Fitting Charges

[Cliff Wilson]

In another thread, Ron questioned [very nicely smile.gif ] my (current) practice of trying to bake the fitting charge into the moulding price. One reason I am trying it is it prevents "the girls" (not employees exactly [no pay :D ] , my wife and a friend who help out.) from forgetting :rolleyes: to include the fitting charge. It appears from the other thread that most of you have a separate charge for fitting. so, my question(s) ...

How do you calculate your fitting charge? How is it presented on the bill? Amd, what is the customer's reaction if any?

Thanks,
Cliff Wilson
Framed In Tatnuck

[ 05-28-2003, 12:31 PM: Message edited by: Cliff Wilson ]

[B. Newman]

Cliff, since I am not using a POS for the work orders, I have designed an excel version of a work order that has a place for everything to be charged (plus a place for anything "not normal").

The last item on the list before "other" is "fitting". I've never had anyone question the item, but when we used to write the tickets on blank workorders, we called it "fit and seal", which I described to customers as "putting it all together and preparing it for hanging." Like I said, so far no one has questioned the fact that there are all these items (frame, mat, glazing, mounting, etc) and then another "line item" for putting it all together.

Anyhow, it works for me.

Betty

[Ron Eggers]

Same here. Very few questions in 26 years about the fitting charge. Everything else is a componant charge and the fitting charge is a (mostly) labor charge for putting it all together.

On those very rare occassions when someone DOES question it, I will offer them the option of taking all the pieces home and fitting it themselves. I think I've actually had a couple people do that, with metal frames or some such, but nobody's done it more than once.

I also allow myself the option of having exceptional fitting charges, which might mean up to 2-3 times normal for fitting into someone's scuzzy old frame or some other special problem.

If you build your fitting charge into the frame price, does that mean you won't ever mat, mnt and fit a picture into a frame that someone brings in? I do that pretty regularly, if the frame is usable.

[Cliff Wilson]

Actually, right now I have a "Special Charge" called "Using Customer's Frame" which is effectively a fitting charge. It becomes an obvious charge when a customer brings in their own. ;) (no leaving it off) Now that I think of it, how can they forget that I have to put it together?? :confused: Does ANYONE else bury the fitting charge??? Thanks, Cliff

[Cyndi Ryder]

Cliff,

Nope, no burying here. It goes right on the work order and sales sheet as "Fit and Finish". No one has asked any questions yet but that may be because I go over each charge with them when I generate the quote. I just say that the F&F fee is for putting it all together and includes the hardware that is needed to do that. It works for me.

Cyndi

[PurplePerson]

We have a fitting fee which is automatically added by our computer. Few people question it. If they do, I just tell them it is to put everything in the frame and to finish the back. Almost no one squawks. If they do, I tell them I will give them all of the stuff and they can do it at home. Bingo! We do the fitting.

[jframe]

I've heard of people adding charges into all the components for labor, oddly though, their charges for components were the same as mine except I added labor. If they keep on not charging, threaten to change the name of the store to "Mercy Framing". I can see why they want to do favors for friends, but it's just a no no.

[HannaFate]

Our fit charges are by size. The "fit" includes the backing, and hardware, so larger is naturally more. We start at a minimum (based on time) which is what we charge someone who has all the pieces, just wants us to put it together. Then it goes up, taking material into account. The fit charges are on the price chart with other items sold by size.

There is a separate column called "special fit" which covers the extra time taken to fit shadowboxes, fillets, and suede mats in barnwood frames. It's up to the framer taking the order to decide if the piece is "special". Occasionally a customer will ask why they are being charged a "special" fit, but they have always been satisfied with the explanation. Taking a customer's old frame apart, and re-fitting it is special. They are always so filthy.

[Bill Henry-]

How do you calculate your fitting charge? How is it presented on the bill? Amd, what is the customer's reaction if any? A suggestion: time yourself when you fit a few frames and make note of the united inches you used. Multiply that by your hourly "overhead" charge, add the costs (plus a modest mark up) of the wire, backing, screw eyes, bumpons, etc.

We explain that its our labor for "putting it all together". Nobody objects.

The Fitting charge will also cover your costs of those flea market frames with broken glass that so many folks like to bring in.

BTW: we also have an "UN-fitting" charge (which we frequentlly waive) for taking apart those cruddy frames which people find in grandma's attic or pick up on those island cruises.

[wpfay]

WIth the POS I was able to esatablish several levels of "fitting" charges, and since I'm the only one that works with the customers, it works pretty well. I have normal charges that are automatically included on the ticket, removal charges, and second and third degree fitting charges. Sometimes these are applied because the task is difficult, sometimes because the client is difficult
I hate to be the hideous monster pointing out the obvious (I've already taped the "kick me" sign to the back of my shirt), but the "girls" need to be kept after school for remedial pricing class. Something as simple as highlighting the line on the ticket where fitting is noted could do the trick. Working with family is more difficult than having employees, especially if you are not compensating them. I speak from sad experience. Don't tailor your business around the shortcomings of volunteers, no matter how much you love them.

[The Frame Lady]

Hey Cliff,

I do the fitting charge as well, based on united inches. It's the last item on my order form with a break down of regular, raised mat, lined sides, specialty, etc. I do all the sales, so I don't have to worry about anyone else, and I just charge based on the frame components or if I know the frame will be a pain :( , or if the customer is. It's a great place to add a PITA :mad: charge if you need one.

I also add extra fitting charges for unfitting, for all the great reasons listed above.

[PAMELA DESIMONE,CPF]

My fitting charges are based on how long it takes, plus materials. When it came time to re-work charges, I timed how long it took me to fit various items in different sizes. The average time it took was divided into my hourly shop rate, and broken down into united inches (for the computer). Like the others, I have different rates based on materials and what it is-higher price for museum fitting, or fitting a POJ.
I never break down charges for the customer. They only need to know, or care about, the "bottom line".

[Ron Eggers]

Originally posted by PAMELA DESIMONE,CPF:
I never break down charges for the customer. They only need to know, or care about, the "bottom line". You're almost certainly right. Sometimes, maybe usually, many of us are guilty of giving more information than the cusotmer really wants.

I find the longer I've known a particular customer, the less likely I am to overload them with too much detail. When they're new, I might be trying to dazzle them when, in fact, I'm probably boring them.

Better to dazzle them with great design and service and leave the details to the framers.

[Cliff Wilson]

Ok, I went back and checked how my POS works. I can make fitting dependent on size AND a default charge item. Now it is always there. So, we/they will have to remember to remove it for things like mat and mounting only jobs. (a few artists are coming in regularly with those.) Means the worst case is I get extra money. :D

Thanks everyone