Suggestion Need advice

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Jeanette

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Jul 20, 2009
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122
My framing store is with a large window, at the corner of two very busy car traffic streets. The city of nearly a million people that live mostly in houses (Ontario, Canada).
My husband is very good with math, computer, handling mat cutter and underpinner, and with other tools. He works with me 4 hours every day, after his day job as machinery designer (mechanical engineer). He also have as background and Academy of Art (3 years in Europe), and is oil painter too. We both enjoy this business very much, and in one year my husband will join me as full time.
We have exposed mouldings in window, large text "FRAMING" is in window, back of our SUV is with Company Name (....)

I would like to hear from experienced framers what is it where I should concentrate mostly to get customers?

Appreciate your time

Jeanette
 
Welcome to the Grumble!

Good visibility is excellent, just make sure your sign is visible and is descriptive of your business (this is how I get 90% of my new customers).

A good website / web presence is a must these days. Lots of people, especially in big cities, Google to find what they're looking for.

And a mailing with a discount (say $25) will always bring some new faces in.

Good luck!
 
How about hanging up a couple of big flat screen TV's and have your husband setup a flashing animated messsage. It's cheaper than neon and you can change the copy easily. Those windows are a fantastic oppportunity and your hubby sounds like just the right guy for the job.
 
Web presence..... even if it is static is imperative these days.

Many think it's only the 20somethings that are surfing the web to find you.... but not true.

Over 55 is the fastest growing age group new to the web.... and they like it a lot. Many just pitch the yellow pages that get dropped at their doorstep. They want information about a place, and a map, oh yeah.. and the phone number and address.

Large windows on busy streets pose a "re-think" about what your signage and show.
Gone are the days of Harred's "a maniquine well dressed with a leash and dog collar floating in air...." will get the attention. Although a "naked lady" holding up a large gold frame on a "Venus Rising"..... that has been photo-shopped her into a 3-piece business suit.... may get some attention. [the verbiage on the window is "How are your walls dressed?".....]

But you need to stand about half a block up the street and see what your window looks like.... think 4'x6' pictures....
 
What a great location for your storefront. Take as much advantage of those windows for showing off some creative framing as you can.

The moment, it seems, I put up the web site I had an increase in business. I still hear feedback my Yellow Pages ad is beneficial, so for the next couple of years I will keep that.

Welcome to the Grumble and the all the best for your expanding business.

Lori
 
Welcome fellow Ontarian! Everyone has given some great pointers. I would just add that you change the window frequently. You should continuously catch the attention of your potential customers.

You don't mention which direction they face; caution on how long to hang artwork, samples, etc. so that they don't fade out.
 
If the viewers you hope to capture are those primarily in cars, then keep the items as BIG as possible. Movement from chase lights / mobiles or video or the like is necessary. Don't expect to much IMO and experience unless you have foot traffic.

Good Signage with the words Picture Framing in it is most important, IMO.
 
just a reminder: during the day, reflections tend to block out window displays unless they touch the glass. Be sure to have good lighting for night displays.
 
A little story here.

Back in the late 1980s there was a small shop with some nice large windows. He put nothing in them....

The name of the shop was Country Cousin Frame Shop. The center would only allow him 22" letters. So he did. But on the windows in 30" gold leaf trimmed in red and black it said "P. Buckley Moss Gallery" (with the door in the center. It's true.... he had nothing else on his walls.

The shop was 1,600 feet and 22' wide.... so quite deep. 1,100' of gallery in accordion walls. At night, the gallery was low lit, but the window was lit from the overhang. His sign on the overhang was a wood sign like everyone elses.

Women would come in seething that he was not listed in the Yellow Pages. They would rail against the inequity of Ma Bell and their stupid book.

Then Paul would sell them some Moss or framing. Never once did those ladies ever look at his card that he handed them, or the branding on top of their receipt that said Country Cousin. Because they only remembered what was important.
I always wondered if he couldn't have also had an add that had his listing as P. Buckley. OR just Moss in large letters in his ad.......

The minute they noticed a slow in the Hummel sales..... they sold both the frame shop and the "collectible" shop next door and retired. But I always remembered about that lesson.

Americana Frame is at the corner of..... but "Right Next Door to the Pizzacato".
 
Hi, Jeanette. Welcome to the Grumble! :icon21:
What sorts of customers have you framed for so far?
 
Thanks a lot guys it all is so helpful to me. You are all so knowledgeable about the matter.

I would like to answer some questions too.

“just a reminder: during the day, reflections tend to block out window displays unless they touch the glass. Be sure to have good lighting for night displays.”

Yes, it is my problem because the windows are exposed to direct sunlight during afternoon. Soon my window will be in shade, and I am adding stronger light inside the store. Hope it will help me.
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“Don't expect to much IMO and experience unless you have foot traffic.”

Yeah, but here no one walk anymore. There is a parking right in front of the store and across the street too. Traffic light (when red) stops cars in front of the store. I would like foot-traffic. Marina is close so some people can be seen around. During my first year I expect to get experience and all whatever more I need. If the store will make me small income, over the rent and other expenses, I will be fine. I think is OK to expect.

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“What sorts of customers have you framed for so far?”
My store has grand opening in two weeks.
 
Jeanette,

You should absolutely do something with your windows. However my advice regarding foot traffic, versus vehicle traffic still stands. For primarily drivers you have to be BIG & BOLD and with some MOVEMENT!

I used to be in the Custom Cabinetry business. We had a store front that was all glass, with only the sidewalk separating us from the roadway. Traffic was always backed up in front of our store during peak driving hours. We had good exterior signage. Even 5 years later when people from the immediate neighborhood would find us, they would ask how long we had been there. People are like horses with blinders, you have to do something to get their attention.

Displays must change often in order to do that, or they get used to them. You might notice a new billboard when it goes up, but you will block it out after a while. Paying some one to stand on a corner in a character suit with a sign for your business every so ofter might be a worthwhile investment ( I hire someone to do it)
 
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