I hate it when my associate, who doesn't use an ATG gun, leaves the tape lying around to get stuck to anything it comes into contact with. I hate it when I carelessly damage beyond repair a leg of a highly polished moulding I just receved chopped. I hate it when shrinkwraps tear right at the last moment. I hate it when the customer calls and changes the frame you just ordered for her rush job. I hate it when the customer finally comes in for that needlework job you've been holding for weeks and the first thing she sees is a loose thread or piece of lint. I hate it when customers bring in a tacky frame they bought at a garage sale and expect me to refinish it and rejoin the corners at a rate based on the $2 they paid for it. Well there's a few of this week's frustrations...I feel better already.
I hate it when
- Thread starter woody
- Start date
A
Alex
Guest
I hate it when: a lady carrying a baby in her arms comes into the frame shop, looks all around at the framed pictures hanging on the wall, checks out the racks and racks of readymade photo frames on the shelves, walks over to the frame sample racks and views over 2000 frame corner samples, and then asks, 'Do you frame pictures here?' --true story that happened this week!
A
ajhohen
Guest
I hate it when a customer comes in with a cheap print she bought at a local store, wants it framed, but makes this remark when i give her the price: "$28.98!! I only paid $5.00 for the print!!" This comment realy got me so teed off. I asked her what would she do about getting it framed if she got it for FREE!! I escorted her out of my shop as I was telling her this...
A
ajhohen
Guest
This is something I entered in "The Picture Framers Grumble" a few months ago. For other funny stuff, see the "jokes" section.
It’s time for a “custom framer” to at lease “think” about retiring if more than THREE of the following events happen in ONE day:
1. It is a busy day and one customer and requests their order be ready for pickup early tomorrow morning…you decide to do this order before you close up, but FORGOT which customer it was that requested this rush order.
2. You place an order with a supplier (wire hangers, ATG tape, etc) on a Monday…FORGOT you already placed this order and order it again on Wednesday.
3. A customer comes in with a large signed and numbered print, and I assist he in picking out the 4 mats that would enhance the artwork. She requests the artwork, although signed and numbered to be MOUNTED. You explain to her why it should NOT be mounted and she agrees. A few days later, you frame her sigh and numbered print but, FORGOT and MOUNTED her sign and numbered print,
4. You leave early one morning to pick up supplies, the supplier is located about and hour out of town. About half way there, you FORGOT where you were going and what for. You make a U-turn, then remember where you were headed and what supplies you plan on picking up…after you get back to your shop.
5. It is getting close to Christmas. You open the shop and couldn’t believe how slow business was that day…about 3:00 in the afternoon you figured out WHY it was slow…it is MONDAY and you have ALWAYS been CLOSED on MONDAYS….
6. A customer brings in a poster, wants it mounted, and instead of using “Vac-U-Mount” adhesive, you use “WD 40”…a lubricant.
7. Aluminum frames need to be chopped using your electric miter saw with an aluminum cutting blade…for lubrication you use “Super 77” instead of “WD 40”.
8. A local business comes in just before you close and orders 50 certificates framed and needs them by the following day. You check your stock to be SURE you have enough (10 feet to spare) and tell them “no problem…you can pick ALL them up early tomorrow morning. Right when they leave, you get after it…”working over time” The certificates are 8 ½ x 11…you chop and assemble all 50 of them within a couple of hours, only to realize after you cut the glass, and start assembling them, that they all measure 8 x 11 ½, NOT 8 ½ x 11!!!
9. A customer comes in with a set of four duck stamps…she has them loose, and after helping him select the mats, frame, etc. you put it in an envelope so you don’t loose any… when you start this order a couple of days later…you can’t find the envelope.
10. Your favorite customer comes in with a 36 x 60 mirror ¼” thick. To be sure it doesn’t get damaged or broken you put it in a safe place, you chop and assemble the frame for it, ready to install the mirror in it and…you can’t find it.
11. You frame a poster, put the hanger in the wrong place, HANG IT on the wall UPSIDE DOWN and you never notice it until a customer walks in and makes a comment about it.
12. Six photos are brought in. After selecting the frame, mat, type of glass, etc. they specify that they want the photos in single row and in a single frame…hanging VERTICALLY. You number the back of each photo from 1 to 6, cut out the openings in the mat(s), chop and assemble the frame, cut the glass, etc., make sure they are in the correct numerical order, and hang it. When they pick up their order, they said, “I SAID VERTICALLY, NOT HORIZONTALLY!”
