Bragging or complaining?

[Dave]

After all the worrying and complaining I did about my slowdown in October and early November I would like somebody to explain to me why I am as busy, if not busier the week after Christmas than the week before Christmas. I've been working until almost midnight the last few days and getting in early cranking out everybody's rush orders and I'm finally digging out of the hole I got into early in the season.

I'm so thankful to have the business, that I am turning jobs out in just a couple days and staying until everything that can be done is done.. My fear is that I'm creating new expectations in people to the point that they are going to believe the new standard is that they can have their custom framing done "while they wait".

If I didn't need the revenue (isn't that a much more civilized way to say it than I need the money?), I probably wouldn't have busted my doopa getting the work out and would not be prepared for the next rush customer coming in the door.

On second thought, if anyone knows why the business rush hasn't stopped, please don't tell me...I just want to enjoy it and pretend it'll never end...I could deal with that kind of problem. I have played this game long enough to know that sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to work loads.

What are other fellow Grumblers seeing out there...or did most everyone close for the week and head for white sands, sunshine and surf? :D

Dave Makielski

[stshof]

Yep, I closed for the week and told all my customers to go see you. Enjoy! :p

;) ;)

[Cliff Wilson]

I'm not closed and feel like the old Maytag repairman!
Enjoy Dave!

[B. Newman]

We (sorta) take the week off after Christmas so that we can enjoy the family and farm. We're normally "around" if folks need to come by, but I usually do cleaning, planning, and projects that I don't have time to tackle at other times.

Today I had some folks come by bringing projects early, then we took off and rode horses all afternoon.

Tomorrow I'm going to do some rearranging - gotta hurry though, space is already filling up fast!

[D_Derbonne]

I took yesterday off. Actually I went to work but decided I was too tired and went home again.

Today I was back at the shop working on orders and even had a couple of customers.
Not swamped but there is business and have orders to take me into the new year.

[Dave]

"Yep, I closed for the week and told all my customers to go see you. Enjoy! " :p ;) ;)

Thanks, Sue! We're just like the docs...we cover for each other now. :D

I'll make you a deal. I'll send you your commission check when you send me some of that Southern sunshine! ;)

Dave Makielski

[Val]

I took yesterday off, too, and open today. Verrry quiet, but the entire town is quiet. But in the past I've found that after New Year's it will pick up again, the Rush After the Christmas Rush....those that knew we'd be busy during Christmas and figure we'd have nothing to do afterwards. I have plenty to do, but looking forward to, and hoping for, another surge of business for the New Year. Got that momentum going, why stop now?

[Jerry Ervin]

I'm with you Dave. I am still bustin' me arse. It has not let up. In fact yesterday 12/27 was one of the biggest days I have had in months.

I don't feel like I have had any time off. Maybe I can lay around Monday and rest.

The after Christmas difference is, people are getting stuff framed for themselves now.

For the last two weeks, all I have heard has been "how fast and how cheap can you frame this". I'm back to selling fillets and Museum glass this week.

[Donna at MetroAF]

Generally, we are pretty slow the week after Christmas, and pick up again in the middle of January. I think it has to do with people taking down their decorations and realizing that they have a bunch of #### on their walls and they need something better.

And a lot of folks want to frame the prints they got, or they saw this one piece at their friend's house, etc., etc. and so forth.

Being in THE MALL (que scary music) it sorta sucks, because when they slow down, we slow down.

We're supposed to get some freezing rain/snow this week, so that'll slow things down, too.

[Twin2]

I have a few pieces to finish up, but it hasn't been too busy. It is nice to have a bit of a breather.

Unfortunately, my fiscal year end is December 31st, so I have to count my inventory - oh joy! :cry: At least I think I've talked my sister into helping me.

[FramingFool]

Situations's a little different here ...upcoming rotator cuff surgery (fortunately on my left, not primary-right shoulder [danged front-tine tillers...]) has compelled me to get an intern in here; going well; should be ready .... all leads to me getting out of here for a week in January for a respite of laying on the beach of Isla Mujeres Mexico and collecting paper umbrellas, sleeping till noon and catching up on some good reading .... after that, well, we'll see if I can keep things going for 4 months while my left shoulder is strapped to my side ...

Actually, my worst concern is sleeping without screwing up the shoulder...