FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
About Better Display Cases
Q: When and why was Better Display Cases founded?
A: Better Display Cases was founded in 2013 by Mo Johnson. Once retired from the military, Mo turned to his love for sports as a way to support his family. In selling sports gear online, he became aware of the demand people had for display cases as a way to safely display and store their prized possessions.
After looking into how to produce and sell high-quality display cases directly to the consumer, Mo knew he had found his calling. Since then, what began as display cases for sports memorabilia has turned into creating permanent displays for all of your most treasured memories.
You can hear all about the founding of Better Display Cases from Mo himself here!
Q: What sets Better Display Cases apart?
A: Better Display Cases is committed to bringing you the highest quality service and products available. We are a family-owned and operated business with the goal of helping you share your stories at the forefront of everything we do.
We offer over 7,000 display cases ranging in sizes small enough for antique rings to sizes big enough for helmets and books. Our display cases also feature unmatched durability and customization options. Choose from colorful metal risers, background options, and bases — all made with tough and secure materials.
Because we cut out the middle man, we are also able to keep the cost of each display case affordable. Plus, every order ships free with added layers of protection for a damage-free delivery.
No matter the size or style you’re looking for, Better Display Cases does it best.
Q: Can I follow Better Display Cases on social media?
A: You can find Better Display Cases on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Also, be sure to check out our Youtube Channel and Pinterest page for product information and display case inspiration!
Q: How do I share my story or memory with Better Display Cases?
A: Helping you share your stories is our top priority. We would love to hear (and see, if you have pictures!) how you display your memories in unique, creative, and interesting ways. You can fill out the form below, and be sure to let us know if sharing your story on the website is okay!
Product Questions
Q: What products does Better Display Cases sell?
A: Better Display Case sells everything you need to share your story. We offer thousands of display case options for books, helmets, trophies, and more. Plus, any wall mounts, shelves, and metal risers you need to make your display come to life can be purchased with us, too!
Q: How do I find the right size display case for my item?
A: Finding the right size for your memorabilia can be hard. At Better Display Cases, we offer thousands of unique size options so you’re sure to find the perfect fit! You can shop by size here, or if you have sizing questions you want advice on, feel free to contact us directly.
Q: What materials are Better Display Cases made out of?
A: Our display cases are made out of thick, crystal clear, scratch resistant, acrylic plastic. This acrylic material is long-lasting and durable to provide a high-quality safe display. For mounting both the case and the memorabilia, we provide metal risers and screws for secure installation.
Q: Do Better Display Cases offer UV protection?
A: Our display cases are made out of clear, durable acrylic material that provides some UV protection, sufficient for most uses. However, we do not use "museum quality UV acrylic" for several reasons (including cost). You can read more about this topic at Our Cases and UV Protection.
Q: How do I clean my display case?
A: Cleaning your display case is easy and will help to keep your display in pristine condition. All of our display cases come with a free microfiber cloth to make dusting your display case easy. You can also use a can of air to do this if you prefer. We don’t recommend using paper towels or other non-microfiber cloths on your display case.
When cleaning with a microfiber cloth, use a blotting method to prevent any scratches and successfully remove fingerprints and stains. Cleaning your case with liquid shouldn’t be necessary often, but if you do need to, avoid ammonia-based solutions and stick to warm soapy water or acrylic cleaner.
For easy cleaning, we recommend purchasing our Novus Acrylic Cleaning Kit.
Q: Can I order a custom display case?
A: Our display case selections offer a variety of customizations in color, size, and type of display case. But if you’re looking for customization beyond these options, we’re happy to help. Contact us today so we can help you make your display case perfectly unique!
Q: How do I assemble and mount a wall-mount case?
A: First, you want to unscrew all of the nuts to remove the platform, risers, and screws. You will no longer need the base, so you can remove that too and replace it with the longer side of the wall mount.
Next, replace the cover and get the rest of the materials you need for a successful installation. We recommend using the black or grey drywall screws we include. The most important thing is to get at least one screw into a stud. If the placement of your case does not allow for that, then we recommend wall anchors which vary in size and type depending on your wall and what you intend to display in the case. If wall anchors are necessary it will be best to visit your friendly neighborhood hardware store and ask what they recommend from their stock.
Assuming the drywall screws will do the job, then simply screw the wall mount into the wall and watch your display case come to life!
For more information, we offer step-by-step instructions and a YouTube video walking you through it for easy and successful assembly.
Please note that depending on the size of the case, wall mount, and/or item displayed -- there can be an issue with the wall mount sagging. This is usually easily resolved by sticking cardboard up behind the wall mount (towards the bottom middle). Of course shims can also be used. But we have found simple cardboard to work better because you can easily adjust how much, how thick, you make it and thus easily prop the wall mount out and up so that it is perfectly level. You can also hide the cardboard pieces/strips more easily than shims. No one will even know they are there! [Pro Tip #1 :)]
Q: For your cases with bases, are the dimensions given for the perimeter of the base or the acrylic cover?
A: The dimensions given are for the acrylic cover. The base normally extends another .5" each way out from the cover, in total providing an extra inch in length and depth.
