Where Do Bars Get Their Neon Signs (Suppliers, Costs, And Custom Options)
Neon signs are iconic features of bars, adding a vibrant, eye-catching glow to enhance the atmosphere and draw in customers. But where do bars get their neon signs? From custom manufacturers to online retailers and vintage shops, there are many sources to explore.
In this guide, we explore the best places to source neon signs, from wholesalers to DIY solutions. With our help, you will find the perfect neon lighting to create the right ambiance in your bar, whether for branding, theme, or displaying signature drinks.
Key Takeaways
- Bars get their neon signs from manufacturers, wholesalers, local artisans, online retailers, second-hand stores, and more.
- DIY neon signs are an option for home bar owners, with neon kits or EL wire, but commercial bars are more likely to choose professionally-made ones.
- Costs for neon signs vary based on size, materials, and customization, and running costs depend on LED vs glass neon signs.
- We supply high-quality custom LED neon signs that offer diverse personalization options to get the right look for your bar at a competitive price.
Where Do Bars Get Their Neon Signs?
Bars source their neon signs from various types of suppliers, each of which offers unique advantages. Neon sign manufacturers craft custom neon signs from scratch to match a business’ needs, while wholesale distributors offer cost-effective bulk purchasing options.
Local artisans and sign makers can create one-of-a-kind pieces if you like the handcrafted touch, while online retailers and marketplaces offer convenient yet generic pre-made signs. Second-hand and antique shops are possible sources if you like a retro aesthetic, but you must factor in considerations like:
- Durability
- Brightness
- Energy efficiency
If you want a modern LED neon light, you can work with us to make your own neon sign in any design you want. Let’s look at the full range of sources to help you understand the pros and cons of each.
Neon Sign Manufacturers
Many bars get their neon signs from established neon sign manufacturers like us, specializing in commercial signage. These companies produce high-quality, long-lasting neon signs that can be tailored to purposes like:
- Branding
- Beer advertisements
- Unique decor and themes
The best manufacturers offer custom designs, so you can create your own product with your logo, slogan, or a themed design that resonates with your bar’s identity. For traditional neon signs, these manufacturers use robust glass tubing with neon or argon gas, or they may supply modern LED alternatives that are shatter-resistant and more energy efficient.
When you order from a manufacturer, you get long-term reliability, but the costs may be higher than some of the other sourcing methods. Bars often work directly with manufacturers to get custom neon signs at wholesale rates, and there are many neon light ideas if you need branded, professional signage.
Wholesale Distributors
If you are looking to purchase neon signs in bulk, your best bet is to turn to a wholesale distributor. These are suppliers that cater to businesses in need of multiple signs, perhaps for a chain of bars or a themed venue.
There are several key benefits of buying wholesale:
- You will save money on large orders thanks to economies of scale.
- You will get a consistent design across multiple locations.
Many wholesalers offer a mix of pre-designed neon signs and custom options, so bars can choose from standard beer signs, open signs, or fully-branded displays. Moreover, wholesale neon signs often come with extended warranties and bulk discounts that make them even more attractive for businesses seeking long-term signage.
Selection may be limited with some wholesalers, but we offer custom designs and can create multiples if this is what you need.
Local Artisans and Sign Makers
If your bar is in need of unique, handcrafted neon signs that also support local businesses, work with artisans and sign makers in your area. These artists create one-of-a-kind neon pieces that may incorporate things like:
- Custom lettering
- Logos
- Artistic designs
This is a great way to fit your bar’s theme, and you may also be able to get neon sign alternatives like custom marquee letters made by hand.
By supporting local sign makers, you will enjoy skilled craftsmanship and the opportunity to collaborate directly on your design. Some artisans specialize in retro-style glass neon signs, while others work with LED neon flex for a modern touch that will probably come at a lower price.
Custom-made neon signs from artisans may be more expensive than those produced industrially, but they offer exceptional uniqueness and authenticity. If you are looking for a personalized and artistic aesthetic, you might benefit from commissioning a local sign maker to craft a neon sign that aligns with your visual identity.
Online Retailers and Marketplaces
Bars often buy neon signs from online retailers and marketplaces. Here, you can find a wide range of pre-made and basic custom neon signs to cater to different bar signs.
If you want affordable, mass-produced neon signs, you might find what you want at places like:
- Amazon
- eBay
For a handcrafted touch from an independent seller, try a platform like Etsy.
Online stores will primarily sell LED neon alternatives, which are lightweight and energy-efficient. Ordering this way is convenient, as you will enjoy quick shopping and lower prices, but it is important to check reviews and quality guarantees before you buy anything.
We recommend exploring dedicated online neon sign stores where you can customize the size, font, colors, and logos for your bar.
Second-Hand and Antique Shops
Vintage neon signs have a special appeal for bars as they add a touch of character and nostalgia to the decor. Second-hand shopping is generally broken down into 2 dimensions: economic and recreational. Whether you are choosing this option to save money or for the aesthetic appeal, there are unique benefits and drawbacks.
