Name change
- Thread starter suzy
- Start date
R
RonEggers
Guest
Suzy,
It's a clever name. Frankly (since you asked) I'd change it. Most people won't have a clue what you do from your name, so you end up spending that much more for advertising just to explain the name.
The name of my shop, The Total Picture, used to make sense. We sold photographic equipment and supplies, did restoration work, had a small studio, photo classes and framing. By the time we'd begun to specialize in framing, we had already established a reputation (for better or worse) in our community and, so, elected not to change the name. You wouldn't believe the calls and visits I get from people who clearly have no idea what it is I do here.
Change the name to something descriptive, like Framing by Suzy, and save yourself some grief.
It's a clever name. Frankly (since you asked) I'd change it. Most people won't have a clue what you do from your name, so you end up spending that much more for advertising just to explain the name.
The name of my shop, The Total Picture, used to make sense. We sold photographic equipment and supplies, did restoration work, had a small studio, photo classes and framing. By the time we'd begun to specialize in framing, we had already established a reputation (for better or worse) in our community and, so, elected not to change the name. You wouldn't believe the calls and visits I get from people who clearly have no idea what it is I do here.
Change the name to something descriptive, like Framing by Suzy, and save yourself some grief.
B. Newman
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Suzy, if you saw this name somewhere else, what would you think the business did? Any clue?
One of my favorite things to do is study marketing books (I know, DULL LIFE), but anyway, your business name should be easy to remember.
Don't name it as per your location, what if you move?
Your own name is always good to use in the business name UNLESS it is hard to pronounce. No one wants to be embarrassed when they can't pronounce your name.
Don't use puns or humor. One person's humor is another person's insult.
One writer suggested to start the name with "A" because it puts you first in the phone book.
I did choose "Newman Valley Studio" because of where we are, (wrong reason)but we are in the "Tennessee Valley" so it would still work if we moved the shop. I wouldn't do it again, and have contemplated changing it, but it's worked for almost 12 years now, so I think I'll keep it.
Betty
One of my favorite things to do is study marketing books (I know, DULL LIFE), but anyway, your business name should be easy to remember.
Don't name it as per your location, what if you move?
Your own name is always good to use in the business name UNLESS it is hard to pronounce. No one wants to be embarrassed when they can't pronounce your name.
Don't use puns or humor. One person's humor is another person's insult.
One writer suggested to start the name with "A" because it puts you first in the phone book.
I did choose "Newman Valley Studio" because of where we are, (wrong reason)but we are in the "Tennessee Valley" so it would still work if we moved the shop. I wouldn't do it again, and have contemplated changing it, but it's worked for almost 12 years now, so I think I'll keep it.
Betty
Cheryl Crocker CPF GCF
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Several points to consider have already been raised. I'm first in the white pages as "Frameworks". In the yellow pages, the biggest is the first. I rarely get clients from the yellow pages because noone knows to look up "Picture Framing" instead of just framing. Or art.
I plan on eventually reopening a new gallery and will be able to easily incorporate my existing name into the gallery name.
I plan on eventually reopening a new gallery and will be able to easily incorporate my existing name into the gallery name.
AnneL
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
I have to agree. Keep it simple and make it reflect what you do. We have two businesses, a photo studio and a frame shop. We named the studio "LeBouton Photography" (LeBouton being our last name)but the frame shop was already established when we bought it so we kept the name-"the Evergreen Gallery & Frame Shop" which is way too long and doesn't really reflect what I am doing anymore since I've dropped the gallery part to concentrate on framing. Thought of renaming it or at least shortening it, wonder if anyone would notice if I did?
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Anne LeBouton
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Anne LeBouton
jvandy57
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
The name of our business was McCue and Blanford Frames Inc. when we bought it. They had been in business for 20+ years. The owners names were McCue and Blanford (Who would of Figured) We changed the name to McCue and Blanford Frame Shop Supply because we wanted to sell and distribute Framing goods and what not. We did not name it McCue and Blanford Frame Shop and Supply, which hind sight being 20/20 we should have. People still come in and ask if we do framing or just sell supplies. If we just sold supplies we would have been out of business long long time ago in a galaxy far far away.
Make sure that the name you choose mirrors what you do, All Points Considered seems to be a debating society (Just don't let Ron in, he talks and talks and talks)
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Jerry Vandergriff, CPF cm
McCue and Blanford Frame Shop Supply
Crestwood, KY
[This message has been edited by jvandy57 (edited October 05, 2001).]
Make sure that the name you choose mirrors what you do, All Points Considered seems to be a debating society (Just don't let Ron in, he talks and talks and talks)
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Jerry Vandergriff, CPF cm
McCue and Blanford Frame Shop Supply
Crestwood, KY
[This message has been edited by jvandy57 (edited October 05, 2001).]
I like highly complex, artsy craftsy names. I want people to realy think about it, you know, talk to their friends and try and figure out what it means. The more complicated, the better.
John,
John Baker Picture Frames
John,
John Baker Picture Frames
L
LBFOOTE
Guest
This is an interesting thread!
