Hey John,
I'm back after taking a couple of much needed days off.....I understand what you're saying about selling higher ticket items. When I bought the shop 10 years ago, I was taught the exact same ideas by the previous owner. To be honest, I didn't buy into it at first...tried to be everything to everybody for a short time and then smartened up and focused on the good customers who apent money. The ones who shopped because the atmosphere was relaxing, it's a beautiful store, we pampered them, and had the best ideas. We cater to a very high end clientele who like the fact that I will always deliver and hang for them. I get to see some amazing houses, which allows me to see what other pieces of art might look great in their homes.I am also an Interior Designer, so I can also make suggestions regarding furniture I may see on my shopping trips.
Framing programs are indeed a dangerous tool in the wrong hands. When setting up the program I spent days going through my pricing scales and adjusting them to suit me. Once I have the scale how I want it, I can do an increase by a specific percent and the "scale" stays the same; an increase in prices takes me about 30 seconds; best equipment I ever bought for my shop saves me so much time, and keeps us accurate. I like to spot check prices from time to time....not as often as I should though..Thanks for the reminder....maybe this weekend......Lori
P.S.Back to the Millers......I also have a hard time selling something that is more expensive "just because" There needs to be a value. I sell alot of Suede mats because people can see the difference....it's harder for a customer to see the difference between the Alphamats and the Ultimats, and I don't find the Ultimats to be better..."as good as" maybe, but not better.