The Framers Forum

Just been in the Lakes boating with a good mate. On the next berth was "KISMET" a sumptuous cabin cruiser - owners from Barnard Castle. Talking to my mate I said " There's a great framer in Barnard Castle" He came back with " Whats makes a framer GREAT"

Have to admit I struggled to answer him . We in the trade know a great framer when we see one, but how to convey that to Joe Public, who rarely sets foot in a frame shop .....

I'm sure many of you can find ( or already have) the right reply I needed.

Thanks

Um interesting one. What may make a great framer in one customers eyes may not make for a great framer in another. And also a great framer who is a commercial framer may be completely bobins when it comes to framing bespoke stuff and vica verca I know plenty of great framers who would struggle in what i do and may not be a great framer, in the eyes of my customers.

Depends on the criteria.
A great framer could be one that runs a successful business and makes lots of money.
A great framer could be one that is a perfectionist and spends hours on each frame getting everything absolutely spot on.
A great framer could be one that gives the customers exactly what they want.

pramsay13 wrote:A great framer could be one that gives the customers exactly what they want.

Especially when it's almost the exact opposite of what they first thought they wanted!

Some have framing thrust upon them.

A great picture framer is someone who is dedicated, consistent and always learning new things

To go off on a slight tangent I think there are great framers and there are great business people but it's rare to find both in one body.

I think that's why husbands and wives sometimes makes great framing businesses. One has an eye on the framing and the other keeps an eye on the business
and most importantly they are both pulling in the same direction.

A tricky question, and one I'm trying to answer while writing my business plan.
Now, I think I'm a pretty good framer but why? Why do I think customers should come to me over any other framer?
I don't have a succinct answer yet.
Can anyone say why they are good framers? perhaps we'll start to be able to answer the original question then.

I don't think it is for us to say we are a great framer but for others to make that claim on our behalf.

I have seen plenty of Sh*te from framers who self proclaim claim to be better than others and have a qualification to prove it (not).

Consistently offer creative framing solutions, be thoughtful and kind about the customer's artwork to be framed and above all strive to exceed your customer's expectations.
When your customers come back with more work to be framed and they tell their friends you are a great framer, accept the compliment and repeat the above every day, all the time.
I don't always get it right - will try again tomorrow.

If you deliver above the needs of a customer, than you are called to be a perfect framer. To do this, You need years of experience and expertise.