We wanted to write this guide in regards to purchasing "NEON" signs on eBay, and other Mail-Order sources. Many sellers offer Beer/Bar type signs as Neon, when in fact they are lit using Flourescent Bulbs. The Flourescent lit signs "appear" Neon when lit, due to the way the light shines through the plactic sign face. Usually these "non-neon" signs can be easily determined by their low price. Most of these signs are also lightweight, so shipping will be offered at a rate that looks very impressive.

Pictures can be deceiving, and look great. Beware of Night-Shot pictures, which makes flourescents appear neon. Pictures taken in natural light, and upclose are your best determination.

When making a purchase for a Neon Sign, or even a Neon-Look-Alike sign, it helps to read the item description carefully. Sellers may list that they are in fact flourescent, and sellers of authentic neons usually list info regarding the [glass] neon bulbs. Neon Signs have a high demand and also a higher price tag, usually between $100-$250 for bar/convenient store size lights. The manufacturers cost in making these authentic neon signs is high, so if you see a Neon Sign being offered for say $30.00 or less, its most likely flourescent.

The flourescent lights usually look great, but just make sure this is what you are looking for before making your purchase decision and clicking Buy-It-Now.

Just be careful, and read all of the sellers details in the item description. If you still are unsure once you read the ad, email the seller for futher verification.

Thank you for reading this guide, and we hope this helps. We have had several close friends buy these "neon-type" lights this past Holiday Season, thinking they were in fact [Neon], only to receive flourescent signs, but they were still very happy with their purchase.

Good Luck!!