13. Someone brings in two framed photos, framed by you in the past. She also has two new unframed photos. She only wants to swap the new photos with the old ones. You do it while she waits. You take them apart, take out the old photos, clean the glass, etc. You don’t charge her anything…it only took about 15 minutes and she was a very good customer. She leaves, returns a few minutes later and says, “GUESS WHAT?…YOU PUT THE SAME PHOTOS, NOT THE NEW ONES, BACK IN THE SAME FRAMES!”
14. A kindergarten teacher walks in with 32 photos… one photo each of all her pupils and one photo of her, one of the principal, and one of the vice principal…35 photos in all. She chooses some openings to be oval, some round, some eight sided, some rectangular, some square, etc. She then selects the frame, glass, mat, etc. It is dated to be picked up in about a week. The next morning, you get up early and work on this order first, because it will take time and you want to get this job over with. You mark the back of the mat, check to be sure all designs are cut out to her specs. You then proceed cutting out all the openings. When you finish, the different openings cut out of that mat looked like something only a professional like you could do…99.99% perfect, except for one thing… she chose Bainbridge mat #8542, NOT #8524!!!
15. Before putting a beautiful 11x 14 photo of a movie star with her autograph in a frame, you notice a few oily fingerprints on the photo. To remove the fingerprints, you dip a soft 100% cotton rag into “Adhesive Release” or “Unseal” and rub the photo very carefully. Without ruining the photo, it did an excellent job of removing the oily fingerprints and the “paint-pen” type AUTOGRAPH!!!
16. You call a customer to let them know their order is ready… you dial the number, she answers and says, “Hello.” You respond with, “Uh,uh,uh.” (You forgot why you called!)
17. You call a customer to get to the point of WHY THEY ARE WAITING SO DARN LONG TO PICK UP THEIR ORDER! They replied, “ I went this morning and brought you 3 posters, 2 oil base paintings, and 7 family photos 11 x 14! You told me they would not be ready until a week from today! You replied, “Oh. Oh. Is this Mrs. Ethelinia J. Smith at 448-2101?”
18. You are located in a BIG, VERY BIG city. The phone rings. It is a wrong number. You start a conversation with her about your business…the quality moldings you sell at VERY competitive prices, mat designs, how fast you can get her orders cone, etc. She is all excited about finding out about you and you are glad to probably have a new customer. You close the conversation and hang up, BUT, you didn’t give her your name, your business name, or your location!!!
19. An “old man”, a very nice “old man” comes in with several old black and white photos he wants framed. He points to each photo and tells you who it is (“this is my son John, this is my oldest daughter Kathy with her husband and her kids, this is…etc.”). After showing and explaining to you each photo, you get curious about this nice old man’s age…you hesitate a minute and asks him, “What year were you born, old man?” He says, “Way back in 1942.” You are shocked…you were born about five years before him!
20. An “out of state” customer sends you a graduation invitation to get framed for her daughter. She writes a not with it to what address to send it to. You box it in a very durable cardboard box with a lot of foam pebbles so it doesn’t get damaged. You go to the post office to mail it. You are surprised at the cost to send it first class and insure it. Two days later, it is delivered back to you…you wrote “TO:” YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND “FROM:” YOUR CUSTOMERS NAME AND ADDRESS…
It’s time for a “custom framer” to at lease “think” about retiring if more than THREE of the following events happen in ONE day:
1. It is a busy day and one customer and requests their order be ready for pickup early tomorrow morning…you decide to do this order before you close up, but FORGOT which customer it was that requested this rush order.
2. You place an order with a supplier (wire hangers, ATG tape, etc) on a Monday…FORGOT you already placed this order and order it again on Wednesday.
3. A customer comes in with a large signed and numbered print, and I assist he in picking out the 4 mats that would enhance the artwork. She requests the artwork, although signed and numbered to be MOUNTED. You explain to her why it should NOT be mounted and she agrees. A few days later, you frame her sigh and numbered print but, FORGOT and MOUNTED her sign and numbered print,
4. You leave early one morning to pick up supplies, the supplier is located about and hour out of town. About half way there, you FORGOT where you were going and what for. You make a U-turn, then remember where you were headed and what supplies you plan on picking up…after you get back to your shop.
5. It is getting close to Christmas. You open the shop and couldn’t believe how slow business was that day…about 3:00 in the afternoon you figured out WHY it was slow…it is MONDAY and you have ALWAYS been CLOSED on MONDAYS….
6. A customer brings in a poster, wants it mounted, and instead of using “Vac-U-Mount” adhesive, you use “WD 40”…a lubricant.
