Cyro Acrylic Labels - FYI

[Less]

I use a lot of Conservation Clear, and apply their labels on every job that gets their glass.

I often wished I knew what type of glazing was in a frame that I had to disassemble. I also wished I had labels to apply when I used acrylic, instead of having to hand write the info on the backing paper.

So, I decided to call Cyro to find out if they could supply labels for their products. They were kind enough to send me, at no charge, a complete sample kit and 100 labels that I could check off which of their products was being used.

In the package they sent was also an abrasion resistant sheet sample kit. The kit consists of a piece of regular acrylic, abrasion resistant acrylic and a small piece of steel wool. To test the abrasion resistant acrylic, you rub the regular and then the abrasion resistant. The regular got scuffed up, and the abrasion resistant was not affected at all. I always wondered how effective this product was.

From now on, I will make sure that all of the acrylic I use is made by Cyro.

 

[Jana]

I wish Tru Vue sent stick-on labels with their AR glass. They do sent cards, but I never never seem to have enough and I have to make copies and use double stick tape to affix them.

Cyro does make good products. Thanks for the advice. Will get some of their stickers.

 

[Less]

I once called Tru-Vue as well, and they sent me a huge roll of Conservation Clear labels, a roll of Museum glass labels, and a bunch of very small AR labels. I have not used them, because I don't sell AR. I figure if someone is going to spend that kind of money on AR, then they might as well get the added protection of Museum, so I don't offer it.

If Tru-Vue can't supply you with them, I will be happy to send you some.

 

[Jana]

Thanks Less. Now that you mention it, we did get the small stickers, but they don't say anything about how to clean the glass, and it's important to tells folks not to use an ammonia-based cleaner.

The museum glass is just too expensive for us to offer at the moment. If a piece of AR is $100, the museum variety would be $200. I am truly afraid that would scare away our customers.

How much more is the museum glass at your shop than the AR?

I still am not convinced that the UV coating protects much, especially from sun. I think people just have to be careful where they hang pictures.

We sell a lot of Tru Vue UV clear, especially if the picture is going to hang in fluorescent light.
I just don't think it's a sure bet. The sticker even has disclaimers on it.

 

[Less]

Jana,

I don't like to admit that I have been using Larson's suggested retail price schedule since I started. Most of their suggestions seem to allow me to make an acceptable profit without being price too high from my competitors or worse, too low. I do make price adjustments on the fly, based on my experience with different jobs and materials.

If you take a look at the suggested retail price difference between AR and Museum it is approximately 25%. The suggested price for a 16x20 piece or AR is $75, and for Museum is $102. To me it is a no-brainer!

What does bother me a little is the fact that this guide allows for a smaller mark-up on Museum, which equals about the same profit as AR. I think with waste factored in and the added expense and risk, that the mark-up should be the higher. So, maybe your pricing structure is better.

Either way, I believe if a client is willing to spend a lot for the best, then why not sell it to them. A 25% increase in glass cost is Less of in percentage of the overall cost of the job. I usually explain the option of AR, but I make my recommendation, and they often buy Museum. I have never sold AR.

I think the most important point of selling protective glazing is that we are offering our clients the best advice we currently can. If at sometime in the future U.V. protective glazing is proven to be ineffective compared to others, then we will adjust knowing we had their best interest in mind.

How much do you charge for 16 x 20 AR and Museum?

 

[Ron Eggers]

If you'd like to get some of those labels for your Cyro (not Cryo) Acrylite projects, you might want to email Courtney Clay at courtney_j_clay@cyro.com

They also have dust-cover labels that explain to the end-user how to clean and care for the Acrylite glazing.

 

[Less]

Thanks for the correction Ron! Good to have you back.