What is the full process of matting? What's standard if they already have the frame?

[stacie]

Our shop has been open a year...and today a lady came in and bought a mat. I cut the mat for this lady and she came and picked it up. She called that night and said that she wanted her picture "matted" and that I did not finish my work. She wanted a backing and for me to adhesive the picture to the backing...Is this standard?

[D_Derbonne]

I charge separately for mats and mounting. However, if a customer wants a mat, I always ask if they are going to mount it themselves or if they want me to do it. Usually they want it mounted, they just don't know that there are two separate operations.

[katman]

Different steps. If someone walks in and wants a mat, I sell them the mat and ask if they are interested in having us mount for them.

[JPete]

We only sell conservation mats and always include the backing and hinging of the art work. Mounting would be a separate charge. We do not charge any less because it becomes the back board for the mat. graemlins/shrug.gif

[Sherry Gray]

My matting and mounting charges are separate. However I usually charge them for the mounting and do it without first asking (occasionally I will ask, but not often). If they already have the frame, my fitting charge is double what it would be to fit into one of my frames.

[Framerguy]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by stacie:
Our shop has been open a year...and today a lady came in and bought a mat. I cut the mat for this lady and she came and picked it up. She called that night and said that she wanted her picture "matted" and that I did not finish my work. She wanted a backing and for me to adhesive the picture to the backing...Is this standard?<hr></blockquote>

OK boys and girls. Can we all say "scam"?

If the intention of your "customer" was to have her picture matted why didn't she bring in the picture SOMETIME between the time she stopped in to order the mat and the time she picked up the mat. How did she conclude that you could "mat her picture" without the picture??

My charges for her would include the mat and the opening in the mat, the backing board, and the mounting charge. For her to "assume" that you would also provide the mounting board and mount the image for her for the price of the mat is a bit absurd.

If you didn't already do the additional work, DON'T. And if you did, chalk it up to a learning experience and don't lose any more money in the future with "customers" like this.

Good luck.
Framerguy

[Frame Harbor]

This is only a test.
Cornel