Sue May (my daughter) and I had exactly this choice to make last spring. Our business (Family Crafts) sold arts and crafts supplies since 1977. We added framing in 1985. (no name change) BUT, then we had to close that store in 2000. When we reopened this year in a new location as a Frame Shop, we had the dilemma of what to call ourselves. We had built up a good business in framing and our customers knew us by the name Family Crafts. Yet we knew we would not be selling crafts anymore. What to do? What to do?
Out solution was to name our store Family Crafts' Frame Shop. It's longer than I would have liked, but it has NAME RECOGNITION. And, at the same time it tells customers exactly what our business is. (We still have to explain to our "old" craft customers why we kept the name but no longer sell crafts. We do still offer the art supplies...)
Suzy, this would be an excellent time to change your shop name, if that is what you want to do. You might include "formerly All Points Considered" under the new name in all your advertising.
Good Luck!
Linda
Sue May (my daughter) and I had exactly this choice to make last spring. Our business (Family Crafts) sold arts and crafts supplies since 1977. We added framing in 1985. (no name change) BUT, then we had to close that store in 2000. When we reopened this year in a new location as a Frame Shop, we had the dilemma of what to call ourselves. We had built up a good business in framing and our customers knew us by the name Family Crafts. Yet we knew we would not be selling crafts anymore. What to do? What to do?
Out solution was to name our store Family Crafts' Frame Shop. It's longer than I would have liked, but it has NAME RECOGNITION. And, at the same time it tells customers exactly what our business is. (We still have to explain to our "old" craft customers why we kept the name but no longer sell crafts. We do still offer the art supplies...)
Suzy, this would be an excellent time to change your shop name, if that is what you want to do. You might include "formerly All Points Considered" under the new name in all your advertising.
Good Luck!
Linda
D
Dermot
Guest
Suzy
I would consider changing your name.
The name of my business is ON THE EDGE Picture Framing, I added the bit "Picture Framing" to let people know what ON THE EDGE does.
So how did ON THE EDGE come about? when I was trying to find out about framing 8 or 9 years ago I found it very difficult to get anything, no internet, no journals in Ireland, no association, etc. it was very frustrating and I was getting very strung out, at one stage someone asked me what was the name of my business as they wanted to send me information in frustration I said "ON THE EDGE" the name stuck the big advantage is no one ever asks me twice what the name of my business is, the disadvantages are ON THE EDGE Picture Framing is to long and now that I have matured from those earlier days I have this unconformable feeling that the name is to catchy to convey the message of a quality framing business.
I'm trying to come up with a new name that will convey "tradition" (dare I use that word) and quality.
I'm thinking of using the word "bespoke" in the name, this word is sometimes used in this part of the world as "custom" is in the US.
I'm enjoying reading this thread, it's is one of the great things about The Grumble it allows small business to utilize a bigger pool of resources.
I would consider changing your name.
The name of my business is ON THE EDGE Picture Framing, I added the bit "Picture Framing" to let people know what ON THE EDGE does.
So how did ON THE EDGE come about? when I was trying to find out about framing 8 or 9 years ago I found it very difficult to get anything, no internet, no journals in Ireland, no association, etc. it was very frustrating and I was getting very strung out, at one stage someone asked me what was the name of my business as they wanted to send me information in frustration I said "ON THE EDGE" the name stuck the big advantage is no one ever asks me twice what the name of my business is, the disadvantages are ON THE EDGE Picture Framing is to long and now that I have matured from those earlier days I have this unconformable feeling that the name is to catchy to convey the message of a quality framing business.
I'm trying to come up with a new name that will convey "tradition" (dare I use that word) and quality.
I'm thinking of using the word "bespoke" in the name, this word is sometimes used in this part of the world as "custom" is in the US.
I'm enjoying reading this thread, it's is one of the great things about The Grumble it allows small business to utilize a bigger pool of resources.
My wise a s s answer was meant to illustrate that a catchy name is not always the best way to go. Hair solons love catchy names and I love it when my competitors use them in our industry.
If you want to have a name that sticks in peoples mind, keep it simple-stupid.
You want your name to associate in peoples mind that you are a custom picture framer.
Ron Eggers was right on the money when he suggested "Framing By Suzy" The only change I would suggest is "Suzy's Custom Framing"
After a few years, every time a person hears the name "Suzy" they will think of custom framing.
Dermont, Try "Dermont's Picture Framing"
or "Dermont's Custom Picture Framing"
or "Dermont's Fine Picture Framing"
Suzy, replace your name with Dermont's.
Keep it simple, it will serve you well over time.
John,
John Baker Picture Frames
If you want to have a name that sticks in peoples mind, keep it simple-stupid.
You want your name to associate in peoples mind that you are a custom picture framer.
Ron Eggers was right on the money when he suggested "Framing By Suzy" The only change I would suggest is "Suzy's Custom Framing"
After a few years, every time a person hears the name "Suzy" they will think of custom framing.
Dermont, Try "Dermont's Picture Framing"
or "Dermont's Custom Picture Framing"
or "Dermont's Fine Picture Framing"
Suzy, replace your name with Dermont's.
Keep it simple, it will serve you well over time.
John,
John Baker Picture Frames
Or Suzys' Frame Designs
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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.