7. Aluminum frames need to be chopped using your electric miter saw with an aluminum cutting blade…for lubrication you use “Super 77” instead of “WD 40”.
8. A local business comes in just before you close and orders 50 certificates framed and needs them by the following day. You check your stock to be SURE you have enough (10 feet to spare) and tell them “no problem…you can pick ALL them up early tomorrow morning. Right when they leave, you get after it…”working over time” The certificates are 8 ½ x 11…you chop and assemble all 50 of them within a couple of hours, only to realize after you cut the glass, and start assembling them, that they all measure 8 x 11 ½, NOT 8 ½ x 11!!!
9. A customer comes in with a set of four duck stamps…she has them loose, and after helping him select the mats, frame, etc. you put it in an envelope so you don’t loose any… when you start this order a couple of days later…you can’t find the envelope.
10. Your favorite customer comes in with a 36 x 60 mirror ¼” thick. To be sure it doesn’t get damaged or broken you put it in a safe place, you chop and assemble the frame for it, ready to install the mirror in it and…you can’t find it.
11. You frame a poster, put the hanger in the wrong place, HANG IT on the wall UPSIDE DOWN and you never notice it until a customer walks in and makes a comment about it.
12. Six photos are brought in. After selecting the frame, mat, type of glass, etc. they specify that they want the photos in single row and in a single frame…hanging VERTICALLY. You number the back of each photo from 1 to 6, cut out the openings in the mat(s), chop and assemble the frame, cut the glass, etc., make sure they are in the correct numerical order, and hang it. When they pick up their order, they said, “I SAID VERTICALLY, NOT HORIZONTALLY!”
13. Someone brings in two framed photos, framed by you in the past. She also has two new unframed photos. She only wants to swap the new photos with the old ones. You do it while she waits. You take them apart, take out the old photos, clean the glass, etc. You don’t charge her anything…it only took about 15 minutes and she was a very good customer. She leaves, returns a few minutes later and says, “GUESS WHAT?…YOU PUT THE SAME PHOTOS, NOT THE NEW ONES, BACK IN THE SAME FRAMES!”
14. A kindergarten teacher walks in with 32 photos… one photo each of all her pupils and one photo of her, one of the principal, and one of the vice principal…35 photos in all. She chooses some openings to be oval, some round, some eight sided, some rectangular, some square, etc. She then selects the frame, glass, mat, etc. It is dated to be picked up in about a week. The next morning, you get up early and work on this order first, because it will take time and you want to get this job over with. You mark the back of the mat, check to be sure all designs are cut out to her specs. You then proceed cutting out all the openings. When you finish, the different openings cut out of that mat looked like something only a professional like you could do…99.99% perfect, except for one thing… she chose Bainbridge mat #8542, NOT #8524!!!
15. Before putting a beautiful 11x 14 photo of a movie star with her autograph in a frame, you notice a few oily fingerprints on the photo. To remove the fingerprints, you dip a soft 100% cotton rag into “Adhesive Release” or “Unseal” and rub the photo very carefully. Without ruining the photo, it did an excellent job of removing the oily fingerprints and the “paint-pen” type AUTOGRAPH!!!
16. You call a customer to let them know their order is ready… you dial the number, she answers and says, “Hello.” You respond with, “Uh,uh,uh.” (You forgot why you called!)
17. You call a customer to get to the point of WHY THEY ARE WAITING SO DARN LONG TO PICK UP THEIR ORDER! They replied, “ I went this morning and brought you 3 posters, 2 oil base paintings, and 7 family photos 11 x 14! You told me they would not be ready until a week from today! You replied, “Oh. Oh. Is this Mrs. Ethelinia J. Smith at 448-2101?”
18. You are located in a BIG, VERY BIG city. The phone rings. It is a wrong number. You start a conversation with her about your business…the quality moldings you sell at VERY competitive prices, mat designs, how fast you can get her orders cone, etc. She is all excited about finding out about you and you are glad to probably have a new customer. You close the conversation and hang up, BUT, you didn’t give her your name, your business name, or your location!!!
19. An “old man”, a very nice “old man” comes in with several old black and white photos he wants framed. He points to each photo and tells you who it is (“this is my son John, this is my oldest daughter Kathy with her husband and her kids, this is…etc.”). After showing and explaining to you each photo, you get curious about this nice old man’s age…you hesitate a minute and asks him, “What year were you born, old man?” He says, “Way back in 1942.” You are shocked…you were born about five years before him!
