The Framers Forum

Hi, as an additional service, Im thinking of offering 'computer cut mounts' can any one cut them for me - to order?
I thinking of: an aperture in the centre to hold say a 8x6 photo, and then perhaps a name
cut into one of the borders - either vertically or horizontally depending on what my customers orders.
Obviously Id pay for the mount / cutting & postage to Essex. PM me please if you can help.
Thank you.

There are probably lots of framers with CMC's that would do this for you, have a look at Moonshine Framing...

http://www.frames.uk.com/personalised_photo_mounts.htm

Strange that you are offering Computer Cut mounts. Then you ask if anybody can cut them for you.

We do this type of mount. It is not easy. For example if you only want MUM on the left hand side but then the name on the right is say -BARBARA.

You end up with two different font sizes and it is just not pleasing to the eye.
However. Good luck in your search

Thank you Richard - thats very helpful - I will take a look at Moonshines web site
Thank you also John (Merlin) for you advice regarding symmetry Just to clarify, im thinking of offering Computer Cut Mounts, as an optional extra.
I don't offer them at the moment (can't afford a CMC machine!!).
At the moment, I cut mounts with my old Keencut Laser, which obviously can't cut the shapes / curves etc.

If you speak to forum members with CMC's who specialise in computer cut mounts, it's all about volume and price. If you are intending to offer run of the mill type mounts and put a profit on top of someone else's profit, you may be on a hiding to nothing. However I you can offer a fast turn around on mounts for special occasions with custom design work included, I think that this may be on to something which may give you some real potential to pitch the price high enough to make this worthwhile.

Getting display samples produced on themes which will create a bit of a buzz, may create some useful interest which hopefully will translate into sales. Be cafeful about relying to much on just gimmicks as gimmicks can go in and out of fashion too quickly. Things that are percieved as clever with a touch of up market quality are likely to stay the distance much better. If you think that what you are offering is special enough, don't be affaid to push the price a bit. You can always come down on price if you've overpriced something, but it much harder to push the price up if you started too cheap.

I have to say that I think that it looks naff and dreadful, even without the font-size discrepancy mentioned above. But I guess it's not as though you're putting any financial investment into it.

Sounds like a good idea but when you pick the bones out it's not.

This sort of job involves more than just cutting. Lot of design too. And farming it out makes it ten times worse.

In terms of making money you'd be better off taking in cleaning or doing a parcel delivery franchise.

All in all it's a no-goer. Sorry.