string or not to string

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5th corner

5th corner

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Aug 23, 2005
Posts
303
Loc
Australia
Offen get people in who just want string on back of their frame.

What are your thoughts. Should it be "don't worry about it" "just bring your framing back"

or

"that will be $3 thanks"
 
So. Is you question "should we offer a service of merely attaching a wire to the back of cheap frames?" In which case, we say "Yes". We charge $5 for each (16x20). If it is a nice little old lady, we will do it on one (not the load of 6 that the guy brought in yesterday) for a donation to the animal shelter. We try very hard never to turn away money.
 
after being cruelly upbraided on another thread to not giving Xmas gives to tradespeople, I'll chime in and say we ALWAYS do this as a freebie.

Cannot believe how eyes light up, smiles come on faces, and people return to spend real money.

Altho I like Ellen's idea of having a donation can for a charity. Mine will be for Canine Companions for Independence, where we got our service dog.

People LIKE getting something for nothing.

O and this is just for a single, not doubles or armloads.
 
I sell all the bits neccesary in little packets - lots of customers just buy what they need and do it themselves but I will happily do it for them free of charge. The few minutes that it takes me, and the fact that I offer a friendly helpfull service often gains me customers. I am sure that a rude refusal or a high fee for such a simple task only puts people off using your service.
 
Or are your customers literally asking for string, in which case I'd encourage them to upgrade to wire or even Wallbuddies.
 
Ah, but how many of us have had a customer lug in a huge mirror she bought at the furniture store? Inevitably they complain about the lousy job they did. "They forgot to put the wire on the back!" So of course you point out the sticker on the back that says "DO NOT HANG WITH WIRE!"

I'll usually explain exactly why there is no wire on it, measure everything for her and write down how far down and apart to put the hooks. If I have the right size I'll happily provide those too.
 
Generally for free for one or two small pieces. Sometimes I'll send them next door to Taco Bell to buy a Rasberry Ice Tea for me while I fix them up.

Isn't trade/bartering a good thing?

:D


Dave Makielski
 
Good idea Dave!

I will send them from now on to the restaurant across the street to get me a beer while I do it. And a burger too....
 
I too will provide this service for free. You can't buy better advertising than giving something to a customer for free.

I always make sure to say "Don't forget to bring your art to us when you need something completely framed."
 
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