20. An “out of state” customer sends you a graduation invitation to get framed for her daughter. She writes a not with it to what address to send it to. You box it in a very durable cardboard box with a lot of foam pebbles so it doesn’t get damaged. You go to the post office to mail it. You are surprised at the cost to send it first class and insure it. Two days later, it is delivered back to you…you wrote “TO:” YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND “FROM:” YOUR CUSTOMERS NAME AND ADDRESS…
Terry Ellis
True Grumbler
I hate it when you cut a double mat and realise you wrote down 736mm instead of 763mm and then when you cut the @%*!^$ replacement you cut the #@*&% thing exactly the same. (OK OK when I cut it)
RW
Grumbler
I hate it when a plumber bills me $200 to change out a faucet while telling me how expensive everything is and that same plumber getting upset and exclaiming how I must be “getting rich” for charging him $200 for a custom frame!
A
Alex
Guest
A lady in her mid-50's arrived with two small crosstitch pieces to re-mat and re-frame. They were each about 4" x 5", one of Pinky and the other of BlueBoy. Cute, old, dirty, and not framed properly to begin with. She wanted to know, of course, how much it would cost to reframe them. With new double cotton mats, and a small but functional natural wood frame, glass, labor to stretch them properly, etc., the total including tax came to approximately $104.00. She gasped! And whined about the horriffic cost! I politely explained that the materials cost was about 30%, and the rest was really labor, most likely about an hours worth or so, maybe a little more. Still dumbfounded at the seemingly outrageous quote I gave her, I further explained that a framer generally receives about $40 per hour for labor these days, adding the comment, that this is about what some charge in the plumbing and electrical field for their time.
She said something like, well, she knew that Plumbers and Electricians made that kind of money, and that her son-in-law was in fact an Electrician! Well, I said, then you can understand why the cost to reframe these is what it is? She said to me, and I quote, "Yes, but he (meaning her electrician son-in-law) works hard for his money"!
Never, in fifteen years of retail have I ever felt like reaching across the counter and slapping someone as I did toward her! However, I was polite and restrained myself.
Where does this kind of unmitigated gall by these customers come from anyway?
She said something like, well, she knew that Plumbers and Electricians made that kind of money, and that her son-in-law was in fact an Electrician! Well, I said, then you can understand why the cost to reframe these is what it is? She said to me, and I quote, "Yes, but he (meaning her electrician son-in-law) works hard for his money"!
Never, in fifteen years of retail have I ever felt like reaching across the counter and slapping someone as I did toward her! However, I was polite and restrained myself.
Where does this kind of unmitigated gall by these customers come from anyway?
FramingFool
Inactive Account
Alex, ... this, I believe, is the truly intended use for deacidification spray, particularly when used with one of those neat little extension tubes as found on small cans of WD40 .... you'll find that you can nail the wench, with accuracy, from about 5 feet. (A jury would never convict you...)
[This message has been edited by FramingFool (edited 02-09-2000).]
[This message has been edited by FramingFool (edited 02-09-2000).]
F
framer
Guest
That got my head spining. A good laugh to start the day.
framer
framer
My favorite customer questions:
1. Are you less expensive then the place down the street? Or Will I get a better price if I take it to the place down the street?
2. Can you write everything down for me so I can have my framer in Florida do it the same way.
3. Referring to a limited edition serigraph price $1000. Does this print come smaller?
4. How much would it be if I paid cash?
5. Do you have anything cheaper it's only a gift?
6. How come it was cheaper last time I framed something?
AL
PS-My response to the customer who complains about the price of custom framing is "Yes, I agree with you, Custom Framing is Expensive, but it is the last affordable custom work that you can have done. Shall I get you written up so we can get your project on the schedule?"
[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited 02-09-2000).]
1. Are you less expensive then the place down the street? Or Will I get a better price if I take it to the place down the street?
2. Can you write everything down for me so I can have my framer in Florida do it the same way.
3. Referring to a limited edition serigraph price $1000. Does this print come smaller?
4. How much would it be if I paid cash?
5. Do you have anything cheaper it's only a gift?
6. How come it was cheaper last time I framed something?
AL
PS-My response to the customer who complains about the price of custom framing is "Yes, I agree with you, Custom Framing is Expensive, but it is the last affordable custom work that you can have done. Shall I get you written up so we can get your project on the schedule?"
[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited 02-09-2000).]
Alex, You should have told her she didn't get charged for the design time you just spent with her.
