 Lisa Russell |
frame and mat shop I am seriously looking into opening a frame and mat shop....I am inexperienced, so any advise is welcome, from frame moulding and mat companies to training classes...please advise..
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John Rhodes |
Lisa, With all due respect, I 'm a bit amazed at what you want to do. No one should consider going into a business about which they know nothing. I highly recommend you try to find an apprenticeship position to learn the skills associated with framing. I have done a good bit of framing (including mat cutting and mounting) and can tell you that it is not as simple as it may seem. There is much I don't know and would not consider that I am ready to open a shop. Learn the business before opening the business. All that being said, it is a worthwhile goal to pursue--but, don't rush into investing in the space, equipment, and materials you'll need before preparing yourself. John John
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Lisa Russell |
John, Maybe I was a bit hasty in wording my request, but with all due respect to you as well, I am not so naive as to think that I am going to order a 'starter kit', take a two hour workshop and next week start a business...but what I am is actively seeking information on something that I find truly intrigueing to me....I'm just anxious to find information, that's all...and have done a mountain of research already...just thinking that I can find more from this site. With this said the apprenticeship suggestion sounds like a good idea..Thanks for your input. Lisa
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Lisa, I used to have a framing and matting class here a t BetterPhoto. Unfortunately demand was, well, underwhelming. I also did an article for Photo Techniques Magazine on the subject: www.siskinphoto.com/magazine3b.html. Valley Molding and frame, here in Los Angeles, has a class designed for people who want to open framing businesses: www.valleymoulding.com. They have always been very helpful to me. Thanks, John Siskin
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John P. Sandstedt |
If you go to various Malls, you'll find lots of Frame and Print stores that are franchises. Surf for franchise businesses and you'll probably find lots of choices at varying price tags, but be assured these will not be cheap. The real issue is figuring your costs, especially if you want to start at home. Remember, however, most people really want low cost framing. The franchises charge a lot because they have renta, heat and light, etc. They, then, have to have the right equipment. A Fletcher, manual, professional mat cutter runs up to $3,000. A couputerized mat cutter, the real way to go if the business justifies it, might cost $8,000-9,000. I have an Alto Mat Cutter that I paid ~$80 for many years ago. It runs about $120 today. It can handle a 32X40 mat if I'm careful. No problem with sizes like 16X20 or 18X24. I do framing for friends and neighbor [my hobby and I make a few bucks.] However, doing one or two photos or pieces of art isn't going to pay the rent.
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Lisa Russell |
Thank you both....good thoughts to ponder on....and yes the franchise businesses are terribly expensive. I do regret,John H., that BP is no longer offering a class on framing and matting, but I understand that you have to offer what is in more demand....:))
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John Rhodes |
Lisa, My apologies for the tone in my first response. It's good to have a dream and follow up to make it come to reality. All the best with your plans. John
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Lisa Russell |
Thank you John.:))
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Irene Troy |
Hi Lisa – I have a good friend who owns a frame and mat store that also displays and sells art by local artists of all kinds. He has been doing this work for over 20 years. Unfortunately, as he keeps telling me, today it is difficult for a small business to survive competing against the franchises located in malls. The big companies can afford to charge less because they can buy in larger volume – thus lower costs. I have no idea where you live or what business is like in your area; however, I have one suggestion that probably applies regardless of what type business anyone would consider: when doing your research, don’t limit yourself to just looking at how the mat and frame business works. Talk with someone from your local office of the SBA (Small Business Administration) about the climate for businesses such as yours. The SBA has offices in most every fair sizes city in the US and can be very helpful with everything from finding financing to helping you understand the potential market. Here in the Northeast (USA), we are having some fairly tough financial times and small businesses are really struggling to stay afloat. When times are tough people cut out the non-essentials such as framing, etc. You really have to know what the economy is like in your area and just how much money you should have in the bank before opening your doors. Understand that regardless of the service/goods you plan to sell, you need enough money in your bank to carry you for the first months or even the first year of operation. As I said, the best source for this information can be the SBA. However, if they are not available in your area, or their office is less than helpful (this can happen) do some research and find out if your local community college offers any similar services. Also, if you have a relationship with your local bank, consider meeting with one of the officers and discussing your plans. Some banks are very happy to help new people get information on starting a business. Good luck! Irene
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