From past discussions it's apparent that we have many home framers on the board. One of the biggest challenges for a store-front business is always the question of how to attract customers, especially new ones. It is tough enough even when you have the kind of visibility a mall or retail location offers. It must be even more difficult when the business is located in a regular sub-division or housing development. For you home framers, how did you get the word out? How do you continue to get the word out? How do you let people know you are there?
For home framers
- Thread starter woody
- Start date
A
ajhohen
Guest
Hi Woody. You asked, "For you home framers, how did you get the word out? How do you continue to get the word out? How do you let people know you are there?" Well, I never did advertise. I never needed to advertise. I never wanted to advertise. Customers have always advertised for me through (using the old phrase) “word of mouth”. “Word of mouth” is usually what hurts frame shops in malls, business districts, etc. Their prices are too high because of the overhead. They must advertise, advertise, advertise, put high cost mouldings on sale for still high prices, prints on sale, new customer discounts to make them feel they are getting a bargain (which later, they usually find out it wasn’t such a great bargain after all). I wouldn’t have my business in a business district or a mall if I were GIVEN a free space! When new customers come to me, the phrase is usually: “Why is ________________ so expensive? Now I know where to send my friends and family!” They usually leave with a bunch of business cards. I have a steady increase of about 10 NEW customers per month.
Recommendation to approximately 75% of framers located in a business district or mall: Stay where you are…DO NOT go “home-based”. (You advertise for me and you don’t even know it.) Keep advertising to keep your prices high so you can pay for your advertisments. Always order frame mouldings “chopped” and don’t start stocking footage and chop them yourself. Don’t keep any of your matboards in stock…order only what a customers wants.
Customers have been asking me for about the past 8 years "when will you get a website?". I don’t need a website. BUT, to satisfy my customers, I am designing a website, but with no prices...only basic info and photos of the items I framed for them….
Recommendation to approximately 75% of framers located in a business district or mall: Stay where you are…DO NOT go “home-based”. (You advertise for me and you don’t even know it.) Keep advertising to keep your prices high so you can pay for your advertisments. Always order frame mouldings “chopped” and don’t start stocking footage and chop them yourself. Don’t keep any of your matboards in stock…order only what a customers wants.
Customers have been asking me for about the past 8 years "when will you get a website?". I don’t need a website. BUT, to satisfy my customers, I am designing a website, but with no prices...only basic info and photos of the items I framed for them….
B
Barbara Gough
Guest
Hi Woody.
You ask a fair question so let me try to give you a fair answer from my perspective. I am home-based. I do not do this work full time - only part time. I have a full time job elsewhere. I do not advertise. My prices are competitive with store fronts - but not with mall based frame shops. I do small volume but I do excellent work. I do primarily conservation framing. (I did my homework and shopped a piece of work around to store fronts. I asked about conservation framing and only one of seven store-front shops knew how to do it properly.)
Friends tell friends who tell friends. Most customers return but a few do not. I have all the customers I need or want right now but I would never turn down a new convert.
I also do some things that some store front shops don't do. I try to educate people about framing - why to do it, conservation vs regular, presentation, etc. I don't push what they don't like. I spend a lot of time with my customers choosing mats and frames simply because I like to make sure they are happy.
A lot of my repeat customers will now bring me in a piece of work and tell me to frame it as I see fit. They trust my judgement, trust me to know their tastes and preferences, and know I will not gouge them. I will give them a conservation-framed piece they will be proud to hang in their home or office. People like what I do and that is why they come to me.
I think that someday I will do this full time but even then I do not think I will go store front. Why? Because overhead and staffing are so expensive. But primarily because I like the ability to control when, how, how much, etc. I can do the work in the evening, on weekends or days off according to when I want to do it, and I like that.
You ask a fair question so let me try to give you a fair answer from my perspective. I am home-based. I do not do this work full time - only part time. I have a full time job elsewhere. I do not advertise. My prices are competitive with store fronts - but not with mall based frame shops. I do small volume but I do excellent work. I do primarily conservation framing. (I did my homework and shopped a piece of work around to store fronts. I asked about conservation framing and only one of seven store-front shops knew how to do it properly.)
Friends tell friends who tell friends. Most customers return but a few do not. I have all the customers I need or want right now but I would never turn down a new convert.
I also do some things that some store front shops don't do. I try to educate people about framing - why to do it, conservation vs regular, presentation, etc. I don't push what they don't like. I spend a lot of time with my customers choosing mats and frames simply because I like to make sure they are happy.
