solution to increasing sales for custom neon signs is the “Neon Sign Product Customizer” app. Our app lets the customer design and purchase their very own custom neon sign on your store.

alt_text

Check Demo Now

With the help of our software, online neon sign owners may enable consumers to design, instantly review, and purchase their neon signs in less than a minute. This app incorporates a user-friendly dashboard that allows Shopify stores to easily edit the fonts, sizing, pricing, and other options.

The entire customer experience is optimised to increase sales for custom neon signs, and works great on both desktop and mobile devices. There’s no more exchanging emails with potential clients sending design modifications back and forth.

No matter what the customer’s design decides to create, our sign software offers a flexible pricing model to ensure online sign store owners are always making a profit for each custom sign.

alt_text

See on the Shopify app store

Final thoughts

If you own an online sign store, having a solid pricing strategy is crucial to staying competitive in the neon sign market.

As more and more businesses, from restaurants to wedding studios and even food trucks, are incorporating neon signs into their storefronts, it’s important to have a strategy in place for pricing your custom neon signs.

What will your pricing strategy be for your store?

Want to sell neon / acrylic/ metal, 2D and 3D signs on your Shopify store?

sign customiser preview image Lets try it out

Comes with a 5 day free trial and easy setup for beginners.

Related

From the blog

Uncover expert insights, industry trends, and actionable tips in our blog to enhance your online sign business.

March 30, 2023

Exploring the benefits of acrylic neon signs for business signage

Customizable and Durable: Why Acrylic Neon Signs are a Smart Choice for Your Business Signage Needs

neon
Top 40+ aesthetic neon quotes to find your inspiration

September 26, 2023

Top 40+ aesthetic neon quotes to find your inspiration

Looking for the coolest aesthetic neon quotes? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide offers endless inspiration for your next sign or wall art!

neon
Aesthetic neon signs: a guide to THE TREND!

September 26, 2023

Aesthetic neon signs: follow the trend!

Discover the art of creating aesthetic neon signs like a seasoned pro. Get inspired and take your creativity to new heights!

neon

December 25, 2022

Are neon signs dangerous? 14 GREAT TIPS to stay safe

Get our 14 great tips to avert accidents & keep your family safe around neon signs with this post.

neon
Why are black neon signs the latest trend in home decor?

September 26, 2023

Why are black neon signs the latest trend in home decor?

Unleash your creativity with black neon signs and 20+ creative ideas for businesses, events, or personal spaces.

neon
Want a unique sign? Check out this custom neon signs hub!

September 26, 2023

Want a unique sign? Check out this custom neon signs hub!

Make a statement with personalized decor. Discover the power of custom neon signs to showcase your style and personality. Learn more here.

neon
Eye catching DIY neon signs

June 23, 2023

Design Tips for Creating Eye-Catching DIY Neon Signs

Neon signs have long been a captivating way for businesses to attract attention and make bold statements. With the rise of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, creating your own neon sign has become an accessible and cost-effective option for businesses looking to stand out.

neon
Why electric blue neon signs are so aesthetic & trendy

September 26, 2023

Why electric blue neon signs are so aesthetic & trendy

Want to add a touch of aesthetic blue neon to your life? Let's check these 30 ideas for electric blue neon signs!

neon

April 3, 2023

What are faux neon signs? How to make them?

Discover the world of faux neon signs and learn how to make them with our step-by-step guide. Get creative and make your own today!

neon
Are glass neon signs worth it?

March 28, 2023

Are glass neon signs worth it?

Are you curious about the cost and lifespan of glass neon signs? Our guide has all the answers you need to make an informed purchase.

neon

March 30, 2023

How to hang neon signs like A Pro? The ultimate guide

From choosing the right wall surface to hiding cords, this ultimate guide has everything you need for perfect neon sign installations.

neon
How to make custom neon signs?

December 23, 2022

How to make custom neon signs, the easy guide for shopify sign stores

Learn how to make custom neon signs as a producer. We also show you a secret to let buyers customize & view their signs in real-time.

neon

March 29, 2023

LED neon signs - A cost-effective alternative?

Are LED neon signs worth it? Find out the answer and learn about their lifespan, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements.

neon

April 5, 2023

Looking for unique decor? Try these 30+ neon sign ideas!

Want to add some sparkle to your space? Check out these unique neon sign ideas for every occasion, from weddings to trade shows.

neon

April 4, 2023

What are the best neon sign quote ideas? Find Out Now!

From motivational to lovely quotes, we've rounded up the top neon sign quote ideas for your next glowing creation. Click here to elevate your decor game!

neon

April 1, 2023

Is your neon sign broken? Checkout our expert repair tips!

Don't let a broken neon sign hurt your business marketing efforts. Learn how to repair it like a pro with our expert guide. Easy and effective tips for every budget.

neon

March 30, 2023

How to maximize impact by optimizing neon sign size

Discover the importance of choosing the right size for your custom neon sign. Learn how size impacts visibility, impact, and price.

neon
Neon sign library: Everything you need to know about neon signs

April 2, 2023

Neon signs hub: your one stop shop for all things neon signs

Discover the colorful world of neon signs with our ultimate guides! Learn about their history, design, cost, and much more.

neon

January 12, 2023

Neon versus LED: What are the differences? Which is right for you?

We compare neon vs LED neon signs in this informative article. From lighting to maintenance, we cover pros & cons of each to help you make an informed decision on.

neon
40+ neon wedding sign ideas to wow your guests!

September 26, 2023

40+ neon wedding sign ideas to wow your guests!

Looking for unique wedding decor ideas? Check out our guide to using neon signs for your big day. Get inspired and create a memorable atmosphere.

neon
What is the mystery behind purple neon signs?

September 26, 2023

What is the mystery behind purple neon signs?

Discover the allure of purple neon signs - from their meaning to design tips, explore how these vibrant lights can enhance any space.

neon
White neon sign: a guide to choosing the right one!

September 26, 2023

White neon sign: a guide to choosing the right one!

Looking for a chic and modern addition to your decor? Check out our guide to choosing the best white neon sign.

neon

December 12, 2022

Why are neon signs so expensive? Shopify store owners guide

Learn how to reduce neon signs' prices to get more sales and increase profit margins with this post.

neon
Shopify
Shopify Shopify Plus

Add Sign Customiser to your Shopify store

Install Now