Framing questions

Is it typical for a buyer of a print to spend more on the frame than the print?

 

When the frame is large, mine are 24"x24", do buyers prefer glass or are they satisfied with acrylic?

 

 

An associate of mine suggested offering framed work instead of only matted. My opinion is that a frame is a very personal decision. But

adding a frame will enhance the appearance and professionalism of the print, with the prospect of additional sales. So I want to at least

offer it as an option. I have ordered a test frame from Quadro, it's a clip frame with glass. It's very minimalistic, a frameless frame if you

will, mostly because they are the least expensive, look nice, will fit into most decor schemes, and don't require any professional framing

skills(I have no intention of becoming a framer).

 

I have polled some co workers, and many of them spend two to three times on the frame than the art in it, which sounds completely silly

to me. Is that typical?

 

What are your opinions or experiences with offering your photos preframed?

<p>I think the choice of frames are very personal, so I am offering matted prints (white or black mattes), or optionally framed with only a small silver or golden thin frame.</p>

<p>I have sold prints loose, matted, and framed. Every customer is different. Those that buy them framed vary from wanting simple Nielsen-style non-descript frames to substantial, exotic-wood wonderfulness that cost a fortune. <br /><br />Framing is, for me, such a simple task that I often fail to grasp how intimidating it is for customers who don't usually handle it themselves. Even when I tell people that I'm going to deliver a mat that's ready to drop into an off-the-shelf, ready-to-go 16x20 frame, some of them still get all sweaty thinking they'll have to do something tricky to get it right. So, I've taken to showing prints in a couple of different styles of frames for those that don't want to have to think about it. And a lot of them gleefully take me up on handing them something fully finished for their wall.<br /><br />On very large pieces, the frame is a significant enough expense that I find myself often playing interior decorator with the customer. A lot of them simply aren't used to thinking about how the print, the frame it's in, and the environment in which it will hang all work together to help or hinder the image's message or mood. The moment we get into that kind of conversation, many people seem to become more or less paralyzed, and simply want some guidance based on their budget. Many seem to be grateful for not having to think too hard about it.<br /><br />About those frameless frames: be careful - the backing materials are often <em>not</em> acid free, and can quickly impact the print's lifespan.</p>

<p>Offer both. A few small framed prints won't increase your initial costs that much and give lazy or nervous buyers an alternative to doing it themselves. I wouldn't bother with framing large prints though, because of the increased expense on you, plus those who can afford the larger prints can also usually afford to pay a professional framer as well.</p>

<p>"I have polled some co workers, and many of them spend two to three times on the frame than the art in it, which sounds completely silly to me. Is that typical?"<br>

Perhaps, especially for modestly priced photos or art. I sell photos mounted and matted to 16x20 for half the price of the same item in inconspicuous quality aluminum frames. Sales are divided about equally between unframed and framed. I offer both black and silver frames. Black is more popular for B&W prints.</p>

<p>My experience is close to Matt's. I have double matted prints on the galleries' walls in simple Nielsen frames, then the same prints in my bin: some matted and some unmatted. Many customers look at the print on the wall, like it, then buy the print from the bin and take it to the frame shop to get the frame and matting of <strong><em>their</em></strong> choice, not mine. I look at it like selling cars: They go into the showroom, pick out the model they want, and then order one in the color and accessories of their liking. <br>

I try to steer them to the frame shop down the street, and I have a deal with the owner: when my buyer goes to him for framing and matting, he gives me a discount on dry mounting and foam core. Everybody wins.</p>

<p>Visit a half dozen custom framing shops and get a look at the real world. Higher end framing using conservation standards is not inexpensive. Forget Michaels and the '50%off' places, but go into shops with certified framers and see what is done, what it costs and you will have more information to help make decisions.</p>