A lot of my repeat customers will now bring me in a piece of work and tell me to frame it as I see fit. They trust my judgement, trust me to know their tastes and preferences, and know I will not gouge them. I will give them a conservation-framed piece they will be proud to hang in their home or office. People like what I do and that is why they come to me.
I think that someday I will do this full time but even then I do not think I will go store front. Why? Because overhead and staffing are so expensive. But primarily because I like the ability to control when, how, how much, etc. I can do the work in the evening, on weekends or days off according to when I want to do it, and I like that.
Interesting
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
Even if the hours vary and for some of us, this is a full job, the reasons all seem to be the same. I know I like to be in complete control, though that sometimes is two-edged.
Dear AJH
How does an organization know if their customer attracted by a great product or a great price or perhaps both? We all have to deal with mishaps whether it be ours or someone working for us. Advertising is a part of any business model. The existing customer base must be serviced and maintained while new customers are sought out. It is hard to maintain a balance attracting new customers and servicing existing customers without a plan for growth. The alternative is to turn customers away. In turn those unsatisfied customers by word of mouth can turn the momentum flow to the organization in the other direction. Enlisting additional human resources to assist an organization can free an owners time to better manage inventory, cash flow and marketing efforts to refine the business model and provide better service to the customer. Business can be fun as the owner tries to find the correct mixture of marketing balanced with the cash flow and growth issues. We took a lesson from the Japanese concepts of JIT (just in time inventory) because it is not wise to tie our financial resources in inventory. Carrying inventory can be expensive if it does not turn over, not to mention the costs of storing it. Part of management includes the correct allocation of resources into the appropriate mix of on hand inventory with a minimum acceptable number of choices for the customer who waits for the last minute. We are always working to refine these mixes to find the one that suits us best. Why would someone return resources not spent on marketing to the customer in the form of lower prices when that same money could be spent reaching that customer that is out of their sphere of influence or expanding the organization to better serve the customer? Aren't there some limitations with a business model that does not include plans to continue to attract and service an increasing customer base? Are there resources for growth? If an organization changed would they still appeal to the same customer?
We all might want to consider if offering lower prices is a good business model or it is framing oneself into a corner (no pun intended)? How much business can be handled before help is needed? If customers are turned away because time resouces are being taxed what message will be sent to the customer? What will that customer tell other customers? I think we all must consider plans for growth if we think we have a business model that will work. Isn't it the customer who makes those business models work?
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
How does an organization know if their customer attracted by a great product or a great price or perhaps both? We all have to deal with mishaps whether it be ours or someone working for us. Advertising is a part of any business model. The existing customer base must be serviced and maintained while new customers are sought out. It is hard to maintain a balance attracting new customers and servicing existing customers without a plan for growth. The alternative is to turn customers away. In turn those unsatisfied customers by word of mouth can turn the momentum flow to the organization in the other direction. Enlisting additional human resources to assist an organization can free an owners time to better manage inventory, cash flow and marketing efforts to refine the business model and provide better service to the customer. Business can be fun as the owner tries to find the correct mixture of marketing balanced with the cash flow and growth issues. We took a lesson from the Japanese concepts of JIT (just in time inventory) because it is not wise to tie our financial resources in inventory. Carrying inventory can be expensive if it does not turn over, not to mention the costs of storing it. Part of management includes the correct allocation of resources into the appropriate mix of on hand inventory with a minimum acceptable number of choices for the customer who waits for the last minute. We are always working to refine these mixes to find the one that suits us best. Why would someone return resources not spent on marketing to the customer in the form of lower prices when that same money could be spent reaching that customer that is out of their sphere of influence or expanding the organization to better serve the customer? Aren't there some limitations with a business model that does not include plans to continue to attract and service an increasing customer base? Are there resources for growth? If an organization changed would they still appeal to the same customer?
We all might want to consider if offering lower prices is a good business model or it is framing oneself into a corner (no pun intended)? How much business can be handled before help is needed? If customers are turned away because time resouces are being taxed what message will be sent to the customer? What will that customer tell other customers? I think we all must consider plans for growth if we think we have a business model that will work. Isn't it the customer who makes those business models work?
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
Location, Location, Location........This is a vast area, this USA anyway. There is a big difference in store fronts and store fronts and home fronts and home fronts in different areas. We may say we understand but lets be honest. Those in large metro areas don't have a clue whats going on in places under 10,000 or 50,000 for that matter. The rest of us could not push our buttons enough to keep up in the race many of you are in nor do we want to.
