This is one of those threads where we cloud our "perceptions" of what we think consumers want and what we feel are our "professional" requirements.
Remember, often we are talking about a $10 poster in most cases. I doubt many consumers feel that our "suggestions" aren't much more than a money grab.
I appreciate that we all have standards, but really don't understand why framing a $10 poster requires anywhere near the excesses often quoted. In real world framing, I would be very surprised if spacers on items like this represented anywhere near what the consumer "expected"
Perhaps I can draw an analogy
We all get our oil changed. And our cars represent, in almost all cases, a more significant investment than the garden variety type of art we usually see
So, imagine that you pull into your local service drive, garage or wherever you get this done. And out runs the attendant who very nicely comes to wait on you. You ask for a basic oil change (black poster frame). He tells you that they only sell synthetic oil products, like Mobil One, and reads off a list of why this product is so far superior to regular motor oil. And, of course, everything he says is absolutely correct.
But, you tell him that "That product is great for my Lamborghini Diablo (family heirloom), but this old '63 Dodge Dart ($10 Scarface poster)is worth less than what the Mobil One Synthetic costs ($99.95)"
He informs you that they have professional standards and regular oil doesn't meet their standards.
What do you do?
Well, some of us might tell him they need to check with your wife (haven't we heard that, some might be brow-beaten into accepting that as the only option (and never come back and telling all their friends how expensive oil change (framing) is, or they might just back out telling you there is a Quick-lube down the street that advertises $19.95 everyday
In truth, consumers get all levels of oil changes just like they get all levels of framing. Most all shops ought to sell a percentage of their business to these "opening price point" clients like these posters, a large portion of "bread and butter" options, and a probably smaller percentage of "high end" options (synthetic oil)
When we only offer "synthetic", no matter how superior it might be, we may not be fully addressing the needs/wants of the marketplace. No amount of professional standards alters that basic equation and all the target marketing won't change the amount of people that willingly pay for synthetic oil. (I do use synthetic oil, but I am in the minority)
Framespacers on a $10 poster might be a little like forcing Mobil One on a '63 Dodge Dart client