Even though the customer is always right there are a few people in this world you do not want as a customer. We've been doing this for 25 years and in that time I think my spouse has told 2 people they were no longer our customer. One complained that no way would she have picked out that frame at that price. He took the work into the back room, took it apart, gave her back her work and her money and sent her packing. As she went out the door she said he should have something for his time and threw $20 on the floor. I don't think we ever saw her again but others who knew her kept coming. Guess she deserved it.
I also know that women customers will whine about price to him and not say boo to me. Is this a psychological thing or do they assume men will give in and they don't want other women to know they are cheap? Just curious if others at this for a long time have noticed similiar situations.
Even though the customer is always right there are a few people in this world you do not want as a customer. We've been doing this for 25 years and in that time I think my spouse has told 2 people they were no longer our customer. One complained that no way would she have picked out that frame at that price. He took the work into the back room, took it apart, gave her back her work and her money and sent her packing. As she went out the door she said he should have something for his time and threw $20 on the floor. I don't think we ever saw her again but others who knew her kept coming. Guess she deserved it.
I also know that women customers will whine about price to him and not say boo to me. Is this a psychological thing or do they assume men will give in and they don't want other women to know they are cheap? Just curious if others at this for a long time have noticed similiar situations.
Hate CHEEP, just hate it. Don't mind frugal, thrifty, HATE cheap. Love that one about will I get a better price somewhere else? What the heck do they expect you to say? You know you must then go through your wonderful spiel about molding price, labor, knowledge, blah-blah-blah, and they usually come around, but HOLY COW. Of course, most of the time my humor is better than just this minute here and now.
Hi MM,
You said it well!!!!! I guess the time it took to pick my jaw off the floor saved me from responding with sarcasm. We can laugh about it latter.
AL
[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited 02-09-2000).]
You said it well!!!!! I guess the time it took to pick my jaw off the floor saved me from responding with sarcasm. We can laugh about it latter.
AL
[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited 02-09-2000).]
Cheryl Crocker CPF GCF
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
A few years ago, I priced out two original drawings to be framed in a simple black frame, black core mat, they were oversized, the moulding a stock line...about $110 each. The artist sent the woman up and I guess told her I'd give her "a deal". When I told her the price, she said as loudly as she could "Ain't NO WAY! Ain't no way IN **** (pronounced hay-all up in these here mtns) No WAY! No Way in **** !" And stomped out. We died laughing. It was too funny. The really funny part is she owns a business and when I went in, it was all I could do not to price out some things and scream "Ain't no way in HAY-ALL!" I honestly have to bite my tongue with some folks and have only refused to frame for two people to date.
Terry Ellis
True Grumbler
FramingFool, do you call that weapon your "Long Wange Wench Wrench" and does it work on advertising sales people.
Terry
Terry
I have lost it only once with a customer over the past 16 years. A woman came in with one of those printed paper mats from a cheap KMart frame (you know the company). Since the mat was torn she wanted as to duplicate it. It had four oval openings and gold lines printed around each opening. We cut the mat in the woman came in to pick it up. It was some years ago. I told her it would be $18 plus tax. She blew a fit. "I"m not going to pay $18 fopr that. It's outrageos.", etc. With my pressure rising I finally asked her what she thought it was worth. "O, I don't mind paying $4 or $5, but not $18." I lost it. Taking the mat I ripped it into pieces and three it into the trash. "Why did you do that?" she demanded. "Because I would rather have the satisfaction of trashing it than allow you to walk out of here with the satisfaction of demeaning and devaluing our work."
Mel
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Woody,
That felt good! And I'm just reading it.
My worst customer is a family member to which I do give discounts, but am unwilling to work at cost. But my stories about her would be anticlimatic compared to yours. With her, I know what to expect and I'm ready.
That felt good! And I'm just reading it.
My worst customer is a family member to which I do give discounts, but am unwilling to work at cost. But my stories about her would be anticlimatic compared to yours. With her, I know what to expect and I'm ready.
ACECRAFTFRAMES
Grumbler
After watching my father(who passed away 08/01/99)deal with customers for 27 years and reading all your stories it brought back bittersweet memories...........He would,in his own wisdom,send certain customers"packing".....his exact quote was..."If you think you can find the quality of work I will perform at a better price........please go do so...but I will see you next week and the job will be mine"....may he rest in peace.....but 9 times out of 10 that same customer was back......and a customer for life...ttb...in the past 4 months since I have taken over the business the comments regarding my dad have not stopped.....one in particular comes to mind.."there is a piece of TOM in every room of my house!!! REMEMBER...you are not only a "CUSTOM FRAMER" but what you do and the relationships you develop affect peoples lives.........no matter how small.....god bless.....jim
Reading all these, I'm reminded of a time when I called a customer to ask when she would be in to pick up her framing. The lady was very nice and truthfull, she stayed in contact with me through all these phone calle.:
#1 "I'll pick up the canvas, but I have to wait on the other four till my pay check."
