Buckhead Custom Frames

Picture frame estimates...

As Atlanta's preferred framer, we got a lot of emails asking for quotes and estimates for custom picture framing projects.  And while we're happy to oblige when we can, each project is different, and the best way to get an accurate picture frame estimate is to visit us in person with your artwork/framing project.  Here's a quick overview of our custom picture frame estimate and consultation process:

• We start off by asking where you are planning to show the artwork/project.  This is an important question as the answer sets the scope of questions we ask next.  We may ask follow on questions such as "Will this piece be a centerpiece or compliment another piece of artwork?"  All of these questions help us eliminate needless framing options so that we're not wasting your time or money.
• We then do a quick walk through of the custom framing process explaining the importance of each material used in the custom frame.  This includes the backing, types of glass, matboard, and of course the frame itself.  We usually skip this step for our frequent customers! ;)
• We then do a few mockups of matboard and frames to show you how color and materials compliment your artwork.  We regularly ask for your opinion/feedback so that we can identify the perfect combination.  This is an iterative process, but we can usually get to the perfect mockup in a few minutes.
• Once we identify the perfect set of custom frame materials for your project, we then work with you on your budget for the project.  We ask this question last because we want to make sure that we get your unbiased view and thoughts on the perfect custom frame.  We always meet our customers budget expectations as we sell our frames at the lowest prices in Atlanta.
• Lastly, we work with you on a convenient time for you to pick up your project.  Some of our customers maybe out of town for a month, whereas others may need their project done the next day.  We work on your schedule.

Oh, did I mention that the consultation process usually takes about 15 minutes on average?  So stop by our Atlanta Buckhead Store today!  There's plenty of free parking and we're easy to find.

If you can't come in for a consultation, please email us at bhcfstore@gmail.com with your estimate request by going to this page and we'll respond in 24 hours. 

Custom Picture Framing Costs and You

I seem to get asked this question all the time, "How can you claim to have lower prices than other framing stores?"  It's quite simple actually.  It boils down to costs that get passed on to you, the end customer.  It's hard for a framing store to sell "cheap picture frames" if they have a lot of overhead.  Here's a good graphic that shows the difference between larger framing stores (e.g. franchises) and us...click on the graphic for a larger view.

Here's a description of each cost component:

• Initial Setup Costs:  These are costs that go into setting up the store itself.  This includes any furniture, equipment, and all those pretty decorations.  This can get pretty expensive and is recovered as a cost to the end customer.
• Franchise Fees:  This is a monthly cost that the franchisee pays the national franchise company for using the franchise brand and know how.  Again, another cost that must be recovered.
• Royalty Fees: This is a percentage of total sales that the franchisee has to pay the national franchise company.  For example, if the store sells $100.00 a month and have a 3% franchise fee, they will have to pay the franchise company $3.00 for the month.  How do you think they'll recover this?  From the customer of course!
• Marketing Costs: See all those Value-Pak, Sunday Circulars, and newspaper ads advertising the Franchise framing store?  That costs money...a lot of money.  Yet another cost that gets charged to the customer.
• Operations Overhead: This includes paying rent, staff, and other third party services.  Larger stores have higher overhead.  It's that simple
• Onsite Management Experience: Framing franchise store owners pay to get formal training from the Franchise company.  This training is good and comprehensive but is no substitute for over 20 years of framing experience (i.e. Buckhead Custom Frames.)  Making poor decisions, due to lack of experience, about customer framing options is a cost to the customer.

It should be noted that not ALL franchise companies have this entire cost structure in place, but, I think it's safe to say that this is a fairly comprehensive view.  Next time you're at a national franchise store ask them how they recover all their overhead and franchise costs...I don't think they're going to say "We don't" as they're not a charity.

At Buckhead Custom Frames, we don't have the same cost responsibilities that our franchise friends have and thus, don't have to pass on these on to our customers.  We make sure that we use the best quality materials (the same, if not better than our national franchise store friends), stay a locally owned business, and rely on word of mouth, and repeat customers to continue to be Atlanta's #1 framing store!  Feel free to contact me at buckheadcustomframes@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Be sure to learn more about our products and services by clicking on the links below:

• Conservation Framing
• Gift Certificates (A perfect gift!)
• Same Day Framing
• Custom Frame Estimates
  
• Custom Framing
• Portrait Services

The Truth about Custom Frame Discounts

By now you've probably seen a number of "discounts" offered by franchise custom framing stores.  Looks tempting doesn't it?  Some stores are offering a 50% - 75% DISCOUNT off regular prices!  Is it out of the kindness of their hearts?  Not quite...a big discount off an over-inflated price still results in a high net price to you the customer. 

Here at Buckhead Custom Frames, we provide fair pricing for all labor and materials for your custom frame project.  Our low overhead costs allow us to pass on these savings directly to you the customer.  We believe that we shouldn't have to trick our customers into visiting us with false marketing tactics.  Which is why we're Atlanta's most trusted custom framer and have one of the highest customer satisfaction and repeat business metrics in the local market.  Give us a try today!

Learn more about our products and services by clicking on the links below:

• Conservation Framing
• Gift Certificates (A perfect gift!)
• Same Day Framing
• Custom Framing
• Portrait Services

Custom Frame Quality Test

To get a feel for the quality of your custom frame, do this quick test.  One of the hardest things to do is to cut the matboard that protects your artwork from the glass.  If you recently had a custom frame done, look at the corners of the matboard and see if the cuts were clean.  There should be no tears, rough cuts, significant over-cutting, or jagged lines.  If there are, first, ask your framer to fix it, and second, come to us next time!  Unfortunately, fixing our competition's mistakes is a significant part of our business!