In an earlier post I responded to an email from Alex in which he detailed problems he has experienced in 1999. His scenario was scarily identical to my own. l999 has been by far my worst year ever, averaging more than 35% down for the year. I had two months that were above 98. August, usually the bottom of the barrel, and December, which was up about 20% over Dec 98. Not really good when you consider that Dec 98 was down 40% from 97. I believe our industry is undergoing major changes, or stagnation and apathy. Nationally, Victor Moulding is in reorganization, Chapin Co. is struggling bigtime. Yesterday I heard Williamson has closed its US manufacturing plant (don't know what that will mean). Locally one of our smaller distributors is closing down. I personally do not believe that we can use the discounters as an excuse. I've had one a few blocks away for years and never felt any effects. I believe it is deeper than that and may even be regional in nature. I heard yesterday that many manufacturers, from mats to glass to moulding, are raising prices. While I can understand their need to do so I question the time given the state of affairs in framing and art. I have made up my mind that I will not go through another year like 98, and am just waiting to see how the first month or two of the year shapes up now that y2k is past. So far, it is not encouraging. Some years after Christmas I often have a solid two weeks of work ahead. Right now I could do what I have over the weekend. I believe a pivotal shift has taken place. Just what has happened, I don't know. I'm still reeling. Everyone says the economy is robust, and even hear in Utah we are still, supposedly enjoying a moderate boom. How is it in other parts of the country. Alex is in Washington almost 1000 miles from me yet his area seems to be experiencing the same problems. Is it just regional or is it a national thing?
pivotal change
- Thread starter woody
- Start date
Hi Woody,
Could it be that the "big boxes" and the mall stores have finally convinced the public that picture framing is a comodity???
Could there be too much open edition artwork on the market???
Could all this be a flight from quality???
AL
Could it be that the "big boxes" and the mall stores have finally convinced the public that picture framing is a comodity???
Could there be too much open edition artwork on the market???
Could all this be a flight from quality???
AL
S
Scarfinger
Guest
The North American market has always followed trends. Don't expect things to stay the same. The spending public is controlled by advertising. I believe young men and women actually watch life style beer commercials to see what they should be doing this weekend. A few years ago disposible incomes were directed to limited edition prints. I'm not sure why. Now this spending is techno driven and the framing and art business is techno challenged. A change has come and framers must somehow roll with it. We may have to move our shops and some of us will have to get jobs. Don't expect to just do what you've done for the last few years and "things will pick up".
Scarfinger
Now if we can just figure out how to get a micro processor, LCD, some lasers and a cell phone into a frame........
[This message has been edited by Scarfinger (edited 01-07-2000).]
Scarfinger
Now if we can just figure out how to get a micro processor, LCD, some lasers and a cell phone into a frame........
[This message has been edited by Scarfinger (edited 01-07-2000).]
Ron's dog's flea's brain on acid
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Those of you involved in this string, please answer these two questions for me:
1) Who are the art & framing retailers you all claim are taking away your business, and
2) How do you know?
Remember: Competition does not put you out of business...people do.
1) Who are the art & framing retailers you all claim are taking away your business, and
2) How do you know?
Remember: Competition does not put you out of business...people do.
Woody, Things are allright here except for the shift in my thinking. I'm having a difficult time showing up for work.
Our sympathies to you, woody. Things are probably okay here, also. But as with Le, I'm doing everything I can--obviously--to avoid working. Perhaps it's just the after-Christmas-January-inventory-clean-up thing. Might also explain the intermittent sillies which show up in postings occasionally: but makes for a good break. Good luck in the new year--to everyone in the business.
F
framer
Guest
Yes I think you have to work harder today to get the same results as 5 years ago. One point I've seen over the years is owners that have been in business for 10 - 15 years seem to have a mid life business crisis in that they feel they can take life easier and want to get comfortable and enjoy what they've built. The job I just ended was a clasic example. The owner after about 9 years came in less and less until he came in about 4 hours a day. He was jumped on with all the problems that people needed his attention for which resulted in a problem attitudes which I felt the customer picked up on. As business fell off problems got worse. A bad cycle to be on.