#2 "I have to go out of town, I'll pick them up when I get back"
#3 "I'm calling from my hotel in Chicago, I should be home in a week. I get my pictures when I get my travel pay from work."
Then I had to call her office...
#4 (co-worker) "I'm sorry, her mother died, and she is helping her father. She should be back soon."
#5 (boss) "I'm sorry, she's no longer with us."
The last one was right... she had a hart atack, and died.
I know we lose customers by death somtimes, but she was only in her thirty's, and a good person. Who else would call from a hotel room, in a different time zone, to let you know that she didn't forget about her framing?
------------------
Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
#1 "I'll pick up the canvas, but I have to wait on the other four till my pay check."
#2 "I have to go out of town, I'll pick them up when I get back"
#3 "I'm calling from my hotel in Chicago, I should be home in a week. I get my pictures when I get my travel pay from work."
Then I had to call her office...
#4 (co-worker) "I'm sorry, her mother died, and she is helping her father. She should be back soon."
#5 (boss) "I'm sorry, she's no longer with us."
The last one was right... she had a hart atack, and died.
I know we lose customers by death somtimes, but she was only in her thirty's, and a good person. Who else would call from a hotel room, in a different time zone, to let you know that she didn't forget about her framing?
------------------
Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
F
framer
Guest
I once had a customer in the early 70's KILL her husband by hitting him so hard with a frying pan that the bottom of the frying pan fell out. She was convicted and was never heard of again.
I'm glad she didn't get made at me.
I had done a frame job of a photo showing a loving family being happy that she had brought in.
do do dodo .....
One for the dumpster.
I'm glad she didn't get made at me.
I had done a frame job of a photo showing a loving family being happy that she had brought in.
do do dodo .....
One for the dumpster.
cody
CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
I'm going on vacation, can I have my work before I go? (Sure, let's have the house looking good for burgulars)
Can you come & cover my pool table with foam core so we can use it for Thanksgiving dinner?
I'm dying and don't want to spend a lot for this framing!
On a $600 order. I'll leave the work if you will pay the the sales tax on it. NOT (He did bring in the pictures 2 months later to be framed)
Pick out everything for 6 pictures, doesn't have wallet and will bring back deposit later. It's now 9 months later & we are still babysitting pictures. ( But, no deposit, no framing) By the way, whats with people not having wallet, purse, etc. Don't they carry drivers license, etc.?
Lady brings in 5 pix to be framed and presents coupon from another store. Before we could give her some break, she leaves. Comes back 30 min. later for us to frame pix and makes no mention of coupon. Seems guy at other store was waiting on someone else when she went in and she realized he had no sense of color or design. We got $l,000. and only had to be good framers. AND SMILE AND BE SWEET.
Customer calls every other day wanting his pictures. Says it's like Christmas to him, he just can't wait for them.
I too, took a picture apart and handed it back to person who made an a- - out of herself over price. Our prices are ALWAYS given to the customer when they place order. Why do people resent the prices we charge? And it's usually the ones that could buy and sell us without blinking an eye. Whew I feel better now!
Can you come & cover my pool table with foam core so we can use it for Thanksgiving dinner?
I'm dying and don't want to spend a lot for this framing!
On a $600 order. I'll leave the work if you will pay the the sales tax on it. NOT (He did bring in the pictures 2 months later to be framed)
Pick out everything for 6 pictures, doesn't have wallet and will bring back deposit later. It's now 9 months later & we are still babysitting pictures. ( But, no deposit, no framing) By the way, whats with people not having wallet, purse, etc. Don't they carry drivers license, etc.?
Lady brings in 5 pix to be framed and presents coupon from another store. Before we could give her some break, she leaves. Comes back 30 min. later for us to frame pix and makes no mention of coupon. Seems guy at other store was waiting on someone else when she went in and she realized he had no sense of color or design. We got $l,000. and only had to be good framers. AND SMILE AND BE SWEET.
Customer calls every other day wanting his pictures. Says it's like Christmas to him, he just can't wait for them.