All that said Word of Mouth is still the best advertising. If the home framer wants to do only so much work then so be it.
Guess it's time to say we all agree to disagree.
All that said Word of Mouth is still the best advertising. If the home framer wants to do only so much work then so be it.
Guess it's time to say we all agree to disagree.
C
Colleen A. Brown
Guest
Most of our new clients are recommended to us by our satisfied customers. We run a continuous classified ad in our local paper and have made contacts with local businesses. One is a local photo store that sells standard frames. They send all their custom frame customers two blocks up the hill to our studio. We also supply them with all their standard mats, cut and shrink-wrapped in our studio. We have three other commercial accounts with local tourist shops, framing their artwork either on commission or at a wholesale price. We are "home based" but our property borders the commercial district. Our location is ideal. Our studio is about 1000 sq. ft. total, and we are able to stock a lot of inventory for quick turn arounds. We have thought about a retail space, but don't think we could do any better with a storefront. We like the flexibility of setting our own hours, and taking customers by appointment only. Any business, whether homebased or in a storefront, will attract new customers if they do exceptional work, offer fair prices, are willing to work hard,
and continually strive to be better at what you do.
and continually strive to be better at what you do.
If you work hard and attract more customers at what point will growth be an issue? What if there are too many customers to work the hours that you want? What if the hours are getting longer and longer? Have you planned for these events? Please remember the population is growing there will be more and more people. Perhaps your commercial customers may have a growth plan. Its nice to have all that business but the balance is hard to maintain. The reality may be more overhead.
When the business model is changed what happens to the customer base that took years to build who expects lower prices and high quality when the reality dictates increased overhead?
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
When the business model is changed what happens to the customer base that took years to build who expects lower prices and high quality when the reality dictates increased overhead?
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
Can someone please define the term "fair price"?
"Fair" to the customer, the framer, the industry????
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited 03-15-2000).]
"Fair" to the customer, the framer, the industry????
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited 03-15-2000).]
A
ajhohen
Guest
ArtLady, you asked: "Can someone please define the term "fair price"?
"Fair" to the customer, the framer, the industry????" It's hard to state what IS a "fair price" to a customer, BUT it's easy to say when it is NOT fair to a customer. For example, a customer came in with a signed and numbered print and wanted a top mat changed. The frame size was: 16 1/2 x 20 3/4. The moulding was the same as what I keep in stock. When I removed the artwork from the frame (while the customer was there), i was disappointed with the way it was put together. There were two mats, the one nearest the glass was museum, the other was not. The backing was cardboard, not museum foam-x. I told the customer about the problem. She was shocked and very unhappy. I asked her how much it cost her. She asked me to hold til tomorrow, she would be back. She came with a receipt. She was charged for TWO museum mats ($26.00 each!) and for ONE museum foam core ($12.00!). The frame cost her $98.00, which only costs me $1.87 per foot wholesale. Her total cost was: $187.34!!! after glass and hanger were added. She asked me what my price would have been. I told her it would have cost her under $100.00. Well, she is now a NEW customer...an interior decorater and brags and brags about my work to HER customers.
This doesn't mean my price is or isn't a "fair price", BUT it does mean the amount she paid WASN'T!!!
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ahohen
[This message has been edited by ajhohen (edited 03-15-2000).]
[This message has been edited by ajhohen (edited 03-15-2000).]
"Fair" to the customer, the framer, the industry????" It's hard to state what IS a "fair price" to a customer, BUT it's easy to say when it is NOT fair to a customer. For example, a customer came in with a signed and numbered print and wanted a top mat changed. The frame size was: 16 1/2 x 20 3/4. The moulding was the same as what I keep in stock. When I removed the artwork from the frame (while the customer was there), i was disappointed with the way it was put together. There were two mats, the one nearest the glass was museum, the other was not. The backing was cardboard, not museum foam-x. I told the customer about the problem. She was shocked and very unhappy. I asked her how much it cost her. She asked me to hold til tomorrow, she would be back. She came with a receipt. She was charged for TWO museum mats ($26.00 each!) and for ONE museum foam core ($12.00!). The frame cost her $98.00, which only costs me $1.87 per foot wholesale. Her total cost was: $187.34!!! after glass and hanger were added. She asked me what my price would have been. I told her it would have cost her under $100.00. Well, she is now a NEW customer...an interior decorater and brags and brags about my work to HER customers.
