Design repeat on mouldings

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J

Jana

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Aug 12, 2000
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2,396
Loc
Mansfield, Ohio
We recently had an order for six frames for botanical prints. The customer was going to hang these in a grouping.

The overall size per pic was about 9 x 12. The moulding width was about 5/8". It had a small, not that distinctive medallion repeat and a mottled gold finish.

The job looked nice, but later the customer complained that the design wasn't continuous at the corners. We do match corners to make the moulding design symmetric if it is warranted, but in this case the chops construction was within acceptable parameters.

She said, if only she had known. Do the rest of you always mention that the chops cut will be a bit random?

I reminded the customer that her concern about cost was an issue at the time of the order, and that matching all that tiny repeat would have cost a lot more. I think she can live with it. Sigh.

This is the first time this has happened to us with small mouldings. Now must this join a whole list of things I try to remember to mention to customers?

[ 01-23-2003, 10:44 AM: Message edited by: Jana ]
 
In my short tenure I have mentioned that repeat patterns are not guaranteed to match whenever it looks like a customer may choose such a pattern. I have had a few choose not to order that moulding and go with something else because they said it would "bother" them. It seems like a good practice to me. The fewer surprises the customer has the more likely we are to satisfy them!

Cliff
 
What I would have done is looked at the sample I she made her selection from. I'll bet the corners on the sample don't match, either, so I would have shown that to her. If she didn't have any objections to the sample, how could anyone assume she would have objections to the finished frame?
I would try to work with the customer. What I think I would have done is say "Okay, you're not happy with these frames. What I can do is do them over, matching the corners as best the design will allow, but I will have to charge you additional because matching corners uses extra footage. (And I wouldn't guarantee her she'd be happy. Some patterns work better than others. I would also check with the chop company and see if they are willing to do this, and how much they would charge). Or I can offer you a closed corner frame, and you will have to pay the difference". If price was truley an issue, she will probably opt to keep what she has, but she will go away knowing you were willing to work with her.
Any moulings I have on the wall there might be "issues" with, like pine with knots(why do my samples never have knots?), I write a note on the back about the problem so I don't have to remember. You just can't remember everything.
 
Pamela, as forgetful as I can be, I really like your great idea of writing a note to yourself on the back of the moulding! Thank you!

that WAS your idea, wasn't it? :confused:
 
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