I too, took a picture apart and handed it back to person who made an a- - out of herself over price. Our prices are ALWAYS given to the customer when they place order. Why do people resent the prices we charge? And it's usually the ones that could buy and sell us without blinking an eye. Whew I feel better now!
F
framer
Guest
What gets me is the money people spend on coffee shops like starbuck or even dunkin donuts. They charge a 10 to 20 times mark up and it takes zero effort. Lets give the frames away free and charge for the coffee.
Bogframe
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
I hate it when people feel they have to touch EVERYTHING in my shop. I work in a graphics house as the only framer. The other people who work in my place feel that they have to touch everything on my work table, including customer work in progress. I've had a few near-misses, and have been threatening mayhem with a matcutter!
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Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
21 years framing and still loving it
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Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
21 years framing and still loving it
Framing Goddess
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
oooooooooooooh, this is fun...
I hate it when...
I am on hold or "stuck" on the phone and I have to keep framing! (my aching neck!)
A phone solicitor calls and leaves a message with an employee for me to call back. Like I don't have enough work to do, I gotta do THEIR work...? (they are usually not in the framing industry, though)
more on phone solicitors...
When I am the only one in the shop and I have a customer and I keep getting interrupted by phone solicitors. (I LOVE voice mail!)
When I am the only one in the shop (again) and three customers with multiple items and money they NEED to spend all walk in at the same time. (makes me break out in a cold sweat to this day!)
I sell a discontinued mat or moulding. How the heck can we keep up with all those deletions? I LOVE it when reps come by and weed through their samples on my wall!
(Usually customers have to work pretty darn hard to bug me, but this one always gets me...)
A customer with two or three unrelated smallish pieces (total for the job $150.00 or less...) asks for a "volume discount" since they are bringing me so much work! Oh yeah, hire the extra help and set up that assembly line!
I hate it when...
I am on hold or "stuck" on the phone and I have to keep framing! (my aching neck!)
A phone solicitor calls and leaves a message with an employee for me to call back. Like I don't have enough work to do, I gotta do THEIR work...? (they are usually not in the framing industry, though)
more on phone solicitors...
When I am the only one in the shop and I have a customer and I keep getting interrupted by phone solicitors. (I LOVE voice mail!)
When I am the only one in the shop (again) and three customers with multiple items and money they NEED to spend all walk in at the same time. (makes me break out in a cold sweat to this day!)
I sell a discontinued mat or moulding. How the heck can we keep up with all those deletions? I LOVE it when reps come by and weed through their samples on my wall!
(Usually customers have to work pretty darn hard to bug me, but this one always gets me...)
A customer with two or three unrelated smallish pieces (total for the job $150.00 or less...) asks for a "volume discount" since they are bringing me so much work! Oh yeah, hire the extra help and set up that assembly line!
J
Jared Davis
Guest
I hate it when a customer rings up on the phone and asks... "How much does it cost to frame a tapestry?"
The best response I can think of is... "Could you please hold it up a bit higher... I can't quite see it?"
The best response I can think of is... "Could you please hold it up a bit higher... I can't quite see it?"
L
LBFOOTE
Guest
Framer,
Your story about the customer who killed her husband with the frying pan reminded me of the time I had an employee who got into an argument with a co-worker, threw a giant tantrum, and walked out. A couple years later we learned that she killed her Boyfriend and it was her Husband who turned her in to the police!
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LBFOOTE
Your story about the customer who killed her husband with the frying pan reminded me of the time I had an employee who got into an argument with a co-worker, threw a giant tantrum, and walked out. A couple years later we learned that she killed her Boyfriend and it was her Husband who turned her in to the police!
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LBFOOTE
M
Mandalyn
Guest
My latest customer, who by the way I'm waiting for payment, told me she really needed to get these family photos framed. She lives in a really expensive neighborhood, but somehow dosen't have the $175.00 to pay me for the job I did three weeks ago. Her reply?.....I'm praying God will give me the money to pay you!
I had to pass out at that point. I'll let you know if the miracle happened!
I had to pass out at that point. I'll let you know if the miracle happened!
How about if we all pray that ALL customers like her get the money to pay for our work?
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
po' framer
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Actually, Susan, my prayer is that they go to our competitor and never darken our door.
This may have been covered in another thread, but some of the stories got me thinking: How long do you have to hang on to framed art before it becomes yours to do with as you please?
Try not paying a mechanic for some work done on a vehicle and watch what happens; the title would be eventually taken away from you and the vehicle sold at auction with proceeds going to the mechanic. Mel, is there such a thing as a "framer's lien?"
