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elkhaircaddis

elkhaircaddis

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
May 19, 2008
Posts
114
Loc
Longwood, FL
I would love to hear some stories about why successful grumblers got into the framing business and how much risk they took when signing that first lease! And of course I'd like advice about how to succeed or how you did it. (especially those who had no customer base...who just "did it"). I've signed mine, and I'm still a bit dumbfounded. My landlord is covering the build out (except the flooring). I was allowed to draw a sketch of what "i want." They didn't waste time. Walls were knocked down Thursday and new ones are being put up. The framer was there yesterday with his wife and kid scraping off old carpet glue. lol...i have never stood around pointing to where "I" want walls and closets and such to go!

I was a high school teacher and then a firefighter. My dad raised 4 kids on the money he earned from his small business. My brother has made the plunge and now has his own business. Now I guess it's my turn. I'd say i'm "scared" but then in the back of my mind I know I can always waitress at night if things don't work out! I'd like some good common sense tips and some stories about folks who took the plunge and made it :-)
 
I was steps away from starting a framing business. I had most of the equipment purchased. I stepped out at the last minute because I felt the economic situation was not ideal. I went ahead and started a business doing something else and have been at it for almost a year and a half. I'm not really making any money and although sales have been good for this year, June went in the toilet. Last week picked up again. I hope you researched your market well. I spoke with a local supplier and several framers before making my decision.

My advice:
I'd go in having enough capital to start the business and carry it for a year. Borrowing money just starts you into a hole that you may never get out of. I'd also have enough cash to feed yourself and pay bills should the business fail.

Signage is paramount! Get a big sign that says “Picture Framing” that is clearly visible from the road. You can have your store name on it in smaller letters, but what you do is most important to the public.

While you may know friends and relatives who started a business, it is really a tough nut to crack. Many fail at it. It can take 5 years to sail in smooth waters and a change in consumer's buying habits or the economy can sink it fast.
 
I have a question first. Have you ever worked as a retail framer?


framer
 
:mad: I just wrote a reply, fairly lengthy, and clicked "post reply." It asked me to log in, i did, but my reply went away :-(. I'll have to rewrite it as fast as I can....so forgive typos...

Yes, I have worked for three frame shops including Michael's. When I worked for Michael's we cut mats at the store (i heard that they don't do that as much anymore). For a summer, I managed a private shop. While working in other's shops, I looked into starting my own business. I went to a few Decor shows (back when they came to orlando and offered PPFA courses.) I took a couple classes. One was taught by Vivian Kistler. A couple months ago, I attended Paul Cascio's framing school.

Over the years, I did a little framing from home, but I was never ready for the risk of doing it full time and I kept thinking I'd find a teaching job where all the teenagers were angels so it didn't matter how little I got paid ;-). Eventually, I decided to get a "safer" career and became a firefighter. I have framed several things for my fellow firefighters.

After four years, I decided to leave firefighting for my back's sake. Because it went out to the point I couldn't move, I was forced to see a neurosurgeon before I could return as a firefighter. He said if I kept at it, I'd need surgery. If I was single, I would have probably have lied to the docs, said I feel fine, and gone back. I just got married, and figured I should probably give my body a break so I'll still be walking straight if I have kids someday. I refused any disability, because I want to know' in the back of my mind, I could go back, if i wanted to put up with the pain of 5 messed up discs and risk messing them up further. Also, I don't plan to stop mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, etc.... (even if it hurts like heck).

My Chronomat was my only piece of framing equipment. It's been years since i've used a v-nailer or press or done complicated jobs. So, I am VERY glad the Grumble exists to help when I run in challenging jobs. I am also very lucky that there is a guy who has a warehouse full of used framing equipment basically next door to my soon-to-be frameshop. He also services the equipment so I'll have someone to help me if i run into problems. I wasn't going to buy all the equipment right away, but because I am getting very good deal PLUS someone who will set everthing up for me....I thought it was a good choice to equip my shop.

I am very rusty when it comes to anything beyond a basic framing job (need to start practicing v-grooves and multiple openings and mounting techniques), but I hope with practice, videos, books, and the Grumble, I'll be a good framer.

I have figured my worst case scenario: If business is too slow, I'll have to wait tables 3 nights a week. Doing so would reduce the number of frame jobs per week needed to "break even" to one. (according to PPFA's 2007 cost of average frame job).

ok...sorry...didn't mean to write a autobiography!
 
Susie..just do it..the worst thing is you go broke and if you plan right, budget and but right and have WORKING CAPITOL to get you buy for 6 mos or so you'll tell by then if it's time to fold 'em...this is how we did it 12 years ago.
 
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