False Advertisment

[Susan May]

There is a framer in my area that is stating in his advertising that they "Specialize in needlework mounting and framing". Unfortunately, they ruin a lot of stitcheries.

The only reason I know that they ruin the work they get, is because I have been quite busy re-framing their foul-ups.

Some of the things that they have done are:
1) Mount needlepoint on regular foamcore with just a few strips of ATG.
2) Mount stitchery on a board that does not fit the frame. The frame was a 16X20, and the mounting board was a 12X16. There was a mat, but there was NO window to hold the stitchery in place... so it slid.
3) Mount cross stitch with no regard to the lines in the fabric, so the "straight" lines in the piece looked like wonderful rainbows.
4) Put the glass right against the stitchery. No mat, or spacer.)
5) Ironed a needlepoint, which left scorch marks, and flattened the dimensional stitches.

My question? How would you deal with this?

I want the customers in the area to know that I am really a framer that specializes in needlework framing, but I don't want to have my ads look like theirs.

Thanks, Good O'l Sue.

[Marc Lzier]

Like the sign on the "Hair Cut Joint X" where a "$6.00 Hair Cut Joint X" moved in next door, with the intent of puttin them out of biz: We Fix $6.00 Hair Cuts!

Although I would shy away from a slam in an Ad. Here are some thoughts:

We Fix Expert Needlework Framing.

The Fix for Expert Needlework Framing.

Experts in Fixing Needlework Framing.

The Cure for the Common Frame Job.

Needlework Framing: Quality Up To A Standard, Not Down To A Price.

(or alone)
Quality Up To A Standard, Not Down To A Price.

Hmm?

[Susan May]

See?!?!?! This is the reason I like the Grumble! I knew someone would come up with a "Grace under pressure" responce.

Thanks!

Sue http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/cool.gif

[ArtLady]

So what's the difference between them and some of the big boxes??

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.
Dahl Fine Art & Frame Design (http://www.DahlFineArt.com)
Shapahl Fine Art (http://www.Shapahl.com)

[Susan May]

They were a big box!!!! But the parent chain went out of business.

[JRB]

I don't think you should make any reference about them at all in your ad. ( never knock the competition )

You might say positive things about your own work, but why advertise for them?

The public is not stupid, they will figure it out on their own soon enough.

Nothing flies faster than word of mouth.

John

[RonEggers]

I'm leary of the word "specialize" when used to describe what it is we do. I think it means "to concentrate one's efforts in a particular area" and it would seem to imply a focus in that one area to the exclusion of other areas. (We've had this discussion before, Sue.) If you, or this other shop, "specialize" in needlework framing, does that mean that the majority of your framing volume and expertise is in needlework framing? (I'm hoping Kit is celebrating tonight, so maybe Merps Mom can help us out with this.)

I really enjoy ads that say things like, "We specialize in all aspects of custom framing!" Huh?

[FramerDave]

How about contacting the local needleworkers guild, garden club, women's auxiliary, bridge clubs and whoever else will listen and offer them a talk at their next meeting about what to look for in QUALITY needle art framing? That way you fight the other place without ever mentioning them. If any of them are customers of the place, they won't be for long once they take a closer look at their work.

Like Ron, I love the places that say "We specialize in needlework, shadowboxes, conservation framing, oil restoration and dog training".

[Kit aka emrr]

Sue - I think Dave's got a great idea. If you have a forum to tell needleworkers how their stitchery should be framed, it won't take them long to figure out that's not what they got at Joe's Frame Shop and Car Wash. And it leaves you looking very classy!

Kit

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Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana

[Cheryl Crocker CPF GCF]

I would run an ad which would include something like:

Needleart: No tapes, no glues...only the highest qualitymaterials & most current methods used.

Don't mention the competition, just positives on what services/quality workmanship you offer. Do an entire ad blitz focusing on needleart.

Maybe offer a free "check-up" for needleart clients, whether in an ad or at a presentation... offer to disassemble an existing frame and check it for proper mounting and stretching.

[Jim Miller]

If you can prove their advertising is misleading or false, then the Better Business Bureau might be able to help.

Expert opinions may be all that is needed to prove the claims untrue. That done, the BBB can initiate complaints to the parent company, and alert BBB members about the offenses. Most companies respond favorably to the BBB's "suggestions" about honesty in advertising.

Other than that, I doubt you have any legal recourse. The suggestion to counter with positive ads about your own work (and not negative ads about theirs) is a good idea.

[framechick]

and if I could add...display beautifully and properly framed needleart in your shop. Any stitcher's eye will catch the fact that your x-stitch rows are straight. Keep a small laced piece in the shop to show what will happen to their precious hand work. I also participate in a needlework newsgroup and chime in whenever someone posts a good source for "sticky board" or a framing question comes up. (When I'm not posting my opinions there or on the Grumble I do indulge in some needlework myself. I don't just go there to badger unsuspecting stitchers)

[JPete]

Often wondered what sticky board is good for!

[Framar]

I think sticky board might be good for trapping lady bugs....

[framechick]

my 4 year old son and I make collages on it. I've used it to make easel backs.