AnneL
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Or for Dermot how about
"Cox-Kearn Bespoke Framing"
I like the way that sounds!
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Anne LeBouton
"Cox-Kearn Bespoke Framing"
I like the way that sounds!
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Anne LeBouton
Also consider your advertising budget. You can say more in your ads (especially the phone book) if your name tells your business focus.
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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.
FrameDoug
Grumbler in Training
You can have a discussion about your dilema every day if you were to call your shop
"Name That Frame"
Doug
"Name That Frame"
Doug
Fixaframe
Grumbler in Training
We're just getting our own little start-from-out-of-the-house business, which will include frame repair/restoration, informal portrait photography, interior design--and yes--framing. My wife wanted to call it, "Custom Home Accents," which sounds nice, but I couldn't see why anyone would see that and call us for framing, which is where I see the core of our business.
SO, started over with "Affordable Custom Framing--and more!" The web page, business card, and display ads can include some bullet points about our services. We can
include any number of products under the "and more" heading.
We considered about "Anything for a Buck!" but thought it might be too broad.
[This message has been edited by Fixaframe (edited October 17, 2001).]
SO, started over with "Affordable Custom Framing--and more!" The web page, business card, and display ads can include some bullet points about our services. We can
include any number of products under the "and more" heading.
We considered about "Anything for a Buck!" but thought it might be too broad.
[This message has been edited by Fixaframe (edited October 17, 2001).]
R
RonEggers
Guest
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Fixaframe:
SO, started over with "Affordable Custom Framing--and more!" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
There is an "Affordable Frames" at the opposite side of the country in Eureka, CA. Probably others as well. It's a descriptive name, which is exactly what you need.
SO, started over with "Affordable Custom Framing--and more!" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
There is an "Affordable Frames" at the opposite side of the country in Eureka, CA. Probably others as well. It's a descriptive name, which is exactly what you need.
Skoogdaddy CPF
Grumbler
All excellent advice... here's a couple more cents worth....
"Suzy, the Framing Floozy"
or if you want to be first in the phone book.
"A Framing Floozy : Suzy"
(by no means am I implying that you're a floozy, I'm just havin' a hard time rhymin' your name)
or.... How about : "Suzy's Phat Phrames" (the kids would love it!)
or maybe ..."Suzy's Qorner Joint" (ya know, like Suzy-Q ?? nah, I'm sure you're SICK of that by now)
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwe... I better think about this some more.
"Suzy, the Framing Floozy"
or if you want to be first in the phone book.
"A Framing Floozy : Suzy"
(by no means am I implying that you're a floozy, I'm just havin' a hard time rhymin' your name)
or.... How about : "Suzy's Phat Phrames" (the kids would love it!)
or maybe ..."Suzy's Qorner Joint" (ya know, like Suzy-Q ?? nah, I'm sure you're SICK of that by now)
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwe... I better think about this some more.
Does "Affordable" imply low cost? Is this the market you are pursuing?
Give yourself the flexibility to move up to a different market. Using your name is associating yourself with a product. So later you can move yourself on up if you so choose.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat. www.DahlFineArt.com www.Shapahl.com
[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited October 17, 2001).]
Give yourself the flexibility to move up to a different market. Using your name is associating yourself with a product. So later you can move yourself on up if you so choose.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat. www.DahlFineArt.com www.Shapahl.com
[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited October 17, 2001).]
Fixaframe
Grumbler in Training
I agree with your point about the word "Affordable" possibly locking us into a lower bracket of customers. Do you really think it implies "cheap?"
At this time I believe/hope it will help us reach the niche that we're going for. (Good quality at a reasonable price--with the "and more" tag allowing us to provide services not limited to framing.) We will refer people to our friends in the high-end retail store when the orders are beyond our capabilities.
I'm trying to take seriously the business advice to be successful we must "either stay small or get big." If the day comes to jump to the next level, it will be a whole new "product launch," perhaps with a new name.
In the meantime, our new (far from finished) web site and business cards provides some bullet points about what "and more" is all about.
Thanks for your input! I sure enjoy "lurking" on TG.
At this time I believe/hope it will help us reach the niche that we're going for. (Good quality at a reasonable price--with the "and more" tag allowing us to provide services not limited to framing.) We will refer people to our friends in the high-end retail store when the orders are beyond our capabilities.
I'm trying to take seriously the business advice to be successful we must "either stay small or get big." If the day comes to jump to the next level, it will be a whole new "product launch," perhaps with a new name.
In the meantime, our new (far from finished) web site and business cards provides some bullet points about what "and more" is all about.
Thanks for your input! I sure enjoy "lurking" on TG.
Scott
True Grumbler
Instead of a catchy name I went for being listed first in the Yellow pages; American Frame & Gallery. Its a little too bland to be remembered. I wish I had used Joe Bob's Custom Framing instead.
B. Newman
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Man, I would think that "American Frame and Gallery" would have some tremendous marketing possibilities. (And not to be crass, but especially now!) If you've been in business a good while, really capitalize on something like "We've been your "American Frame and Gallery" for over X years".
I love marketing potentials!
Betty
I love marketing potentials!
Betty