Q: Can I use superglue, krazy glue, or loctite to attach an acrylic case top to its base?
A: To prevent damage and impurities in the display case, superglue is not recommended to attach the top of your case to the bottom or to fix any attachment issues. Superglue contains adhesive ingredients that give off fumes that damage acrylic when not properly used. It’s important to make sure any items glued with superglue such as plastic models are completely cured before placing them inside your acrylic case.
If you want to secure the top of your case to the bottom, we recommend using clear silicone caulk, which can be found at your local home improvement store or at this link.
Q: Should I remove the protective film/plastic covering my acrylic base or slide-back piece?
A: Yes. It's only there for protection during the shipping process.
Q: What are the rubber "feet" for?
A: Some cases include rubber "feet" that usually are taped to the top white foam corner piece. The rubber feet may be placed on the bottom base or slideback to prevent scratches of the table, shelf or wall that the case is placed on.
Q: How does the base attach to the case?
A: None of our bases "attach to the case". Some of our bases are more "robust" than others. For instance, the cases that have risers with them are very "robust" because there is a base piece the case sits on and then the risers and platform fit up inside the case. So, it's very secure and can be carried around. On the other hand, our simple turf and/or synthetic wood floors are different in that the open side of the case fits around the floor. But the case does not sit on top of the floor. Therefore those type cases are great for display on a table or shelf. But, not good for carrying around or presentation. All of our product pages should have a video at the bottom of the page that shows you exactly how the base works.
Q: Should the base sag?
A: No. This sometimes happens with larger cases holding relatively heavy items -- on our "double base" cases that have a base, risers and platform (that fits up inside the case). We try to prevent it by including (with our larger cases) an extra riser or clear acrylic cylinder that can be used in the middle between the bottom base and platform pieces. We also include extra rubber "feet" that can be used on the middle of the very bottom to support that piece as well. You can see an illustration of this on the bottom front left of the Manufacturer Assembly Instruction card you should receive with your order.
Q: Should the wall mount sag?
A: Again, no! And again it's only a potential problem with the same type of case discussed in the preceding question. Please see the question above: Q: How do I assemble and mount a wall-mount case? for further information.
Q: Do your display cases lock?
A: No. It's possible to have one made custom with a lock. But there are many downsides of having a lock mostly regarding how the case looks. It has to have a couple extra latch type pieces connecting the case to the base. And hinges so the lock side can open and close. All of that takes away from the appearance. And in the end, how much does it actually prevent a thief from simply taking the whole case? But, it can be done custom. Doubles the cost and takes 2-3 months to get. Contact our customer service if you are interested in a lock for your case.
If you have any product issue (or any other issue) not answered here, please contact us and we'll do what we can to resolve it.
Shipping Questions
Q: How much will it cost to ship my order?
A: We provide free ground shipping for most orders via UPS.
If you ordered a smaller item, such as a small wall mount, we will ship it for free via USPS.
Q: How long does it take for my order to ship?
A: If you purchase an in-stock product on our website, we will ship it to you the next business day after your order has been placed.
Q: When will I receive my order?
A: When you place your order, you will get a notification that your order will arrive within six business days. However, that is the maximum estimated time. Shipping destinations east of the Mississippi should receive their order within two days!
You can refer to our shipping map here for a time frame estimate.
Q: Do you offer express or overnight shipping?
A: Our ground shipping typically has your order to you within a few days of placing the order. We do not recommend express or overnight shipping due to the high costs. However, we are always happy to work with you and you can contact us here.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Due to the risk of damage, high shipping costs, and increased difficulty in dealing with any potential order problems, we typically only ship to the USA (CONUS), Canada and Mexico. However, we are more than happy to work with you and can be contacted here.
Returns And Exchanges Questions
Q: How do I return my order?
A: In the event your order is incorrect or damaged during shipping, please contact us so that we can get a replacement and/or the correct item(s) to you. We will also send you a return shipping label at no cost to you — we want you to be happy with your order!
When you want to return your item(s), please keep these things in mind:
- We only accept returns up to 45 days after the delivery date.
- The product(s) must be in new condition.
- Refunds are issued upon the return to our warehouse and an inspection of the product(s) for our ability to restock and resell them.
For any further return questions or inquiries, please visit https://www.betterdisplaycases.com/pages/return-exchange-policy or contact us!
Q: What do I do if my case arrives damaged?
A: If you receive a damaged or defective product, please contact us here to initiate a resend process. We will send you replacements for any parts you need right away for free!
Once you receive your replacement, at no additional cost to you, you can dispose of the damaged and/or defective pieces and enjoy your memories on display!
Q: Can I exchange my display case for a different one?
A: If you would like to exchange any of our products that you purchased for another, you are more than welcome to do so. The product(s) you are returning must be in new condition.
To start the exchange process, please contact us with your order number and details regarding which product you have and which product you’d like to exchange it for. You will be expected to pay for the shipping of the product you currently have back to us. Any difference in price once shipping is applied will either be refunded to you or sent to you via an invoice.
To get the exchange process started, contact us here.