This doesn't mean my price is or isn't a "fair price", BUT it does mean the amount she paid WASN'T!!!
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ahohen
[This message has been edited by ajhohen (edited 03-15-2000).]
[This message has been edited by ajhohen (edited 03-15-2000).]
J
JOHNG
Guest
my price 142.00
So let's see. The difference between the two prices I hear here is approximately $40.00. So I guess word of mouth advertising is pretty expensive. My advertising budget is approximately 8-10% of gross sales. Which in this case would be $14 based on the information here.
What is the decorator charging her client for the work done? Does she get a special price? Does she get the same service if she gets a discount? Is she bragging about the great work or the great price? Would she be willing to pay more for the great work? As time goes on can prices be raised because the work is very good? Can prices be raised to discourage people from booking appointments from an overbooked framer? Will the framer have to turn away work?
Great bookings, great prices what next? Perhaps a storefront!!!!! And oh my gosh a payroll for people to help out. Then an advertising budget. Go figure??? Life goes on and on and on and on.
Come on folks the business model evolves the same. Nothing new here.
Give me a great exciting advertising campaign!! Give me marketing, marketing and more marketing!!! What other difference can their be. Remember we are all legends in our own minds.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
What is the decorator charging her client for the work done? Does she get a special price? Does she get the same service if she gets a discount? Is she bragging about the great work or the great price? Would she be willing to pay more for the great work? As time goes on can prices be raised because the work is very good? Can prices be raised to discourage people from booking appointments from an overbooked framer? Will the framer have to turn away work?
Great bookings, great prices what next? Perhaps a storefront!!!!! And oh my gosh a payroll for people to help out. Then an advertising budget. Go figure??? Life goes on and on and on and on.
Come on folks the business model evolves the same. Nothing new here.
Give me a great exciting advertising campaign!! Give me marketing, marketing and more marketing!!! What other difference can their be. Remember we are all legends in our own minds.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
C
Colleen A. Brown
Guest
"Fair Prices" don't necessarily mean low prices. Our prices may be lower than some, but higher than others. We have adjusted our prices to meet the financial needs of our business. Customers don't mind paying more for excellence, but they know when they are being taken advantage of. We have all the same expenses as a storefront except retail rent. We pay for business insurance, state and local licenses and permits, utilities, equipment, supplies, advertising, training, employees (we are allowed one employee outside the family), shipping, business phone & listing, etc. We pay 1/2 of our home mortgage from our business account. Our community encourages and supports home-based businesses. If we should outgrow our location, expanding to the retail (tourism) district is in our long range plan.
This is not a "hobby" for us. We have been framing for over 20 years, and decided 4 years ago to begin building the business. It is our "job" and our main source of income. I encourage any potential framer to start "small" and build on your talents & abilities, and if you have room to do it at home, it's a great place to start!
FYI, Ajhohen: my price for that picture would be about $110 for conservation framing.
This is not a "hobby" for us. We have been framing for over 20 years, and decided 4 years ago to begin building the business. It is our "job" and our main source of income. I encourage any potential framer to start "small" and build on your talents & abilities, and if you have room to do it at home, it's a great place to start!
FYI, Ajhohen: my price for that picture would be about $110 for conservation framing.
A
ajhohen
Guest
Colleen A. Brown: You "hit the nail right on the head"! I have been in business since 1982 (almost 20 years) and the sentences you wrote (We have adjusted our prices to meet the financial needs of our business. Customers don't mind paying more for excellence, but they know when they are being taken advantage of.) Exactly! The way I run MY business and, as it appears, you run your's, we ought to get together and give "I CUT THE CAT, I PET THE MAT" a few free lessons on public relations!!
Art Lady: You try to make everything so confusing! About the paragraph: What is the decorator charging her client for the work done? Does she get a special price? Does she get the same service if she gets a discount? Is she bragging about the great work or the great price? Would she be willing to pay more for the great work? As time goes on can prices be raised because the work is very good? Can prices be raised to discourage people from booking appointments from an overbooked framer? Will the framer have to turn away work? Answer: She makes HER money as an "I-N-T-E-R-I-O-R D-E-C-O-R-A-TO-R". I make money as a "C-U-S-T-O-M F-R-A-M-E-R". She sends her clients to me because she knows they will be pleased with my work. When I do a job for her and/or her client I make sure she is absolutely satisfied.
