You’re in the US. You want a custom neon sign. You’ve found a manufacturer you like — but they’re in Hong Kong. Should you order internationally, or find a US-based company? How long does shipping actually take? Are there customs fees? Will the plug even work in your outlets?
This comprehensive guide answers every question American buyers have about ordering custom neon signs from international manufacturers — specifically from Y SIGNS, Hong Kong’s premier LED neon sign studio.
Why Order from Hong Kong Instead of a US Company?
Most “US-based” neon sign companies are actually middlemen who order from the same Hong Kong and Chinese factories — then mark up the price 50-200%. By ordering factory-direct from a Hong Kong manufacturer like Y SIGNS, you:
- Pay the manufacturing price, not the middleman markup
- Communicate directly with the team making your sign
- Get faster turnaround (no middleman delay)
- Receive genuine warranty support from the actual manufacturer
Read our full comparison: Factory Direct vs. Middleman →
Shipping to the USA: What to Expect
Shipping Times
| Stage | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Design proof + approval | 1-2 days |
| Production (standard) | 5-7 days |
| Quality inspection | 1 day |
| DHL/FedEx Express to USA | 5-8 business days |
| Total: Order to Door | 12-18 days (most arrive in ~2 weeks) |
All orders ship via DHL or FedEx Express with full tracking. You’ll receive a tracking number the moment your sign leaves our Hong Kong studio, plus a photo of your finished sign before it’s packed.
Shipping Cost: FREE
Yes, really. Every Y SIGNS order includes free express shipping to all 50 US states — including Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories (APO/FPO addresses may have longer transit times). No minimum order, no weight surcharges. The price you see is the price you pay.
Customs & Duties: The Good News
This is the #1 concern we hear from US buyers, and the answer is simple: you won’t pay a dime in customs fees.
We ship all US orders via DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). This means:
- We handle all customs paperwork
- We pay any applicable duties and taxes upfront
- Your sign arrives at your door with nothing owed
- No surprise bills from DHL, no “pay to release your package” notices
Under current US customs regulations (de minimis threshold of $800), most individual neon sign orders wouldn’t incur duties anyway — but we cover them regardless, just in case. One less thing for you to think about.
US Plug Compatibility
Every Y SIGNS sign ships with a US-compatible power adapter (Type A/B plug, 110-120V, 60Hz). It plugs directly into standard US wall outlets — no converter, no transformer, no adapter needed. Just plug it in and turn it on.
Our adapters are UL-listed and designed for continuous operation. Your sign draws 12-36 watts — about the same as an LED light bulb. You can run it 24/7 without worrying about your electricity bill (costs roughly $3-5 per year at average US electricity rates).
Read our complete safety guide →
Installation in American Homes
US homes typically have drywall (sheetrock) interior walls, which is the easiest surface for mounting a neon sign. Our included mounting kit works perfectly with standard drywall:
- Mark your mounting holes with a pencil and level
- Drill small pilot holes
- Insert the included plastic wall anchors
- Screw in the standoffs
- Hang your sign and plug it in
Total time: 5-10 minutes. Tools needed: drill, screwdriver, level.
Renting? Use 3M Command heavy-duty strips instead of drilling. They hold up to 7kg (16 lbs) and leave zero marks — perfect for apartments. Most Y SIGNS signs weigh 2-5 kg (4-11 lbs), well within the safe range.
For complete installation instructions — including brick, concrete, wood, and glass mounting — see our video tutorials and installation guide.
What US Customers Are Saying
We’ve shipped thousands of signs to customers across all 50 states. Here’s what they report:
- “Arrived in perfect condition” — Our reinforced packaging handles the 8,000+ mile journey without damage
- “Way faster than I expected” — Many orders arrive in under 2 weeks from order to delivery
- “Just plugged it in and it worked” — US-compatible adapters, no extra steps needed
- “Looks even better in person” — The warm glow of premium LEDs doesn’t fully translate in photos
👉 Browse our customer gallery to see signs we’ve shipped to US customers.
Returns & Warranty for US Customers
We stand behind every sign we ship to the United States:
- 2-year warranty — covers LEDs, power supply, dimmer, and workmanship
- 30-day return window — if you’re not satisfied, return it (see full policy)
- Damaged-in-transit replacement — send us a photo, we ship a new sign immediately
- US-friendly support hours — our team responds to US inquiries within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions from US Buyers
Q: Do I need a voltage converter?
No. Our power adapters are rated for 110-240V and work with standard US 120V outlets. Just plug it in.
Q: Will my sign work with a dimmer switch?
Yes. Every sign includes a remote control with stepless dimming. You can also use a smart plug for app/schedule control.
Q: Is the sign UL listed for US safety standards?
Yes. Our power adapters are UL-listed, and our complete signs carry CE, RoHS, and FCC certifications. Read our full safety documentation →
Q: Can you ship to a PO Box or APO/FPO address?
DHL/FedEx Express requires a physical address for delivery. If you only have a PO Box, contact us and we’ll work out an alternative arrangement.
Q: What if I need the sign for a specific date?
Order at least 3-4 weeks before your deadline for peace of mind. Most orders arrive in 2 weeks, but we recommend buffer time — especially for weddings and events. Rush production is available for an additional fee if you’re on a tight timeline.
Ready to Order from the USA?
You’re in the right place. Y SIGNS ships to all 50 states with free express delivery, US-compatible power, zero customs fees, and full warranty support. From New York to Los Angeles, Miami to Seattle — and everywhere in between — your custom neon sign will arrive safely and work perfectly.
👉 Get started: Design Your Custom Neon Sign | Home Decor Collection | Wedding Signs | Business Signs
Questions? Contact our team — we’re happy to help. Call us at +852 6438 6493 or email through our contact form.