Canvas Print Service For Framers

[JamesC]

Been following the forum for a few months now and really enjoy the humour and chat. I am quite new to picture framing so it's useful, if only to know it's possible to deal with framing suppliers prices, stock shortages and quality issues and maintain a sense of humour. Luckily I employ a 25 year experienced chap 3-5 days a week so it's not as stressful as when I started (after a couple of days training from a guy with 30 years experience).

I do have experience of printing though (over 6 years) and particularly canvas printing which I would like to advertise in case anybody has a busy shop, spare wall space, no print facility and a desire to diversify. From what I read may be better than stocking art materials anyway!

I churn out a 12 x 12" canvas retail for about £20 plus £7.95 delivery (for any amount) but including VAT. 16 x 24" is £48 including VAT.
These are 1.5" deep on stretcher frame, heatsealed with Drytac Satin Matt, 200 year HP 12 colour printing, real cotton canvas. Tape and hangers on reverse well packed with virtually no returns. Sizes up to 36 x 48" as standard but can do bigger upon request.

So I'm one of the cheapest around for the quality already but can offer 20% discount for trade and a number of montage and portrait services too. I only really deal online so my prices have to be cheap but you guys seem to mainly have shops, many in the South so should easily be able to make a good profit on these e.g. I think a coated 12 x 12" canvas can be £40 no worries once people see the quality. Especially if you can group several orders a week for one delivery charge. All you need is a computer and a cheap multi-card reader to capture people's photo from their cameras, maybe a scanner if they bring prints in. Then e-mail it to me and a canvas would arrive in about 1 week. It's a thought anyway and can do one 16 x 24" half retail price for anyone wanting a sample for display. I can also do archival prints on cotton rag great for framing. I have one customer who orders £30k+ per year off me in posters and canvas (though they sell online too with montages added).

Just let me know if you have an interest. You may just want to test the market before trying canvas printing yourself - no worries. I am based near York.