[This message has been edited by ajhohen (edited 03-15-2000).]
Art Lady: You try to make everything so confusing! About the paragraph: What is the decorator charging her client for the work done? Does she get a special price? Does she get the same service if she gets a discount? Is she bragging about the great work or the great price? Would she be willing to pay more for the great work? As time goes on can prices be raised because the work is very good? Can prices be raised to discourage people from booking appointments from an overbooked framer? Will the framer have to turn away work? Answer: She makes HER money as an "I-N-T-E-R-I-O-R D-E-C-O-R-A-TO-R". I make money as a "C-U-S-T-O-M F-R-A-M-E-R". She sends her clients to me because she knows they will be pleased with my work. When I do a job for her and/or her client I make sure she is absolutely satisfied.
[This message has been edited by ajhohen (edited 03-15-2000).]
My thanks to Colleen,
That was a great definition of "Fair Price" to the framer.
Lets consider "Fair Price" to the customer - sometimes it is great work at a reasonable value. Sometimes it is just plain the lowest possible price and I don't want to know the technical details. Sometimes it is what a great design you are the framer for me and I don't want to shop any more.
Lets consider "Fair Price" for the industry - Most retail frame shops can charge that price, pay the bills and take home a reasonable paycheck. The vendors bills and the overhead will be paid. The retail framers can advertise, grow and support the staff at a reasonable level. There are no secrets here.
At prices that are approximately 1/3 less than retail, there are other issues afoot. Word of mouth will definitely draw people to the door, but what happens when the company down the street shows up with 100 pieces to frame in a week. Is is realistic that given this is not a full time, growth oriented model, what will the impact of this order be?
How would the logistics of this order be handled? Along with the decorator and the regular clients?
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
That was a great definition of "Fair Price" to the framer.
Lets consider "Fair Price" to the customer - sometimes it is great work at a reasonable value. Sometimes it is just plain the lowest possible price and I don't want to know the technical details. Sometimes it is what a great design you are the framer for me and I don't want to shop any more.
Lets consider "Fair Price" for the industry - Most retail frame shops can charge that price, pay the bills and take home a reasonable paycheck. The vendors bills and the overhead will be paid. The retail framers can advertise, grow and support the staff at a reasonable level. There are no secrets here.
At prices that are approximately 1/3 less than retail, there are other issues afoot. Word of mouth will definitely draw people to the door, but what happens when the company down the street shows up with 100 pieces to frame in a week. Is is realistic that given this is not a full time, growth oriented model, what will the impact of this order be?
How would the logistics of this order be handled? Along with the decorator and the regular clients?
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
B
Ben Phramin
Guest
Dearest Al
Are you trying to pick a fight with the home based framers because of; A. your competitive zeal, B. A home based framer "stole" one of your customers because of price, C. you really don't like to work those long hours to pay that high overhead.
1. Remember there is more than one way to skin a cat. (There is more than one business model.)
2. Not everyone likes to throw gas on a fire! An owner should grow his or her business as they like.
3. You can't have your cake and eat it too./ or as Bill C. has come to learn. You can't have your Kate and Edith too. (I changed the names to protect the guilty.) It appears that home base framers have made some choices and are happy.
PLEASE LET'S GET BACK TO THE ORGINAL QUESTION.
Are you trying to pick a fight with the home based framers because of; A. your competitive zeal, B. A home based framer "stole" one of your customers because of price, C. you really don't like to work those long hours to pay that high overhead.
1. Remember there is more than one way to skin a cat. (There is more than one business model.)
2. Not everyone likes to throw gas on a fire! An owner should grow his or her business as they like.
3. You can't have your cake and eat it too./ or as Bill C. has come to learn. You can't have your Kate and Edith too. (I changed the names to protect the guilty.) It appears that home base framers have made some choices and are happy.
PLEASE LET'S GET BACK TO THE ORGINAL QUESTION.
Mel
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Thank you, Ben.
No matter what the business trade magazine articles tell you, I am told that word-of-mouth is still the best method of obtaining new customers. It is simple. People respect the opinions of their friends, not the blatant greed of many advertising methods.
No matter what the business trade magazine articles tell you, I am told that word-of-mouth is still the best method of obtaining new customers. It is simple. People respect the opinions of their friends, not the blatant greed of many advertising methods.
Blatant Greed? What does that mean? Surely word of mouth is not the only method of advertising.
