Glazing

Apollo · Post by **Apollo** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 1:43 pm

I would like to start to supply frames by mail order but I don't really like using styrene, etc due to static, cost and the fact that it scratches so much more easily than glass.
Could any of you please share your experiences of shipping glass or (plastic) and let me know the maximum size of frame that you would be prepared to risk using the postal service or courier. My largest frame is about 26 x 23 inches, although I am looking to supply some around the A3 size.
I know that some only ship perspex, while other framers seem happy to supply glass in their frames. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Grahame Case · Post by **Grahame Case** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 2:06 pm

every bit of glass we've sent through post/courier never made it,

we strongly advised the customer that it would be better to have it with plastic/no glass for shipping, but they knew best.

The Crofter · Post by **The Crofter** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 2:45 pm

One of my pet hates about flying is that everyone piles into the duty free area at Heathrow or on board the flight and transports everything from A to B. This has a cost implication so I do not see why people cannot collect duty free from B direct. The stock at B could have been sent by ship which is a far greener method.

So what has this to do with framing.....

Well, us framers are spread all around the country and I bet if we looked at a distribution map there would be few places a JGF could not be found. So if Apollo wants to send frames by mail order to someone in Edinburgh he should be able to send without glass and advise the customer that an arrangement has been made with the Acme framing co to complete the job.

Just donning my titanium butt protector, hey the principle is not that daft

Post by **prospero** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 3:50 pm

Only (reasonably) safe way is to knock up a wooden packing case. This will add considerably to the cost though, both in the time /materials used in making it and the increased postage due to the extra weight.

markw · Post by **markw** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 4:11 pm

Most carriers wont insure a parcel that contains glass - you therefore send at your own risk. My experience is that wrapped well you stand a fair chance of the frame arriving in one piece - but wrapping can take as long as making the frame. Specialist online businesses offering this service generally invest in custom packing - expensive unless you do it by volume.

WelshFramer · Post by **WelshFramer** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 5:43 pm

The Crofter wrote: Well, us framers are spread all around the country and I bet if we looked at a distribution map there would be few places a JGF could not be found. So if Apollo wants to send frames by mail order to someone in Edinburgh he should be able to send without glass and advise the customer that an arrangement has been made with the Acme framing co to complete the job.

Well, florists do it with Intrflora.

We could have Interframer.

Apollo · Post by **Apollo** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 6:07 pm

ok, it looks as if glass may be out on the grounds of the fact that it probably won't make it - unless it is carefully wrapped. Having looked at the price of the extra packaging materials, increase in weight and the element of doubt involved, it looks like it may have to be plastic.

In which case, which one?

Can anyone give me an idea of what is a reasonable price for plastic. I know this is like saying, "how long is a piece of string", but what is the cost compared to glass in, say, an A3 frame?

markw · Post by **markw** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 6:14 pm

bizarrely most florist are better trained than picture framers as they have recognised training routes into the business via apprenticeship schemes - we however seem to develop our skills via a hobby - recommending another framer might be more difficult than you think.

Grahame Case · Post by **Grahame Case** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 6:15 pm

cost to the customer probably about 100% more - of course this is using our funny markup rules of "ooh that sounds about right"

i'm not sure how much extra it costs us, probably not a lot really, especially if bought in packs.

markw · Post by **markw** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 6:18 pm

Apollo - why don't you try talking to a specialist supplier such as Glass and Mirror.

WelshFramer · Post by **WelshFramer** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 6:37 pm

I've had a few customers who have posted my frames after I've provided the packaging. Not had any break yet.

Use cardboard corner protectors; cover the front and back with 5mm foamcore same size as the frame; put Artbak front and back same size as the frame. Then wrap in shrink wrap.

Tell the customer to wrap the whole lot in bubblewrap, use 'fragile' stickers and - most important bit - post it Post Office Special Delivery - about £20 for a big frame.

Notice, though, I've always had the customer doing the final packaging - that way they can't blame me if the glass breaks.

Oh yes, I forget, I also round off the corners of the glass, cut it slightly smaller than the window mount and seal the package. That way the edge of the glass isn't touching the moulding - it's cushioned by the mount.

Apollo · Post by **Apollo** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 6:41 pm

markw wrote:Apollo - why don't you try talking to a specialist supplier such as Glass and Mirror.

Yeah, I might give them a call. I know that a lot of you guys highly recommend them and they have a very good range of plastic glazing.

Thanks for all your help so far, everyone. It is very much appreciated.

The Crofter · Post by **The Crofter** » Tue 25 Mar, 2008 6:44 pm

Worth getting in touch with Milli. I know he has a stockpile of cardboard frame shippers and should be able to advise you of the success rate.