Looking for Decorative Antique Moulding Hooks

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Kirstie

Kirstie

PFG, Picture Framing God
Joined
Jan 16, 2007
Posts
8,395
Loc
Berkeley, CA
The only one I know (and use) is House of Antique Hardware. The last shipment I received and used was made in India and I was not thrilled with the quality. If you need some black wrapped hanging cord, I have a bunch left over.
 
Van Dyke's are the same and more expensive than your link.

We buy the ones from United and sell for $.25... which Rejuvenation sells for $4.50.... but then, we're just crazy framers.
 
This is such a small purchase for us, but I like to have what my customers need. I guess I'll call House of Antique Hardware and at least get the 10% wholesale discount. Most people ask for the moulidng hooks, not the cords.

Has anyone put in the whole AS Hanging Systems display? You know. the Well Hung one? I have only had a couple of people ask for a real hanging system. Most old houses around here have ceiling moulding. Our house is modern, so we have never had the need or desire for anything beyond picture hooks. Catering to these old Berkeley million dollar bungalows is an art, for sure.
 
Kirstie said:
This is such a small purchase for us, but I like to have what my customers need. I guess I'll call House of Antique Hardware and at least get the 10% wholesale discount. Most people ask for the moulidng hooks, not the cords.
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And no hard feelings for that supplier selling on line at just 10% over their wholesale price??? ;)
 
Hi Kirstie-

If they are asking for the hooks, what are they using to hang the picture from?

Maybe they don't know about the cords, or cord sets. They are inexpensive enough that if I were you, I would put in a set or two of the cord/hook/tassels all in one combo package. While you're at it, maybe also carry some cord too. It is a pretty cool look hanging from the covered cord and a decorative hook.

We're big on Arakawa, but the salesperson from Digital Custom that I know just moved from Digital Custom to AS Hanging and put on a pretty impressive dog and pony show for me. I'm waiting for some samples and I'll let you know what I think when I have had time to do a few installations. My initial impression is that there are lots more options with AS and at a better price than Arakawa.
 
In answer to your question, Rob: What do they hang with? I usually hear that they use heavy weight fishing line, wire, chains. Doesn't this sound attractive? I don't sell or give advice on fishing line. That's their liability. I think of unravelling knots...

Cord sets. I've seen them on the antique hardware site, but wholesale? Someone must be selling this stuff to the hardware stores.

I'll be interested to see what you think of the AS hanging system. It seems like one would have to have some in use in the shop to sell them in a retail environment.
 
Ask a serious fishing person, and they will tell you about the one year that they didn't buy new line and reload every reel.
That stuff has no UV inhibitors so starts breaking down and stretching from the day you put it up.

We sell hooks, cords, tassels and all. We also tell people about taking the wall paint, soaking a small rag and passing several lengths through the paint and then let dry. I a week, they will stop seeing the wire and just see the framed art... and their visitors will never notice the wire.

We stock the basic hooks at just over cost.... it's just one of those services that sinks the hook (so to speak) in the potential customer.
 
Hi Kristie
Have you thought about using French Gallery Rods from United? Or try Amazon, I just found some hooks there, most items have a production address, once you buy it you could try contacting the manufacturer directly. Even at $3 or $4 dollars a set I would think you could still double the price, they seem pretty unique.
 
Thank you. United. I'll look at their catalogue tomorrow. Sometimes what we are looking for is right under our noses...:sleep:
 
Baer Charlton said:
United.
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Not to be obtuse or anything, but there are no hooks, cord, and tassel sets in either the M and M or United catalogues. Am I missing something?

We already carry [the basic hooks from United, but I'm looking for the decorative stuff. This all started because one customer is asking me to search for a couple of sets. Now I think I should carry them. If, that is, I can find somewhere to buy them!
 
I would just buy them from your retail source, add in the shipping, and mark them up a little to compensate you for the effort you've gone to on your customers' behalf. How much demand do you really have for these? Enough to warrant a minimum $100 order from a wholesale supplier?
 
PaulSF said:
I would just buy them from your retail source, add in the shipping, and mark them up a little to compensate you for the effort you've gone to on your customers' behalf. How much demand do you really have for these? Enough to warrant a minimum $100 order from a wholesale supplier?
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Probably so. There are a lot of arts and crafts bungalows around here. Many are renovated to the nines and look like something out of Style 1900 when you walk inside them. These people don't want to put hooks in their stucco walls. Or they are living in Julia Morgan homes in the hills and their dark wood walls are not to be tampered with.

If I have to go to House of Antiques I will.
 
Buy a couple of the hooks..... put up a small display that explains that you are putting together an order for "X" number of "limited" fancy hooks... "Place your pre-order now".

In 6 months... when only two of those hundreds of people living in those "Style 1900" decked out homes, have placed an order for a half dozen.... then you have your market nailed.

Or do like we do... when they want the fancy... we suggest they Google it or call Van Dykes.... Even Winks doesn't stock them... and Rejuvenation wants the eye teeth along with all the gold fillings.
 
Way too much time and effort are being put into this, when the customers that want/need these hooks can go online and buy them on their own.
 
Maria, those plain ones we sell at our shop 1.73 miles from Rejuv, for our cost of .25....

As Paul says.. they can get them on line... so you would be offering them basically for the same reason we do... as a service but no money.
 
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