Long hours for overhead? With a good business model that should not be necessary.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
Long hours for overhead? With a good business model that should not be necessary.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
Blatant Greed? What does that mean? Surely word of mouth is not the only method of advertising. Can that comment be adequately defended?
Long hours for overhead? With a good business model that should not be necessary.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
Long hours for overhead? With a good business model that should not be necessary.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the cat.
Woody, When I worked from my studio, I had time to make calls on prospective clients. ARchitects, Designers, art schools, fine art printers, Sunday painters, a few professional painters. I had more control of my life, I made less money, but I didn't have to conform to a business model. If you are thinking of going homebased you have a headstart. Keep those names and addresses warm. Keep your clients informed and don't disappear in your garret. Stay involved in your community in a meaningful way. I don't mean to suggest that you close your shop, but if you do it's not the end.
Hi ajhohen
re: your 15/3/00 posting: What is "museum" foam board?
re: your 15/3/00 posting: What is "museum" foam board?
Stirrer.
A
ajhohen
Guest
Orton: It's just a habit i have when I use the word "museum" because on the back of Bainbridge Alphamat mat samples, it describes the quality as "museum quality ...conservation grade" matboards. ajh
Hi ajhohen
I understand completely. . . I guess I became confused for a second or two. . . I empathize with you.
Here we are in a supposed Period of Transition in which the art and framing "industries" are allegedly trying to educate our customers, remove confusion and misconception, and to re-establish credibility, while simultaneously, manufacturers within the industry seem to remain bent on promoting & propgating the myths, misnomers, and misconceptions that the industry is supposedly trying to eradicate.
No wonder confusion reigns among customers and framers alike.
Orton
[This message has been edited by Orton (edited 03-21-2000).]
I understand completely. . . I guess I became confused for a second or two. . . I empathize with you.
Here we are in a supposed Period of Transition in which the art and framing "industries" are allegedly trying to educate our customers, remove confusion and misconception, and to re-establish credibility, while simultaneously, manufacturers within the industry seem to remain bent on promoting & propgating the myths, misnomers, and misconceptions that the industry is supposedly trying to eradicate.
No wonder confusion reigns among customers and framers alike.
Orton
[This message has been edited by Orton (edited 03-21-2000).]
A
ajhohen
Guest
Hello Orton
I think what REALLY screwed up everthing is the phroase Crescent Matboards came up with..."acid free". Customers are asking me what the difference between "museum" matboard and "acid-free" matboard is. Sometimes someone comes in with a print they bought from a store already framed with a sticker in the back saying: "100% acid free".
When I take it apart (to change the mats), or glass, or ?, I notice it is Crescents "acid free" mats....these people feel they are really getting "top of the line" frame jobs. This is VERY rediculous!
ajh
I think what REALLY screwed up everthing is the phroase Crescent Matboards came up with..."acid free". Customers are asking me what the difference between "museum" matboard and "acid-free" matboard is. Sometimes someone comes in with a print they bought from a store already framed with a sticker in the back saying: "100% acid free".
When I take it apart (to change the mats), or glass, or ?, I notice it is Crescents "acid free" mats....these people feel they are really getting "top of the line" frame jobs. This is VERY rediculous!
ajh
I agree completely. I believe it was acid free buffer paper!!!!!!!! At the time it was a step up from nothing but they really should change that somehow.
joe
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
This is a great topic. As I struggle to keep my small home based business going, I think
that word of mouth lacks an essential element that other printed or visual ads include. I think word of mouth lacks a "call for action"
on the part of the customer. Even if a customer drives by a framing storefront it can be a reminder to investigate framing and pricing. Don't get me wrong; I think word of mouth is a fundamental method of advertising and works for storefronts as well as homebased framers. However the absence of the usual calls to "stop by today!" etc, can be a drag on getting new people in the door IF one doesn't
advertise at all (homebased). Without advertising I think the homebased business is at a disadvantage to storefronts without print or visual advertising.
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that word of mouth lacks an essential element that other printed or visual ads include. I think word of mouth lacks a "call for action"
on the part of the customer. Even if a customer drives by a framing storefront it can be a reminder to investigate framing and pricing. Don't get me wrong; I think word of mouth is a fundamental method of advertising and works for storefronts as well as homebased framers. However the absence of the usual calls to "stop by today!" etc, can be a drag on getting new people in the door IF one doesn't
advertise at all (homebased). Without advertising I think the homebased business is at a disadvantage to storefronts without print or visual advertising.
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