When business drops 30 - 40 percent in one year I would look hard at the owner 1st because his attitude rolls down hill. If the store has a real manager not just a title holder,look there, for a change may be in order.
When business drops 30 - 40 percent in one year I would look hard at the owner 1st because his attitude rolls down hill. If the store has a real manager not just a title holder,look there, for a change may be in order.
Mel
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
My sypathies, as well, Woody. My business was down a bit as well before Christmas, but in my case I don't know if it's regional, or personal, i.e., I closed by shop for a four-month sabbatical this past summer and early fall, and reopened for the Chistmas rush. There are lots of possible variables there. People stop me all over town telling me they have work for me, but this is the usual. In spite of that, it does seem a bit slower right now.
Framer. I don't think that's my problem. Apart from an odd day or two only one week off in l999. Framing generally is down, not just my share. That's the point that concerns me. Why? Does it have to do with the baby boomers passing off the chart. Do younger people frame or are they into a completely different world involving electronics and cyberspece?
F
framer
Guest
Woody, I can't even figure out my son he's 21 makes 6.85 an hour and somehow got the nissan dealer to finance a used car for 16,000 without a co-signer. I've never had a car worth that much new. Their money seems to go to cars cell phones, and music in reverse order. Now that he can't afford a haircut I expect his hair to grow.
framer
framer
Many of the lavish homes decorate with cheap wall decor. Checked it out myself last fall on a tour of homes and couldn't believe the things put up to fill a space. Everything goes into the mortage payment and don't forget the suv. Our long time customers are those who really enjoy art and have it framed to fit the work.
Our sales were down in Oct and Nov but Dec. held it's own. Jan is doing quite well.
Framer is right, we all have to work harder or do with less. As the years add on to my life I've chosen to do with less and not worry so much about the fact that it takes me more time to do the same job of a few years back.
Our sales were down in Oct and Nov but Dec. held it's own. Jan is doing quite well.
Framer is right, we all have to work harder or do with less. As the years add on to my life I've chosen to do with less and not worry so much about the fact that it takes me more time to do the same job of a few years back.
ChrisW
CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
1999 was up all year for us and Christmas was way up ( about 40% ), more frames and higher ave. $. And this dispite having a new framer in town. Four storefront framers in a city of 25,000. We increased our prices between 10-15 % in June and didn't hear a peep about it. We know our referals are up so maybe after seven years word is finally getting around.
lindas3
True Grumbler
Sorry to hear about rough times others are having. We are in a fast growing small town and sale were up by about 57% last year over the previous year in both the framing and antiques. We are a very small business so the percentages may not correctly mirror others businesses in this area but I'm expecting the best year ever this year. Hope things turn around for all of you having a rough time. Take care and God bless you and your shops.
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Linda
Linda's Antiques, Art & Custom Framing
Sunbury, Ohio
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Linda
Linda's Antiques, Art & Custom Framing
Sunbury, Ohio
J
JOHNG
Guest
I am sorry that this drop in framing has occured, but now is not the time to wonder why but to wonder how. How do we increase business? If you sit around wondering why it is slow you are not being productive. You are slow take that as a fact of life get up and go drum up new business where your never had it before. Old customers who have not been coming back because their money is being spent elsewhere will come back eventually one day they will look at their walls after the plastic corners start seperating, realize they look like garbage and come back to you for new frames remember they didn't leave you dissatisfied they left because they don't have the green....
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JOHNG F&L Frames Rutherford N.J.
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JOHNG F&L Frames Rutherford N.J.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 1997
- Posts
- 3,822
- Business
- The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc
Woody,
Difficult! Yes, and I recognize that each of us carries our own geographical particulars. The overall pattern/way of retailing within the Art & Framing industry is changing. It is not necessarily going down, but it is different.
