Aaagh!! Need to vent - Moulding co./samples

[ArtisteDeb]

OK, Fellow Grumblers. I need to vent ~ just got off the phone w/a moulding co. & have some serious issues.

From the beginning ~ I have been framing for years & am now opening my own shop - I live in the country & am an established artist, as well as framer/designer. OK - so, I wanted a shop in the country (here we go w/home-based vs. shop & location issues.) BUT, I just built a new framing studio - it super-cute BTW -- it's a seperate building, seperate driveway/parking, on a state hwy w/a sign & retail hours & is going to be an actual shop just like if I were in town. BUT, I have a beautiful view & people love coming out here for my art - so now am venturing into the framing. (Will also have other items/gifts, etc.)

OK ~ I have been dealing w/this moulding co. for about a month, trying to get things figured out/deciding on samples, etc. Now, the rep. told me it would be a $2 charge per sample. I called the co. to ask about their lengh minimums & also asked if they offered any samples to new biz. to help get started, etc. They said that their corners samples were free of charge. So, I called my rep to order my samples & she said again, that they were $2 ea. w/no reimbursement. I told her what the person from the co. said & then she proceeded to tell me that because I'm not in a "retail" area, she had to charge - if it weren't for that - they'd be free. Because I wouldn't have "near the business/clientele" as if I were in town. :eek:

Let me get this straight -- I have the same bills as any other shop owner - I will definately - no question - have the same amount of business as if I were in town - possibly even more AND I am being told that I can't have the same benifits because I am not in a "retail" area. My shop is near my home, yes - but that does not totally qualify me as "home-based," because it is most-definately a retail-business/shop.

Now this wouldn't be so bad if they charged everyone for samples, because, yes, they are their product/time, etc. -- But the fact that all other shops get them at no charge, however, I must pay is crazy. The worst part is I love their frames, but am not about to lower my standards.

Ugh. :mad:

[GUMBY, GCF]

Well!
Take your order call the company ask what the corner cost are and when the person says they are free you ask their name and then imediatley fax your order to them. You will probably have the samples before the rep knows it and if the try to charge you ask them if this is a written policy and if not mentiontion your state attorney general and if they want them back they will have to send a ups pick up slip for them other wise the are fire wood. Or you could say if they are worried about your volume ask if they will agree to a dollar amount to justify the cost of the corners either in lenght or chop.
To many other moulding suppliers out there to worry about one that will give you poor service or attitude.
Jim
OHIO

[po' framer]

Deal straight with the company like Jim says or not at all. Too many look-alikes out there to worry about one vendor.

Sounds to me like you caught a rep trying to line her own purse, frankly. That right there really should tell you more about her service than anything.

[mbshir]

I think I would need to ask the person on the phone to speak to the owner/manager/CEO and ask why you're getting two stories.

Are you really sure that you want to deal with this company?

[sam@theponytale.com]

The "EL" with them, too many other companies around with great mldgs. and service. five of the six companies I deal with do not charge me for samples, one company does but the gives me vouchers to use when I place orders so I get my credit against invoices. sam@theponytale.com

[FramerRandy]

ArtisteDeb,

I had similar problems last year, when I opened my shop.
The first vendor I contacted was a company that I had done business with in the past. They said that there samples were free to "preferred customers".

I don't deal with them, they went bankrupt, which doesn't surprise me. I only deal with vendors who want my business and have products to offer.

just my 2 cents worth :rolleyes: