"Big Box" doesn't convey the correct image. Let's fix it.

[Paul Cascio]

Home Depot is a big box, as is Wal-Mart and Lowes. Michaels is the closest we have to a BB, but it's not a true Big Box.

I have been using the term, Always-On-Sale (AOS), or Almost Always On Sale, because it accurately describes the true negative characteristic of these coupon-mad businesses.

To be clear, I have nothing against big, but I have very major issues with deceptive and unfair. Where’s the reference price? How often can it be On Sale, before that price is your regular and bona fide price? Is your glass really the clearest and best, or only equal to the clearest and best?

Let's all make the effort to call a "spade" a "spade," so the consumer can begin to be enlightened about us and our competition.

Complaining about "Big" is simply being whiney. You can be big. Big is pefectly okay. It's not how big you are that matters, it's how you got big.

As an industry, let's start paying attention to the details. Once again, this is a matter of semantics. In fact, marketing is a matter of semantics.

Please, stop calling them Big Box stores. This term does nothing for us, sounds whiney and is simply not accurate.

We’re the underdog and we need to take advantage of every edge we can grab. We need to get the little things right so we can move on to the big things. Let's all make this change in our vocbulary. It's one small step, but it's free and it's easy. Then, we can move to the bigger steps.

Want a model?

Look at how Apple, the prototypical underdog advertises.

When you're the little guy, with arguably a better product, but the other guy, Microsoft in this case, has a lot more money, you need to do more with your marketing than simply toot your own horn if you want to make progress, becasue the other guy can out-toot you. Like Apple, you also need to point out the negatives of your competitor and enlighten the consumer.

The Mac v. PC commercials demonstrate this strategy with amazing style and effectiveness. That's why they continue to run and why new ones are continuing to be produced.

There are now 16 of these ads in the series. Why? Because they are working. Today when someone thinks about buying a new computer, they don't automatically buy a PC. At the very least, they consider buying a Mac.

Could we do something like this?

Wouldn't it be great if everytime someone needs to buy custom framing, they at least consider an independent custom framer?



Paul Cascio
aka, “The Guerrilla Framer”
The American Picture Framing Academy
www.pictureframingschool.com
860-940-9262

[Framar]

Those Mac vs. PC ads are fab but probably cost a gazillion dollars including the agency costs and the TV time.

If we could come up with a plan and if we could come up with a budget and if and if and if...

And we little indy framers can't even agree what to call ourselves let alone what groups to join and what credentials to believe in.

I feel it is hopeless. It does not matter what we call those Always Same Sale places - they are winning and we are losing and that probably is all she wrote.

Is that a fat lady I hear singing???

[Elaine]

I think that is where "sponsorship" dollars come in to play. There have to be enough vendors that independents buy from that would contribute money towards a campaign that would increase their business. Also, there must be Federal or state money available to help - there is for everything else!

When I was reading this last post, I kept thinking about the Underdog cartoon rising up out of... and beating all those so-called superheros and standing on top of the mountain! Just a thought, but the Mac vs PC ads are working - they make you laugh and listen to the message. Their is no reason why we can't come up with a concept that does the same. Think about "Where's the Beef" "nothing runs like a deer" Dell' "####" guy - I know there are more, but my brain's in a fog this morning.

Is this the type of concept you are thinking of Paul?? If so, why don't we have a National Campaign Contest run through the PPFA or PPFA chapters?? I don't have a PPFA chapter near me, but maybe there could be a default chapter for those like us and also an incentive to join the PPFA to increase our membership numbers - show the nonmembers more benefits to belonging???

Anyway, that's my ramble for this morning

Elaine

[AWG]

I think some sort of campaign like this, rather than whining about getting beat by the big guys, would be a more positive step. We need to stop crying and become more active - us v. them.

When PPFA merged (or whatever the proper term is) with PMA the thought was we would have access to marketing insight (we do) and a more "professional" organization. Would it be possible that PMA $$ could help accomplish this? One caveat that everyone needs to remember: If PMA were involved, you will see the same "independent, local framer" promos offered to your local photography, camera and scrapbook store that are looking to get involved with framing -- are you OK with that?? I am, because anything meant to assist the "local independent" will also help me against the big chain.

I think looking for co-op dollars from the major manufacturers would be a lost cause - after all, the major chains are their customers, too. I can't see LJ putting marketing money into a campaign for local independents when their biggest customer is Michaels. Where, then, is the source of $$ for such a campaign going to come from? If PMA/PPFA were to put together such a plan I would be 1000% in favor. As Elaine says, it would show more of a valuefor membership. (in the interest of full disclosure, our PPFA membership lapsed in error - we've re-upped for 2007)

My concern is that too many local independents are TOO independent for their own good - many fail to see the value in PPFA, networking, etc. An action plan as we've discussed here the last few weeks would take EVERYBODY on board to make it effective (and you might have to put out a few $$ to make it happen - are you willing??)

Tony

[Paul Cascio]

No Framar, the opera ain't over, it's just beginning. A real beginning. It's our turn to start singing.

There is a way to do this Elaine. It won't be with government dollars, but you are absolutely correct that the suppliers can and should participate. I would certainly feel compelled to buy from a supplier who was donating as little as 4% of sales to a well conceived and managed cooperative advertising campaign. Wouldn't you?

It would simply be good business on their part, because when our sales increase, so do theirs. Helping us could be the best investment they could make in their future success, while showing they are truly in our corner.

Any suppliers here want to comment?


Paul Cascio

[Paul Cascio]

AWG, you make some good points, but PPFA hasn't and won't do it. Waiting for the PPFA white horse to come riding in has in many ways been what's prevented us from doing something on our own.

I am a strong supporter of PPFA, but PPFA doesn't exclusively represent the independent, or small business, picture framer. Michaels, Jo-Ann, BA, Corners, Hobby Lobby and all the other chains are invited to join.

IMO, this is the equivalent to the Hen House Egg Producers Assocation allowing the Mr. Wolf, Mr. Fox and Mr. Coyote to be honored guests and members.

Unless PPFA changes its membership rules, which we should all encourage them to do, it risks becoming an irrelavent organization.

I don't want to see that happen, but we are the only part of our industry that doesn't have a guardian angel looking out for our exclusive interests.

[MarkyW]

I was just watching DIY network and they had a short basic tip segment about drywall that was sponsored by the American Rental Association which then had a commercial for the ARA telling people what to do if they need some tool that they don't own - go to your local tool rental store. (don't remember if they used the term 'independant' or not, and don't know if Home Depot would be allowed to join)

Did a google search and found their website and their dues start at $365, PPFA starts at $149.

I just started getting DIY and this is the first time I've seen anything about the ARA, so I don't know how much they get their word out about their members.

Just thought it was coincindental that I saw this while reading some of these posts.

[David N Waldmann]

"Where's the beef", "Got Milk?" etc benefit everyone that produces or sells them. We are talking about a segment of a small part of an industry. It will be difficult at best to identify yourself as part of such a fragment on a wide scale without confusing consumers and/or benefitting the "other guys". Unless everyone is willing to give up their individual identity and become part of a box bigger than the original BB I don't see how it's going to work.

[apetty]

"Where's the beef", "Got Milk?" etc benefit everyone that produces or sells them. We are talking about a segment of a small part of an industry. It will be difficult at best to identify yourself as part of such a fragment on a wide scale without confusing consumers and/or benefitting the "other guys". Unless everyone is willing to give up their individual identity and become part of a box bigger than the original BB I don't see how it's going to work.

How many florists said that about FTD in the beginning? I still don't hear a reason not to try.

http://www.ftd.com/5970/custserv/aboutftd.epl?homepage_link=FOOT

[David N Waldmann]

I am a strong supporter of PPFA, but PPFA doesn't exclusively represent the independent, or small business, picture framer. Michaels, Jo-Ann, BA, Corners, Hobby Lobby and all the other chains are invited to join.
Yeah. It's called an Industry Association.

Unless PPFA changes its membership rules, which we should all encourage them to do, it risks becoming an irrelavent organization.
So, instead of the PPFA there should be an AlwaysOnSaleFA, an IndieFA, a FranchisedFA and the all important CertifiedFA? And which association do the suppliers join - the ones they want to sell to, or do they have their own?

I don't get the us/them mentality. There is strength in unity, not division.

I don't want to see that happen, but we are the only part of our industry that doesn't have a guardian angel looking out for our exclusive interests.
Must be I missed something. What parts have a guardian angel?

[AWG]

David you're exactly right. What the milk and pork producers (and the CA Raisin board, and Chees producers, and the Beef people)realize is that by increasing awareness of their product as a whole, each member benefits. Unfortunately I'm not sure enough of "our" people have enough of a bigger picture view. Compound that with the relatively small size of our industry and it's easy to see where we are today.

I think a well-conceived, consistent and broad-based message would have a positive effect. I think Paul's got a good idea in the works (no insider info, just reading what I see here). Similarly, the concept of Framerselect was great - but I think some of it's limitations are what led to it's downfall -- we were not allowed to join because a nearby framer had already joined and we were "too close". I'm sure similar things happened elsewhere. I don't believe that cost (at the end) should not have been a roadblock to those looking to build the business and increase awareness of our product. We would have gladly paid the $120 monthly cost to be able to join.

I read recently (Decor?) of a co-op effort being put together in Michigan - small market city, each framer put up some $$ that was matched by a local supplier. Yes, they all compete aainst each other, but the awareness campaign should benefit all involved. Anyone else here read or know about this? I'd be interested to know the outcome. Might even be willing to try it here if I could get some others to join in. Jerry??

Tony

[Framerguy]

Quote:

"How many florists said that about FTD in the beginning? "

And that, of course, begs the question, exactly how many did say that about FTD??? I would be interested in seeing some hard statistics instead of all this guesswork and conjecture about who said what about who.

And the mystery continues .............

[David N Waldmann]

How many florists said that about FTD in the beginning?

Nothing wrong with FTD, but it doesn't answer the same question. FTD is a distribution model.

[apetty]

Nothing wrong with FTD, but it doesn't answer the same question. FTD is a distribution model.

I suppose you are right in a strict definition of the service they offer their customers (the independent floral shops) But the point is that FTD spent a lot of money aquainting customers with the floral industry...taking the mystery out of buying flowers and promoting the industry. "Everyone" knows what FTD is...they have created a brand in an industry that was made up of small independents. Why would this model not be relevant to our industry?

[BUDDY]

Paul while I agree that what the fraudulent advertisers ( note not just "BBs") are doing should be stopped, I am getting an uneasy feeling about where I feel your thoughts are going.

IMHO it is increasingly beginning to sound like you are suggesting a schism from the PPFA. I say this because to my ear it is sounding like you are saying they aren't serving the needs of "INDIES" as much as they are trying to be EVERYTHING to EVERYBODY.

I also am getting the feeling that what you are baiting all of us for is a wonderful NEW group that has the needs of INDIES specifically in mind. Sort forming a new association.

While the lack of LEGAL defense of our rights to things like the CPF and not even being allowed to publicly discusss comparison priceing on some ASSOCIATION venues leaves me with some degree of disillusionment with the PPFA , I am by no means desiring to splinter their network any further. I think the thing needed most to fight a big, well funded adversary is strength in numbers and that includes some of what might be thought of as BIG shops even if Franchised or part of any National Chains.

IMHO we gain strength from association /networking with shops that are operated differently than ours. In a time past Rob Markoff suggested the formation of a select group of PPFA member shops who had an operating budget of ( I think) the excess of $500,000 annually. I was opposed to that formation while I deeply respect the opinions and efforts of Rob and others like him. In fact it was that very respect that made me fear the isolation of shops like his from the likes of others like me. I learned from just listening to him speak to others like him because i wouldn't /couldn't even imagine things they did daily.

So if you or any one else wants to prevent anyone from useing UNFAIR / Illegal advertiseing I am all for it. I also think that a side note to why this shouldn't be allowed to continue is that it is subliminally portraying the competition as being over priced and subsequently utilizing unnecessary techniques to arrive at those prices. all of which is a deliberate misconception that make s competing extremely difficult .

But to completely Isolate ourselves from the best source of information as to how bigger more well funded shops think and opperate is IMHO a very bad idea. I also think there is a "WHEEL" already invented ( PPFA) that can be utilized to transport us to where we want to be . All we need to do is make that wheel stand up for what it was formed for and at times what it prepared itself to do. Moreover the PPFA already has a LEGAL advisory in place ,despiet what to me seems like some timidity to fight for what it and ALL the association deserves.

So I think the best avenue is to work with in the association and not form any new smaller groups , no matter how specialized it's goals may be towards any segment of the whole association.
BUDDY

[FrameMakers]

I think that the True Value Hardware model is a better comparison to what we need. TV is a co-op of independently owned hardware stores.

"Established as Cotter & Company in 1948 by John Cotter, the co-op originated with 25 members. Known today as True Value Company, the co-op has grown considerably and today supports its retailers through 12 regional distribution centers and 3,000 associates."

But would you change the name of your store to _______ framing. I doubt it, I feel that most of our egos get in the way of smart business.

Some will say that being independent is there strength. Walk through any major mall and you can easily tell the independent operations form the ones that have support wether it be a franchise, corprate ownership or a co-op like True-Value.

I look at other industies that have been hit hard by BB stores. The Office supply business is now controled by Staples, Office Max & Office Depot. There are 5x more frame shops in Columbus then there are independent office suppy stores.
They didn't band together and now they are mostly gone.

There IS strenght in numbers, but will our numbers ever pull together?

[Jerry Ervin]

From the FTD Website


About FTD

http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/80/71/6h/www.ftd.com/pics/logoftd_1936.gif Founded in 1910, FTD is one of the largest floral companies in the world and is a leader in quality, artistry and dependability. FTD connects approximately 20,000 North American retail florists and supports an international floral delivery network of 50,000 affiliated FTD Florists in 154 countries. FTD can deliver products to nearly 100% of the U.S. population. FTD stands behind our Satisfaction Guarantee on all orders sent through FTD for delivery within the U.S. and Canada.



Think about access to 20,000 retailers with one phone number!

[Bill Henry-]

I agree wholeheartedly with what Paul is trying to accomplish, but in order to get anything constructive done, we would have to ban together.

But, to me, an “association of independents” is an oxymoron.

How about referring to BB as “warehouse framers/framing”?

[Jerry Ervin]

But would you change the name of your store to _______ framing. I doubt it, I feel that most of our egos get in the way of smart business.



I would do it in a heartbeat!

The True Value co-op model may be just what our industry needs.

It sure would help with name recognition, advertise pooling, buying power, etc etc.

[BUDDY]

I have seen a lot of references to FTD in this thread and can't help but wonder if those posting it are too new to remeber or just weren't aware that in the past the Director of the PPFA ( before PMA and at the time PPFA troubles started ) was a former executive of that very organization ( FTD) .I am speaking of Rex Boynton. He had some desires to model PPFA after that very group. My point is that just having a model in mind isn't enough nor is banding together .PPFA had both. It takes the right continued decisions and directions and Rex's lead to what some feel was the destruction of the GOOSE that laid the Golden Egg.
BUDDY

[Mecianne]

This is crazy. Changing my business name would be a smart move? I have spent three years branding myself in my community, so that now I want to change my name to be recognized as a value leader among indy shops across America? No thanks. The fact being that such a small segment of the population even realize what custom framing is, changing my name this late in the game would be stupid. It would confuse the issue and make people think YBF went out of business and some new guy bought me out.

Egotistical? Of course I am. Hardheaded? You betcha. That's why I am still here and business at year three has tripled since year one.

And if Paul would just spit it out already, then maybe we or you could get on with whatever it is we are supposed to be getting on with.

[Paul Cascio]

This thread is turning into interesting and informative reading. Thanks for all the great comments and ideas. I'd like to elaborate and clarify my thoughts on some of these issues.

I'm pro PPFA, but the fact remains that PPFA, does not exclusively represent the independent framing industry and can't/won't provide the cooperative marketing that I feel we need so badly. PPFA can continue doing what it is doing, but we also need to begin marketing together or where going to continue to fight a war using nothing more than a pea shooter.

As for marketing the entire industry as a whole, if it were comprised of equals, that would be great. But we oeprate in a caste system. Any of us who think the AOS Framers are our allies is either naive or downright stupid.

Do you honestly think Michaels is going to kick in to help us? Is there even one piece of historical data that would give you that idea?

I'm only interested in helping those who agree with me on this very important point. The rest of you can snuggle up to your pals Mike and Jo-Ann, but the only way they're going to help you is if you own their stock. You can't prosper by living off of the occasional scraps they throw you.

Look at their ads. When they say, "50% Off" what exactly is it they are telling customers it is 50% off of? YOUR PRICES.

Keep you head buried in the sand if you want. Otherwise, face the fact and find a way to do something about it.

[j Paul]

This is crazy. Changing my business name would be a smart move?


I'm not saying that I would be up for a name change either, but when I look at Ace Hardware's around here for example they also carry their individual name.

Example: Janney's Ace Hardware. So possibly it could work for framers that choose to do a similar thing.

[Jerry Ervin]

Locally to me I can think of two right quick

Hickory Grove True Value Hardware

and

The Posey Peddler FTD Florist

[Paul Cascio]

The reference to the hardware industry is a good one, as is the comparison to office supply industry.

The Ace Name becomes a subheading for the store name, but eventually it becomes so well know that you don't care that Your Hardware Store is referred to as the local Ace Hardware, because you're making a lot more money. That's how it works in theory.

BTW, anyone notice how a $.04 screw now costs about $.50?

The independent office supply store is now all but extinct. Any lesson there that we can benefit from?

[FrameMakers]

I have the answer to all our problems. We need to sponser a Nascar team or buy a sponsership for a sports arena. :)

[j Paul]

or buy a sponsership for a sports arena. :)


No, no, that would only start a fight as to who's home town would the sports arena be in!:cry:

[Paul Cascio]

David N Waldmann:

So, instead of the PPFA there should be an AlwaysOnSaleFA, an IndieFA, a FranchisedFA and the all important CertifiedFA? And which association do the suppliers join - the ones they want to sell to, or do they have their own?

I don't get the us/them mentality. There is strength in unity, not division.

_____________________________________

David, I respectfully disagree. Please show me the unity that you believe currently exists and how indie framers are benfitting from it?

The indie framer's problem isn't expanding the market for custom framing. It's getting it's share of the market that's already there.


Re: Must be I missed something. What parts have a guardian angel?

Franchisees have the Franchisor helping them market. The AOS's have a huge corporate structure with marketing department, board of directors, etc. These are the guardian angels I was referring to. Indies have no guardian angel.

[David N Waldmann]

David, I respectfully disagree. Please show me the unity that you believe currently exists and how indie framers are benfitting from it?
I don't claim there is unity, but it seems to me that what you are suggesting further separates what little there is.

Franchisees have the Franchisor helping them market. The AOS's have a huge corporate structure with marketing department, board of directors, etc. These are the guardian angels I was referring to. Indies have no guardian angel.
Ok, I see where you're coming from. But I don't consider that anything close to a guardian angel. A guardian angel looks out for you without expecting anything in return. What you're talking about sounds more like a bodyguard.

[Paul Cascio]

There is no unity. The chains have no legitimate interest in our well being and we have nothing to gain by trying to blend in.

As I posted in another thread, we need to differentiate and create a unique and positive identity of our own. Otherwise, our identity is "The Twice as Expensive Framers," as implied by those neverending coupons.

The status quo doesn't help us or our suppliers, unless of course the supplier is selling product to these chain stores. Otherwise, your fortunes are tied to our future.

[Harry FKA Harry]

[QUOTE=Paul Cascio;284903]As I posted in another thread, we need to differentiate and create a unique and positive identity of our own. Otherwise, our identity is "The Twice as Expensive Framers," as implied by those neverending coupons.QUOTE]


YOU'RE RIGHT! I beleive that is the public's perception of the 50% off advertising. Becuse if they are saying it in an ad and offering it in a coupon, it must be a legit sale..... Perception is reality!

So it seems to me that the task is simple. Change that perception. It is not about telling people how wonderful we are and how our wood frames are better than theirs.... it is about making the public understand that we are as good a deal as the big chains and in MOST cases a better deal because we can offer more value and a better experience for the same money.

As much as it pains me to even think this, maybe the answer is a campaign with a, dare I say for lack of a better term at the moment, a "smear" message. Sometimes the only way to get people to understand how good you are is to teach them how bad the other guy is....... don't think for a second they would hesitate to attack us if the tables were turned.... in fact. they have attacked us and continue to do so....they have convinced the public that we are overpriced and taking advantage of them. They have manipulated the public's perception. Perception is reality.

Think about Paul's comment I quoted above, we are "The Twice as Expensive Framers"

...and remember, perception os reallity!

[BUDDY]

Paul I am a bit slow so please explain what a AOS is .Does that mean already operating successfully?

Also I certainly hope you didn't intend this comment for me."Do you honestly think Michaels is going to kick in to help us? Is there even one piece of historical data that would give you that idea?"

I don't think Michaels is going to help anyone but Michaels INTENTIONALLY. However when I said that not allowing the BIGGER shops to isolate themselves with in PPFA would be beneficial by seeing what they do that we don't is true of ANY bigger shop includeing but not limited to very successful framers like Rob Markofff and his piers. Some of us will be framing a long time before we ever have to deal with what they do daily, which could be very valuable lessons we don't even think about. As to whether the likes of Michaels or any other business grabbing Franchise would willing help us peons is agreeably ridicules as I suspect the Michaels P&L comments substantiate by calling us the COMPETITION.

But if you totaly ignore your competition how on earth are you going to know what they are up to? Aren't you in fact encouraging all "INDIES" to pool their knowledge of them to use against them? Wouldn't it be helpful to have a direct line to those whose efforts you want to control?

My biggest problem is getting the ASSOCIATION we all belong to to stand up for the rights of all in it includeing THEIR OWN , which IMHO they are too #### frightened will cause them legal squabbles and because of that they CAPITULATE and do nothing.

But it would be much more sensible to me to work with in the association and encourage as many with in it to demand they utilize the forces they already have along with the information at their disposal about the practices of some in the industry( which may just carry more weight than a single voice) to LEGALLY prevent unfair and maybe illegal practices of even some of it's own members not just the "BBs"

I also completely agree that any and all efforts ( those I suspect you may be suggesting as well as those Rob suggested in the past) which caue splintering of the ASSOCIATION into smaller and smaller specialized groups is very definitely killing the goose that laid the egg. You are marshaling as many like thinking framers as you can muster to fight your battle just as Rob did only as each group cuts a smaller and more specialized slice of the already dwindling pie you are ruining the very thing you say you need. What you need is as many like thinking INDIEviduals as you can gather and it would be even more beneficial IMHO if when you got to litigate they were from varying stratas of the industry and not just some small specialized group .

While I totaly agree that Michaels , Jo-Anns and others who subscribe to the fraudulent advertising ploy are very unlikely to help anyone stop their scam knowingly I do suspect the some of the successful PPFA shops might and it would be very beneficial testimony if they did. But each time we cut the PPFA into a even smaller more select group or we go our seperate way and not raise our collective voices to demand they do what we know is right we are guaranteeing they become less and less effective ans soon we will all just be individuals fighting the big guys with the deep pockets who don't give a #### how they beat us. Which I thought is just what you were trying to gather a group to stop.

But then there seems to be an increasing amount of things I don't understand. So would you please enlighten me?
BUDDY

[Val]

Buddy, AOS=Always On Sale

[BUDDY]

Thank you Val . I told you I was slow .However I think that may be a misnomer as much as BB since we have frequently discussed that very few if any of these fraudulent advertisers are ALWAYS on sale , even if they stop for very brief times.

I think there were a few different BBs that were found to not be running sales this Easter week end. But I guess there are times when no promotion fraudulent or otherwise is needed.

But to me the problem is how false what they claim is. And even worse is what it implies about their competition. Still even more important is the fact that all who resort to this tactic aren't always BBs and some may in deed be members of PPFA or even TFG. But no matter where they come from I wouldn't think isolating ourselves from any possible support from those of like stature or success is a prudent idea since this fight can use all the support we can muster both morally and materially and a lot of that may come from the ranks of associations and groups in which some of the advertisers belong while still others disagree.

But most importantly I think it would be extremely ill advised to in anyway cause the demise of a already formed group that could furnish the very things we are trying to develop. Like PPFA as it currently exist, if we could make them realize it is to the benfit of the majority of there members in stead of threatening to form a new group from it's ranks.
BUDDY

[j Paul]

However I think that may be a misnomer AAOS = Almost Always On Sale! AAHFS = Almost Always Having Fradulent Sales

[Paul Cascio]

Buddy,

My beef isn't with chain stores, it's with any framing business that uses deceptive and unfair tactics. Whether you are big or small should make no difference in the eys of the law. When they stop, you must stop too. We can't cheat and then expect our competition not to. It simply would not be fair.

Once again, I encourage those here to read and understand the laws of your state. Then, collect the evidence and file a complaint with your Consumer Protection Department or the AG of your state. There are legal remedies easily available to us to put a stop to these practices.

I want deceptive advertising practices to stop and I absolutely will see to it that it happens.

As for PPFA, no one is trying to usurp them, but we need to take it upon ourselves to either effect change or fill in the gaps.

[Val]

My husband told me yesterday that he's been hearing a lot of radio ads for a group of Fast Frame stores in Reno, talking about "don't take your art to the Big Box stores that have 50% sales every day, take it to the professionals at FF", etc. I don't listen to that station, but I might have to listen to the oldies today and see if I can't catch that ad.

[Paul Cascio]

Hi Val,

If possible could you get the wording on what the ads say about the "50%-Off" issue. Does it speak to it directly or just say something lame like "Don't save 50%, come to us instead."

BTW, I should have offered your picture as the contest prize instead of mine. The respone would have been much better. Apparently nobody wants a picture of me. Of course, I can't blame them.

[Val]

From what my Oldies-loving husband said, it speaks directly about "Don't go to the big box stores with their 50%-off all the time sales..." but I will (cringe) listen today and pay attention and report back. Sacrifices, just for you, Paul.....Oldies...brrrr. They make me feel oldie-er.