posted on May 17, 2001 11:18:07 AM
I have an opportunity to acquire (for sale) two neon signs (approx. size 24" x 20" that are NOT WORKING....Simple electrical work frightens me, so there is NO WAY that I would attempt to fix these things...They are fairly common cigarette signs, that do pretty well on eBay, in working order, but I haven't seen any that are "not working"....
Considering the time involved to pack these correctly, packing materials needed, and shipping costs (these are pretty heavy) I'm unsure if I should even bother to pick them up...(cost to me is free).....What do you all think?????
posted on May 17, 2001 11:37:58 AM
I don't think they are older than maybe 5 years??....The glass is intact, but they do not light when turned on.....
My gut feeling is that they are not worth it....But I have a REAL problem with just throwin' them in the trash (their fate if I don't take 'em)...Someone who might not be able to afford the working ones, just might want these as is...Or perhaps someone could use them for parts....AGH!!!....the dilemma!!
posted on May 17, 2001 11:38:32 AM
its not cheap to get them repaired. if the transformer is bad they run about 45 - 75 bucks new. but you could take one off another old sign . the transformer is the heavy black metal box. if its the glass tubes....they may need repumped but if they have a crack or missing piece it gets costly. be careful if you see any black tar oozing out of the transformer is is a carcinogin (sp). if they are free you may want to take them for future repair use. good luck! p.s. if you get them up and running never touch the connections when it is plugged in or you will be air bound at best.
posted on May 17, 2001 11:42:33 AM
oh i forgot. check the auctions again that you looked at and see what they are charging for shipping and use that as a guide.
as far as hateing to see them thrown away goes..i understand , my barn is full and i need more space. but some day i will need that one part. i think
posted on May 17, 2001 11:57:37 AM
I have been collecting, buying and selling neons for over 10 years. I presently have over 40 in my collection ranging in value from $150 - $12,000. A non-working sign is only valuable if it is rare. You would have no way in knowing how much work it needs so that is not a factor. Since it is a common cigarette sign (probably Camel or Marlboro)it most likely has minimal value ($15 - $30). The biggest problem you will face if you do decide to list them is the shipping. Neons are by far the most fragile item imaginable. You have to double box it, use a ton of bubble wrap and packing peanuts and it still may break. I now only buy them locally although I will still ship them if I have to. If I were you I probably wouldn't bother trying to sell them as the potential for "headache" far outweighs the potential profit. Even non-working neons look cool in a basement or family room so I wouldn't throw them away.
posted on May 17, 2001 12:15:11 PM
Thanx folks for your expert advice....my barn is full and i need more space. but some day i will need that one part. i think WOW that statement really hit home!!....OUT THEY GO!!...(I've got a 16'x20' barn on the property full + a 40ft commercial trailer full - and I DO NOT need any more!).....
Brooklynguy...probably Camel or Marlboro On the NOSEY!!!....one of each..Just thinkin' of packin' them for shipping makes me sweat!...Thanx for your input...If I had a basement I just might keep 'em, but since my family room is cluttered enough I think I'll pass on takin' them....are you really in Brooklyn???....Cause my husband works in Lake Success (Long Island) and I'd be happy to have him take them to work with him & you could meet him & pick them up.....FREE!!!......
posted on May 17, 2001 12:39:47 PM
Hi, Listen to Brooklyn guy he is right on the money. I deal in brewerian and neons are a big part of my business. I do not and will not ship a neon unless it goes through a pack and ship, and they fill out the paper work. There is something about the neon gas, especialy if it goes on a plane. The 2 you have are very common. If they do not light up they probably need to be re-charged which means a leak. Neon in colors can be costly, if there is a break in the tubing, the going rate here in Fl. is $10.00 an inch. We were all expecting the cigarette ones to sky rocket but they haven't, maybe down the road.
Reenie
posted on May 17, 2001 12:46:51 PM
just a thought but why not advertise them locally....sometimes we get so tied up in ebay and the big world we forget about local classifiieds
Two cigrrete neon signs as is not working $25.00 take them away cal xxx-xxxxx
posted on May 17, 2001 03:01:20 PM
Once agin'...Thanx folks for your help....I've learned quite a bit about neons today....& I do beleive my most important lesson will be NOT to deal with them!!!...Kudos to those of you who do...Nice to look at, but unless it's super rare, not worth sellin' (well, at least for me)....lattefor2, at $10 an inch that would be some hefty price for recharging these.....
Skip555....You right!!....We do forget about the locals...hmmmm, we even have a small town paper in these parts that gives FREE ad space for items under $50.....I do beleive that I'll see if I can get any takers that way.....Thanx!!!
Brooklynguy, uh huntingtonguy, uh fL-guy......I spent the better (& most memoriable) part of my 20's in Huntington.....Still have family there.....Bet ya miss it!!!...Thanx for your help....
that are NOT WORKING....Simple electrical work frightens me, so there is NO WAY that I would attempt to fix these things...They are fairly common cigarette signs, that do pretty well on eBay, in working order, but I haven't seen any that are "not working"....