The Framers Forum

You may or may not know that after many years as a frame maker and after a few years of retirement I have started a second framing business with my daughter.

Things are going very well so far.

Anyway, early next week I have my first framing supplier rep' coming I intend to place a significant order.

Besides being very excited (that's how sad I am) about this impending visit, are there things I should know/be aware of after all, it's been many years since I've seen a rep.

Any tips/help/advice would be very much appreciated.

Peter

Get him in a head-lock and demand a significant discount.

Make sure you have plenty of tea and coffee available.

Don't make the mistake and order stuff that you like - thinking others will love it too - I have stuff on the shelf going back years

Things that I think are awful always seem to do well


Actually, ignore everything I've just said - this says more about my poor taste rather than answer your question.

featurepiece wrote:Don't make the mistake and order stuff that you like - thinking others will love it too - I have stuff on the shelf going back years

That sounds familiar. Anybody want some gold and silver moulding with Chinese writing on it?

Thanks for the advice. A couple of things I hadn't thought of there

Peter.

poliopete wrote: I intend to place a significant order.

Why are you intending to place a significant order?

He didn't say a BIG order. He said a significant order

You should be in advertising Peter.

Or politics.

That's a fair question pramsay13

Firstly, it will be my largest and most important order in 18 months both in value and quantity. It will be my core stock of FF mouldings and mountboard. I'm hoping that dealing (in the main) with one supplier results in good service and discounts. (My idea of purchasing power )

I have arrived at this order after very carful consideration including, listening to my customers, both old and new, visiting (this year) the SF at the NEC, 4 suppliers showrooms, attending two Wessex Roadshows, testing umpteen moulding samples, buying moulding in small quantities to find out how they are to work with, browsing numerous frame shops and following advice/comments on this excellent FF and two other picture framing related forums.

I will admit to always being cautious when spending large amounts of money (I hope that's not the same as being mean or indecisive). This approach has worked for me in the past and resulted in slow and steady progress.

Sorry about all the above , I bet you wished you've never asked.

Peter

I've gone over to using the chop services now. Saves space and time. Trying not to hold stock now.

Hi Odocat,
Can you recommend anybody for chop services?
Thanks

nielsen do a very good chop service if its any help.

I would also recommend LION's chop service - which I've been using once a week for few years now - very efficient. Also unlike Arquadia for example, Lion have the whole range available as chop.