The Framers Forum

Difficult to say exactly from the tiny picture on my screen, but I would suggest. Outer frame to be darker, and preferably bigger - perhaps a copper tone, or a brown that would work with the mountains, and the inner colour lighter and more neutral, perhaps one of the lighter tones from the sky or th...

Ultimately 'trade' work has to be profitable, so there is no point quoting low to get it, and then curse the fact that you make no money. Why should it be at a discount? 1 There is a regular flow of work (so base the discount on volume) 2 Regular, repeat sizes and specifications (so restrict the dis...

Hi GS Have I ever been asked about 'green framing' by a customer? No. Have I ever been asked about sustainable wood by customers when choosing a frame? Maybe twice in 20 years. Have I been asked (without me instigating the conversation) about preservation/conservation of artwork by customers? Very o...

That's the way to go!

You will also find that customers who take the AR will give you more referrals as they will be showing off their new pictures to all and sundry

You can only spend your money once, but there can be advantages in putting down a substantial deposit on property, and then using the property as collateral to borrow money. This is one way of spending your money twice. If, over a period of years the value of the property increases more than you hav...

Rolf

The B&Q own brand one is a bit too lumpy (the lumps are too big). But I'm sure there will be other brands.

Apparently Wickes do some sort of white paint. . . . I think Prospero mentioned it some time ago . . . .

I think the issue here is that there is such a HUGE range of what constitutes framing. This forum welcomes people from all areas of the framing industry, and I think it is all too easy for those at the 'top end' to alienate folks that are doing contract work, and low to middle end framing, by implyi...

Why not use a chop service?

You might have to organise your business a little differently, but you would be able to get rid of all of your moulding stock, and Morso, and still do all of the other bits yourself.

Oh you cynic Kev! Now if anyone wants some nice standard board on the cheap, I have got several hundred sheets that are so old that the bevel comes up brown even when newly cut . . . . I'm liking Prospero's ideas above, perhaps I should offer these as a premium product to match other pictures framed...

I think there are 2 issues here. Firstly, I think framer number 1 is quite entitled to only offer the mount board that he offers. A Rolls Royce garage is not obliged to offer Ford cars as well. But issue number 2 is how the customer is treated. I suspect that the framer did not want to be bothered w...

No website, but a good clear catalogue, and friendly, fast and efficient service.

Nice one John!

And that's why you upsell the glass so well

You can use card as Stc mentions, or mount board, the secret is in the finish. I often use paint (acrylic or 1829 emulsion) on mounts, and then wax.

I got one from Lion a few weeks ago. Are you sure they don't have any left. If not there is a website for fillet master, as Bill pointed out.

If you do a lot of fillets like me, it is a godsend

Hi Gus Welcome Both will work, but i wonder if it would be practical to show on a website the myriad of finishes available if you are into hand-finishing, as the work tends to be 'to match the artwork, or to complement the artwork". Having said that, internet or local? Do Both. But work to your...

When people say they are going to leave it up to you- I find there are two types. . . Those that really do want you to do it, and will genuinely be happy with your choice, and those that don't know what they want, and are too busy to concentrate for half an hour whilst you go through the options. Pe...

Welcome Howard.

i also use NFU for my retail policy. Not only are they pretty good on premiums, but you can pay monthly for a few pennies extra.

As Stephen says you can use your fingers, but I use long nosed pliers. I have tried the Lion gadget and didnt like it. So Scalpel handle in left hand. Blade facing away from you, point to the right. long nosed pliers in right hand, get hold of the very back of the blade (non sharp end), lift a coupl...

I offer a similar service to the one suggested above. A little different, in that the 'trainee' comes to my retail workshop for a week and experiences the whole thing, in a real life situation. Real customers, real framing jobs, even emptying the bins ..... After the initial week, I will go and visi...