At antique and thrift stores, bar owners are likely to find things like:
- Authentic neon beer signs
- Old advertisements
- Classic bar signage
These can be highly desirable collectibles that will add a unique aesthetic to your bar, but availability depends on luck and timing. You might also find that older neon signs need restoration and repairs before they can be used.
Nevertheless, antique neon signs create an authentic vintage bar atmosphere, so they are a popular choice for establishments looking to boost their aesthetic with classic, timeworn signage.
Can You DIY Neon Signs?
Creating a DIY neon sign is an option for bar owners who want a personalized touch without the big investment of professional neon signage. The simplest option is to look at how LED neon signs are made, using EL wire and LE neon flex.
DIY neon kits are available with pre-cut glass tubing and mounting options, but the EL wire option is flexible and low-voltage, and it is simpler to work with to mimic traditional neon lighting. Safety is a major concern when working with glass neon tubing, as handling neon gas and high-voltage transformers requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
DIY neon signs can be an exciting project, but it is difficult to create the durability and quality of professional neon signs even if you take the LED flex tubing route. For commercial bars, custom neon signs from expert manufacturers remain the best option, and we provide cost-effective products with no compromise on quality.
Looking for a vintage look to complement your bar’s aesthetic?
With our service, you can create custom vintage neon signs that add a retro look to your bar and display a custom design to help elevate the experience for your patrons.
Personalized Custom Home Bar Neon Signs And Gift Ideas
Custom neon signs are a stylish and unique way to enhance your home bars and man caves, as well as commercial spaces. You can personalize them with names, quotes, logos, or graphics to add a vibrant, custom touch to any setting.
Popular customization options include the following:
- Fun phrases like “Whiskey & Chill”
- Drink icons
- Unique fonts
- Various color choices
Businesses can create large, wall-mounted signs or small tabletop designs. There must always be a choice between classic glass neon and modern LED flex tubing, and these signs can even be great gifts for birthdays, weddings, and more.
Whether for a personal retreat or a professional establishment, work with us to create custom neon bar signs that offer an eye-catching way to make a statement.
Custom Neon Bar Signs For Pubs And Businesses
Custom neon signs are powerful branding tools for pubs and bars, helping to create a distinct, memorable atmosphere. With their iconic and vibrant glow, they can make the atmosphere more immersive in your establishment. Bars use custom pub beer signage to showcase things like:
- Their name
- Signature drinks
- Fun slogans
These things all help make a venue stand out, alongside things like custom paper coasters and other personalized elements.
Beyond bars, businesses also use neon lights for shop signage in cafes, barber shops, and retail stores. The best aesthetic neon sign ideas for modern bar decor include vintage-inspired neon signs, LED neon alternatives, and interactive designs like QR codes that link to menus or social media.
Neon business signs are for more than just decoration. They create an inviting, recognizable look that keeps customers coming back, so they are great investments for pubs, breweries, and other entertainment venues.
Create a custom sign that displays your bar name or logo
With affordable pricing, our service lets you create a high-quality custom logo neon sign to put behind the bar and strengthen your brand identity with customers.
Start hereHow Much Does A Neon Sign Usually Cost?
The price of a neon sign depends on its size, materials, and design complexity. Let’s look at a few different options with some general price guidance:
- Small, pre-made neon signs: These tend to start at $50 to $150.
- Larger custom signs: The price range would be $200 to $1,500+.
It’s important to bear in mind that traditional glass neon is more expensive than LED neon. Also, traditional neon signs use lots of electricity, while the LED option is energy efficient.
You will find competitive prices at online retailers, wholesale suppliers, and direct-from-manufacturer options. Custom orders are usually more affordable when you order in bulk or choose standard designs instead of something intricate. Quality is everything, so invest in high-quality neon signs for durability and visibility in your bar.
How Much Is A Personalized Neon Sign?
The cost of a personalized neon sign varies based on the depth of customization. For a basic custom design with simple text, you may spend somewhere in the region of $150 to $300. A larger, detailed logo or multi-colored graphic, meanwhile, might exceed $1,500.
Additional costs to account for include:
- Shipping
- Installation materials
- Maintenance expenses
If you are choosing traditional neon, replacement gas and glass repairs add to long-term costs. LED neon, meanwhile, is lower-maintenance and more energy-efficient. Budget-friendly custom options include smaller, single-color signs that use LED tubing rather than glass.
When you work with us, you can create custom aesthetic neon signs that align with your brand or the theme of your bar for a one-of-a-kind look with superb durability and energy efficiency.
Want a quirky neon quote to upgrade your bar’s aesthetic?
Create a “Let’s Make Pour Decisions” neon sign to give your bar an entertaining and whimsical edge, and personalize the design to match your theme or aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where Do Bars Get Their Neon Signs
Where Do Bars Get Their Neon Signs Made?
Bars tend to source their neon signs from manufacturers, wholesale distributors, online retailers, and local artisans. Many businesses custom-order neon signs from sign-making companies that specialize in bar and pub decor.
Can You Make A DIY Neon Sign Yourself?
Bars and individuals can create DIY neon signs using LED neon kits or EL wire. These are safer and easier to work with than traditional glass neon - making a true, gas-filled neon sign requires professional expertise.
