The Framers Forum

Hi,
I'm doing the finishing touches to my new website and I'm struggling to find the words for the front page...
I'm unsure whether to use the words 'Home Based' workshop ... That is infact what it is but it does have negative connotations doesn't it, I want to emphasise a quality, personal service but I imagine from the customers' point of view when they see the words 'Home Based' they tend to think of someone doing a bit of DIY framing on the kitchen table. The only advantage would be that they might feel they'd be getting a better deal than a high street framing shop although I don't want to give the impression that I'm cheap and cheerful.

Perhaps I think too much and should just crack on ! I'd be interested to know your thoughts though.

cheers
Adam

hi adam - our site is donkeys years now but we opted for 'small family business' ! but the address really tells people its 'home based'. as we really only do medals i suppose its not a problem for us - most business comes by web based sales or british legion branches.

I'm in the same boat, and will probably end up using phrases such as

"Local", "Friendly", "Personal", "Family Business", "careful control of overheads"

to describe the fact that I don't have an expensive shop front. I run the 'gallery' or 'office' from a converted detached garage, and the 'workshop' is a 12 x 10 shed in the garden.

I am fortunate in having ample parking on site though....

Tim

Looking at my website I see I avoided the phrase 'home-based' though it obviously is.

I go for "a homely family run business"

This usually works well especially for the besopke framer as customers believe their product will receive a more personal caring touch.

I hope that helps

I am going to have the same dilemma

How about "private workshop"?

Hi,

Why say it at all. Can you not just say quality, personal service and leave it at that? Or it is still a workshop, so just leave out the Home bit and have visit our workshop.

Good luck

Sandra

"Our Workshop is based at.....and just give the address.

Why do you want to say it is a home based workshop!!!!

Would you say our workshop is "factory" based if you were in an industrial estate!!!!

Dermot wrote:"Why do you want to say it is a home based workshop!!!!
Would you say our workshop is "factory" based if you were in an industrial estate!!!!

Fair point Sometimes I think about things too much ....

Thanks for everyone's comments .

Adam

Now there's a catchy name

Hi Bagpus

Are you happy to have customers at home in your workshop?
Can customers park easily, like on your drive?
Are you happy with your workshop and does it look professionally laid out?

If the answer to the above is yes, then you have a 'PROFESSIONALLY RUN & EQUIPPED FRAMING STUDIO WITH ON THE DOORSTEP PARKING'.

Thanks for your feedback, food for thought see comments above.

cheers,
Bagpuss

There is a discussion on The Grumble about home based and I saw this which made me smile


Advantages: You'll find that being home based allows you to work many many hours.

Disadvantages: You'll find that being home based allows you to work many many hours.

Last night I had a drink with a very good friend who used to have a shop on the high street, but wanted to slow down, so gave up the shop and took his gear to his home out in the country. Told me since the move he has become busier than ever.

Maybe there is a hidden clue in there

Keith Hewitt wrote:Last night I had a drink with a very good friend who used to have a shop on the high street, but wanted to slow down, so gave up the shop and took his gear to his home out in the country. Told me since the move he has become busier than ever.

Maybe there is a hidden clue in there

I can only dream of being busier than ever ....
when I am run off my feet I can start moaning about it

cheers,
Adam

I'm a home framer who only offers clients evening and weekend appointments. I'm mindful that to the customer, my business may appear at first glance to be far less professional than my commercial competitors, but on closer inspection I'm able to offer my customers the opportunity to drop and collect their commissions outside the normal working hours. The biggest problem is that occasionally I have STRANGERS appear at the door without appointment and I have to invite them into MY HOME... Which with 2 young children in the house, does cause me some concern.

On the whole though, I’m trying to concentrate on getting a good reputation locally which will enable me to continue to trade from home, with out the need to procure commercial space and foot fall. This is currently being done on a shoe string budget, but the responses so far has been promising and have nearly reached the capacity of work I can handle on a part time basis, so I’m doing something right.

I'm currently looking at a small craft unit 30'x15', as a back up plan if I I’m unable to secure additional work that enable me to become a fulltime framer, but think it will be too small to cram all the things I'll need to have on site and have a sales/gallery area.

So in answer to you Q, do I think it sounds bad...NO, just slightly less professional, but if you offer more and satisfy the client, then everyone is happy and you have a growing business with VERY LOW overheads.

pinkybanks wrote:So in answer to you Q, do I think it sounds bad...NO, just slightly less professional, but if you offer more and satisfy the client, then everyone is happy and you have a growing business with VERY LOW overheads.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, I just checked out your website and am very impressed, for someone without a shop window, a good website is a must isn't it, I've been working on mine for a few weeks now and was going to release it Live this week, perhaps it needs a bit more work ....

chrs
Adam/Bagpuss