Ready made Photo frames vs custom

[RozR]

I have a number of 8 x 10 and 11 x 14 frames on hand for those walk-in customers looking for a photo frameS. I also carry a line of readymades.

The ready mades are not always good if a customer wants to add a mat since they are made for a limited amount of material behind the glass.

Custom frames allow for the possibilities but I like the backs to look nice and they don't if the person wants it so they can change the photo every year.

Readymades have nicely finished backs and/or velvet/leather that looks finished. Most times customers want them as they are with the easel backs but others want to hang them - in which case I have been known to help them tear the leg off the back!!

Do you have a technique that dresses the backs up when the customer knows he/she will be changing the content?

Thanks,

Roz

[JudyN]

Turn-buttons

[JudyN]

You can also cut black core suede board for the backs.

[RozR]

What about painting the back of the moulding - which is usually unfinished? Along with turnbuttons and suede could sure dress them up!!

[Bill Henry-]

In lieu of turn buttons, those “push-‘em-in-with-a-screwdriver” glazier’s points.

Let them scrape their knuckles the second time around.

I like to leave the back open in such situations. They come to appreciate how much nicer the frames are with a dust cover.

[Ron Eggers]

Hey. We've been told, in no uncertain terms, by a prominent and respected Grumbler, that customers don't care anything about the backs of the frames. So I'm confused.

[Paul N]

Originally posted by Ron Eggers:
Hey. We've been told, in no uncertain terms, by a prominent and respected Grumbler, that customers don't care anything about the backs of the frames. So I'm confused. Ron:

Would you please you elaborate....as I am curious too!

[Bob Carter]

I'll take a stab, Paul.

I made a comment on a post about dustcovers, you know one of those with about 100 posts, that I suggested that the customers (at least ours) didn't seem to be anywhere near as concerned about what color or type of dustcovers we used as much as several elitist framers

Now, realize,we do not do anywhere near as many workorders as most of these other framers that indicate that their customers flip the frames over to comment and marvel at the quality and workmanship of these dustcovers. So, we are not a very good gauge, I guess

I just can't say that we have ever had a client refuse a project or quit doing business with us over our "traditional, brown kraft" dustcovers

But, perhaps Ron had another post in mind

[Paul N]

Bob, it never happened to me either.

But the day ain't over yet, LOL

[RoboFramer]

My dustcovers are going to be just so cool........

They'll need dustcovers!

[Elaine]

Roz,

In the past, I have taken a piece of black core mat and cut it like a mat and attached it to the back of the frame so it hides the unfinished part of the frame, cut a black piece to fit the opening and used turnbuttons to finish it.

gives it a nice finished look and used up scraps

my 2 cents

elaine

[Cliff Wilson]

I've put matboard on and painted black.

But, I don't think the customers really care.

Bendable points and an easy way for then to get under the hanging hardware (I use the clips and miracle cord because you can pull the cord out, turn the clip and reverse the process afterward) and they're happy.

I am quickly coming to the "keep the cost down" conclusion.

Although (even though my volume is considerable less than Bob's) I HAVE had customers comment on how nice my backs look. Bob, maybe because your brown paper is ordinary and what they expect, you don't get a comment. Try something "pretty" or different and see what reaction you get. It can be done with minimal if any added cost. Might be a nice experiment.

[Bob Carter]

Hey Cliff-We do have a commercial account that asked for black and we obliged.So we actually do use two colors. No big deal to everyone else

But,I will guarantee if we had clients that did respond,we would use polka dots if that's what they liked

I'm not trying to create a controversy, but I think we relate things that we prefer as customer preferences

For me, I am much more tickled that they enjoy the front side

[Cliff Wilson]

So Bob, pick some repeat customers at random and put black paper on. See if you get a reaction? I'd be very curious?

[Bob Carter]

Cliff-We do use both interchangeably and haven't noticed any difference. But, tomorrow, we'll track it. I must say that most pieces are picked up through our staff

I usually just schmooze with them on the way out.

But,if it is a benefit,rest assured thatwe will change immediately. The cost is insignificant

I will let you know if it is any difference

What would be better than to see my sales double simply by using black paper

[Ron Eggers]

My customers like indigo blue.

I will concede that they may like it because I tell them they should like it.

I switched to emerald green and I think I might just burn the rest of the roll and go back to blue.

[Lance E]

When we started using Dustcovers (as opposed to the brown paper tape which is common here and thought of by some as the only way which is right...) the reaction was very noticeable and people defintly prefer it, we only use Tyvek though.

To "dress up" the backs of ready mades I have mounted fabrics onto mounting film and then applied this to the back of the frame.

[Val]

I've been known to use gift-wrap paper as dust cover material. Christmas wrap for Christmas framing presents, birthday wrap, etc. Always gets a notice. Just for fun, now and then, if I know the customer and know they'll appreciate the novelty.
Ron, are you serious, emerald green and indigo blue? Cool! I want purple! Where'd you find that??? (or were you just joshin' us there?)

[Ron Eggers]

I get the colored Kraft paper from Vicki Schober in Milwaukee. I'm on her delivery route.

One of the things I like about switching colors from time-to-time is that, when someone brings in a frame and says, "You did this about six months ago" I can look at the back and say, "Oh, I think you're mistaken. That was clearly done during my indigo phase about two years ago."

Or I could just look at the date on the label.

I use the blue/grey Lineco to distinguish some special projects.

(I never joke about dust covers.)

[Val]

Is it available to us as framers through framing suppliers? Ideas where I could look? I like this idea!

[Ron Eggers]

Val, Vicki Schober is a distributor, not a manufacturer. If you are on the delivery route for any distributors, I guess you'd have to ask 'em if they carry colored kraft.

Otherwise, it would be a good excuse to visit Milwaukee.

[AnneL]

Doesn't Vicki have a second location in California?

[RozR]

Did a quick "google" and got some sites that carry colored kraft papers.

Wild!!

http://www.officeworld.com/Worlds-Biggest-Selection/PAC63180/05Q4/

Check it out!!

[Ron Eggers]

I think so, Anne, but why would anyone go to California if they can go to Milwaukee instead?

[Gumbogirl]

Roz, that looks like the rolls of paper at my kids' elementary school- they have about 10 rolls in different colors. We use it to cover bulletin boards, mostly.

I was about to say it's really thin, but then, hey, it's as sturdy as that brown kraft paper with which we are so familiar!

[ERIC]

The only reason I don't use brown kraft paper for the dust cover is that I use it to wrap the finished piece for pick-up.

Why do you want to use the same type of paper that the customer will throw out when they get home and unwrap it?