Why I Started Porcelain Advertising: What Nobody Wants You To Know
After 15 years as an auctioneer, I watched the market flood with cheap, low-quality copies while hammer prices on even the most beat-up original porcelain and neon signs began to skyrocket. What used to be attainable for collectors suddenly became out of reach for the average person.
A few big buyers consistently ended up with all the best signs — a mix of deep pockets, competitiveness, and inside connections.
It’s great for sellers and those who’ve already built massive collections. Prices were on a meteoric rise.
But for anyone looking to buy a specific sign for nostalgic value, or anyone hoping to start a collection? It became almost impossible.
The Influence That Started It All
My entire life, I’ve admired and learned from my father — a man who began his business reproducing antique frames and mirrors and grew it into one of the most trusted U.S. manufacturers of high-quality furniture, décor, and architectural elements.
He always focused on one thing: value. He found and supported talented artisans all over the world, enabling them to do what they loved for a living.
His business built lasting relationships with national brands like Rooms to Go, HomeGoods, Costco, Wayfair, Theodore Alexander, and many others.
Why do I tell you this?
Because I want you to trust me when I say, without hesitation — you’ve been getting screwed.
There’s a Racket in the Neon Industry
Everyone online sells the same junky, mass-produced neon “signs” from the same manufacturer.
If you’ve ever browsed the big auction sites or collector car events, you’ve seen “modern” neon signs that look far better than what’s sold online. The catch? They’re intentionally kept off the retail market to control perceived value and limit competition.
Customers are left guessing. Some listings clearly label signs as reproductions, but many don’t — using deceptive wording, misplaced disclosures, or no identification at all.
It creates just enough plausible deniability to sell replicas as originals, and they regularly fetch thousands more than they’re worth.
I know this because I’ve sold them.
I’ve watched bidders pay huge premiums thinking they were buying originals, only to discover later that an asterisk next to the lot number meant “modern reproduction.”
At that point, it’s too late. Auctions are as-is, where-is, and buyers bear 100% of the risk. Add in 15–30% buyer’s premiums, taxes, and inflated shipping — and that “great deal” becomes an expensive lesson.
The Real Cost of “Winning”
Winning an auction is just the beginning. Once you’ve paid, you still have to get the sign home.
If you’re local, great — but one crack or break and it’s over. No insurance. No refund.
If you’re not local, expect to pay a designated shipper to crate and deliver your item — often at a cost that exceeds what you paid for the sign itself.
I used to think this was simply because nobody was willing to offer a better option. But I’ve since learned it’s deeper than that.
The Real Reason Nobody Sells Neon
The demand for authentic, high-quality neon was obvious. But hardly anyone was producing it — and those who tried were quickly pressured, blocked, or undermined.
When I launched Porcelain Advertising, I learned first-hand that this industry does not welcome competition. Especially not from someone trying to raise the standard.
So, how do you compete against a massive international manufacturer that’s dominated the industry for years?
It’s impossible without finding customers who consider what you’re doing worth their support. Find something people can’t help but root for.
And you do it with integrity, transparency, and relentless persistence and unstoppable execution.
A Lesson That Still Guides Me Today
My father told me all the time:
“A million good ideas aren’t worth one execution. So shut up until you show me.”
That stuck.
I spent my life working my way from the bottom — learning the hard way what real craftsmanship means, what it costs, and why it matters.
Today, I fight every day to become the man my family deserves, to provide for my daughters, and to build something special around a passion I genuinely love.
I started Porcelain Advertising because I knew we could deliver a better product. One that respects our heritage, honors the craftsmanship of the originals, and brings pride back to the people who display them.
How We Compete Against the Big Guys
Our customers.
From day one, the decision to offer the highest quality neon signs at the same or lower price than the competition was intentional.
I believed there were people — like me — willing to wait a little longer for something that’s actually worth having. And I was right.
There are far more collectors tired of flimsy LED knockoffs and fake “vintage” junk than anyone realized.
The response was massive. Orders spiked. Interest exploded.
The Challenges and the Progress
We’ve faced everything from dishonest staff and coordinated attempts to damage our business, to material shortages and early kiln limitations.
Working with porcelain enamel and real glass is brutally difficult — but we never compromised.
Now, I’m proud to say:
Our neon signs are shipping every day — and they’re even better than we expected.
Every single sign represents a step toward restoring authenticity, quality, and pride in this market.
We’re just getting started. And won’t be stopped.
Darrien Eouse—Founder
Porcelain Advertising LLC