We have been in the same retail location for 22 years. In the past ten years, our major store front competitors have increased from 5 to 18! Last year alone, our fourth "Big Box" chain moved into town and opened a 76,000 square ft building. At the same time, a very good looking & well established frameshop/gallery relocated to within a few blocks.
Despite this competition, we grew 17% in 1998 and 16% in 1999. Framing sales have been flowing through the doors since Christmas. Why? How? I believe it is due to several key elements:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>We invested $50,000 in 1999 to renovation, and new equipment. We needed to continue growing and investing in ourselves.
<LI>We are committed to spending 6-8% of our gross sales on advertising EVERY MONTH! Billboard, Direct Mail, Newspaper......
<LI>Diversification - We expanded into gifts progressively since 1985, where it represents 30% of our annual business. As that part of our business grows, so does the framing!
<LI>We are working harder! Framer is right on this issue.........especially with qualified help, difficult to find and retain, we the owners may have to sink our teeth into work with more gusto......the incentives are not only in creation, but making money!
<LI>Upselling....we've heard it before, but it's true, pricer moulding, fillets, multiple mats, decorative mats.
<LI>Increase your prices.....raise everything another 10% and sell with Enthusiasm
[/list]
Scarfinger said it well, not the exact quote, but the same idea......
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>If you do things, the way you've always done them, you'll get the results you always got!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Good Luck!
John
-------------------------------
The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc.
Appleton, Wisconsin
info@theframeworkshop.com
[This message has been edited by John Ranes II, CPF, GCF (edited 01-21-2000).]
[This message has been edited by John Ranes II, CPF, GCF (edited 01-21-2000).]
Difficult! Yes, and I recognize that each of us carries our own geographical particulars. The overall pattern/way of retailing within the Art & Framing industry is changing. It is not necessarily going down, but it is different.
We have been in the same retail location for 22 years. In the past ten years, our major store front competitors have increased from 5 to 18! Last year alone, our fourth "Big Box" chain moved into town and opened a 76,000 square ft building. At the same time, a very good looking & well established frameshop/gallery relocated to within a few blocks.
Despite this competition, we grew 17% in 1998 and 16% in 1999. Framing sales have been flowing through the doors since Christmas. Why? How? I believe it is due to several key elements:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>We invested $50,000 in 1999 to renovation, and new equipment. We needed to continue growing and investing in ourselves.
<LI>We are committed to spending 6-8% of our gross sales on advertising EVERY MONTH! Billboard, Direct Mail, Newspaper......
<LI>Diversification - We expanded into gifts progressively since 1985, where it represents 30% of our annual business. As that part of our business grows, so does the framing!
<LI>We are working harder! Framer is right on this issue.........especially with qualified help, difficult to find and retain, we the owners may have to sink our teeth into work with more gusto......the incentives are not only in creation, but making money!
<LI>Upselling....we've heard it before, but it's true, pricer moulding, fillets, multiple mats, decorative mats.
<LI>Increase your prices.....raise everything another 10% and sell with Enthusiasm
[/list]
Scarfinger said it well, not the exact quote, but the same idea......
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>If you do things, the way you've always done them, you'll get the results you always got!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Good Luck!
John
-------------------------------
The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc.
Appleton, Wisconsin
info@theframeworkshop.com
[This message has been edited by John Ranes II, CPF, GCF (edited 01-21-2000).]
[This message has been edited by John Ranes II, CPF, GCF (edited 01-21-2000).]
If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.
or
depending on what you always did.
S
Scarfinger
Guest
Business is down in our little town. I made many changes last year and in December our custom framing business was up 45% over the previous year although our overall business was down. This was satisfying as it was custom framing I wanted to grow. However I intend to take advantage of the business downturn this year. I am booking time off for myself. My look at this year says I can have a little bit of profit while having a lot of time off. I will work at growing the business again next year.
Scarfinger
Scarfinger