Business Combinations

[John Ranes II, CPF, GCF]

As many already know, we have successfully mixed upper end collectibles and home decor/gift items with our custom framing, but I'm also intrigued by others who have other combinations that mix together well and work.....including Betty Newman's mix of framing and caning.

Just to let you know Betty, that I've uncovered another framer who has the same retail mix here in the UK. You may wish wish to drop them a note. I'm here in the UK working the Birmingham Spring Fair on behalf of Fletcher-Terry, when a customer came unto our stand this afternoon.....

Frame 'N' Cane
Picture Framing
Rush & Cane Work
David & Amanda Weeks
Chinns Court
Warminster, BA12 9AN

tel: (01985) 219992
e-mail: AmandaJaneWeeks637@hotmail.com

and here I thought you were a totally unique concept? :D

[Meghan MacMillan]

When I lived in Albany, New York there was a storefront there that offered Chair Caning and Tax Preparation.

[Ron Eggers]

Meghan, was it by any chance called Cane 'n' Pain?

[Less]

Does a high-end original painting and sculpture gallery count? Sure feels like a completely seperate business to me. Is it a good mix? Yes. Is it an easy mix? No.

[B. Newman]

Caning and Taxes, hmmm, I can understand that. They both take great attention to detail. And the caning would greatly relieve your mind from the "numbers" thing!

Thanks John, I did e-mail them. I struggled with how to effectively combine these two loves until I came up with the Art & Antiques concept. Some combinations do seem strange though.

Thanks again.
Betty

Oops, the e-mail came back. I'll try again later.

[ 02-02-2003, 06:05 PM: Message edited by: B. Newman ]

[Elaine]

The Art of today are tommorow's Antiques

[Susan May]

Right now we offer Stitchery and Art supplies, with our Framing. We started as a Craft Store, and added the framing, then later we backed out of the crafts. We are talking about adding another line to the store, as the stitchery is not selling like it used to.

[lise]

Hi John. May I ask what type of higher-end collectibles and home accessories you carry with your custom framing?

We are going to be showcasing blown & stained glass and are thinking of adding modern ceramics, mirrors as well as contemporary chinese art. We have a great China connection who is buying for us in Bejing this Febuary.
Not sure what else to add but we definately have an open mind and find that these topics recently that have to do with product mix to be very indicative of the economy.
There is more diversification going on.

[fttom]

We have custom framing, gift baskets, custom craft items, custom cross stitch, wooden toys, and other woodworking items. I've had some of my regular people call, and say, "I need this made/done/fixed, and you are the only one that I could think of that might possibly be able to help me. Can you do it?" Usually, we can.

[Hannu Nystrom]

How about framing undertaker? I know of one such business in my country. At least I know who to consult if a customer comes in with a request to frame a mummy. tongue.gif

[fttom]

Talk about your last will and testament! :D

[John Ranes II, CPF, GCF]

Originally posted by lise:
Hi John. May I ask what type of higher-end collectibles and home accessories you carry with your custom framing?Hi Lise,

My apologies for the delayed response. We have focused on Christmas ornaments and decor, Home decor, and Christmas collectibles. Specifically German nutcrackers, smokers, music boxes, pyramids and figures. As well as hand-blown glass ornaments. Throughout the year, we also do well with candle holders, pillows & throws, hat boxes, clocks, photoframes, cards, etc.

I'll show samples and share specifics in my "Diversifying Sales with Gifts" (http://www.columba-publishing.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.100.exe/online-store/scstore/seminar-gifts-nyc.htm?L+scstore+nqlw5840ffff04ff+1068251739) Seminar at the Decor Expo New York show coming up. It is scheduled for Saturday 9-11am. I'm sure that Vivian Kistler will give a discount to all Grumblers who identify themselves as having seen the information here! ;) Well.....maybe.

A complete list of all the educational offerings for Decor Expo New York can be found on Vivian's site: Art & Framing Seminars - Decor Expo NYC (http://www.columba-publishing.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.100.exe/online-store/scstore/seminars-nyc2003.htm?L+scstore+nqlw5840ffff04ff+1068451840)

We are going to be showcasing blown & stained glass and are thinking of adding modern ceramics, mirrors as well as contemporary chinese art. We have a great China connection who is buying for us in Bejing this Febuary.....There is more diversification going on. Indeed, I see more and more successful framers adding a mix to their look. I think your selections are right on target. Your mix reminds me of the merchandise carried by Framed by You in Ottawa. The owner, Heather Cairns, has also added Asian products via the Toronto Gift Market and journeys to Japan. If you journey East, you should contact and visit her shop!

Regards,

John

[B. Newman]

The reason my diversification/innovation is going in the direction it is, is that being here on the farm, I don't have any walk in traffic at all. Anything I do must be geared toward meeting a specific need, thus the framing, caning, caning supplies, and now books. Sales are done in person, by phone, and internet. (About 45% of my caning supply sales this past year was web initated.) Once I make contact with a customer, then I can sell prints, gifts and finished items, but I must first fill their needs, even if it means exposing them to needs that they didn't even know they had!

Once things change and we are able to pursue the storefront/gallery setting, the mix will change a little more, while hopefully keeping what I've already built.

Betty

[framah]

In my store, I sell a few pieces of reproduction shaker furniture such as coffee tables, hutches and dry sinks. These actually sell to people using them on their patio to hold the booze and ice. For decorator items, I sell crystals, mineral specimens, mineral spheres and carvings, fossils and such. I carry a line of Inuit soapstone carvings from Canada which sell quickly when the summer people come up here to their "cottage". I also pick up a few small antiques at the auctions and resell them. That works really well as they are looking to decorate and these are great accessories. Another item I sell that people seem to like are the raised relief maps of Maine. Most of the items seem to take about 9 months to a year to move thru the store. But then again, most pieces are in the multi hundred price range. I have finally set my business reputation as place to find unusual items that can't be found anywhere else in the area. I don't have any room to perform embalming (or caning) in my store. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[B. Newman]

Originally posted by framah:
I don't have any room to perform... (caning) in my store. Hey, caning doesn't take much room, unless of course (as a natural progression) you get into wicker repair. Now those suckers can get BIG!!!

But, since no one else will do wicker repair, there's no competition and, shoot, you can set your own price.... :D

Betty

[Hobbes03]

As a hobby, I do some oil painting and alot of pencil drawing. Now I don't officially offer this (don't advertise it), but I have done some commissions of customers' pets and family members (one in the same to most pet lovers). I have framed drawings of cats that I've done on the walls in my shop, so when customers discover that I've done them, on occasion, they will ask me to draw their pet or a member of their family for them. It's a nice little addition to my business, especially if the framing gets a little slow. Then of course when the picture is complete, they have me frame it for them as well. :D

-Mike.

[The Frame Lady]

I have a degree in phototgraphy, but have focused :D (pun intended)on framing for the majority of the last 15 years. About 3 years ago I started doing professional portraiture and the two tie into each other fabulously! I usually end up framing most of the enlargements I sell and throw in a free 8x10 frame with my wedding packages. I have had lots of customers 'cross over' to the other side of my business.

Lee