This may have been covered in another thread, but some of the stories got me thinking: How long do you have to hang on to framed art before it becomes yours to do with as you please?
Try not paying a mechanic for some work done on a vehicle and watch what happens; the title would be eventually taken away from you and the vehicle sold at auction with proceeds going to the mechanic. Mel, is there such a thing as a "framer's lien?"
P
P. Christensen
Guest
I hate it when my customer dies before they pick up their picture.
No kidding! This poor lady was only 51. I called her work to tell her her picture was finished. They said she was sick and had taken the day off. I called her home, and no answer. Called later that day and her husband answered. I asked for her and he informed me that she had died. I didn't know what to say to him. Poor man!
The family later contacted me and picked it up. All ended well--for me, anyway.
No kidding! This poor lady was only 51. I called her work to tell her her picture was finished. They said she was sick and had taken the day off. I called her home, and no answer. Called later that day and her husband answered. I asked for her and he informed me that she had died. I didn't know what to say to him. Poor man!
The family later contacted me and picked it up. All ended well--for me, anyway.
P. Christensen - Thanks for letting me know that I'm not alone in having a customer die. You are put in a very tight position trying to get money from a family suffering lthe loss of the loved one.
The main problem is that the family may not know that you are not trying to take advantage of them, like the rest of the world. Keep in mind that most people who are dealing with a death, are also dealing with "slime" who will take them for all they have. (When my father died, we had people try to have us pay for a "headstone". They said we ordered it but it was a lie. At least we had friends to warn us.)
po' framer - As to how long before the art is yours?... Put it on the paper work. Our order forms say that 30 days after completion of work, we are not responsible for the artwork. Ask your lawyer if that will cover you. (Always make sure your customer signs the form.)
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
The main problem is that the family may not know that you are not trying to take advantage of them, like the rest of the world. Keep in mind that most people who are dealing with a death, are also dealing with "slime" who will take them for all they have. (When my father died, we had people try to have us pay for a "headstone". They said we ordered it but it was a lie. At least we had friends to warn us.)
po' framer - As to how long before the art is yours?... Put it on the paper work. Our order forms say that 30 days after completion of work, we are not responsible for the artwork. Ask your lawyer if that will cover you. (Always make sure your customer signs the form.)
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
Mel
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Po' framer,
Now, of course, no one is going to run out and do this, but were you to do so, I'm sure a lawyer, experienced in contract and/or art law, would provide one. Like custom framing, there are hidden costs of which the uninitiated are oblivious, like the case law research necessary to pin down the likely areas of legal action necessary to cover. That's why it is cheaper and wiser to hire someone experienced, rather than pay a newbie to learn that area of law.
I'll shut up and go away now, as I know the "L" word always gets folks riled.
Now, of course, no one is going to run out and do this, but were you to do so, I'm sure a lawyer, experienced in contract and/or art law, would provide one. Like custom framing, there are hidden costs of which the uninitiated are oblivious, like the case law research necessary to pin down the likely areas of legal action necessary to cover. That's why it is cheaper and wiser to hire someone experienced, rather than pay a newbie to learn that area of law.
I'll shut up and go away now, as I know the "L" word always gets folks riled.
Mel and other knowledgeable Framers,Correct me if I'm wrong but I've been told that no length of time transfer ownership of material.
I've been told you can take the work out of the frame and sell or use the framing material but the art or object remains the property of the client.
You can however set a store policy that charges a storage fee for material left past a given period which might just come to more than the work is worth for most things.
But if that original art that increased in value while in your possesion is ask for and the set fees are meet ,you better be able to produce it.
Isn't realestate laws similar? If you owe back taxes on propety and it is sold at auction but you as the original owner pay all improvements and fines as well as the taxes can't they reclaim it?
I'm not a lawyer by any means, but I'd much rather get paid then reposses art work and then need to resell it to get my investment.
BUDDY
[This message has been edited by BUDDY (edited August 28, 2000).]
I've been told you can take the work out of the frame and sell or use the framing material but the art or object remains the property of the client.
You can however set a store policy that charges a storage fee for material left past a given period which might just come to more than the work is worth for most things.
But if that original art that increased in value while in your possesion is ask for and the set fees are meet ,you better be able to produce it.
Isn't realestate laws similar? If you owe back taxes on propety and it is sold at auction but you as the original owner pay all improvements and fines as well as the taxes can't they reclaim it?
I'm not a lawyer by any means, but I'd much rather get paid then reposses art work and then need to resell it to get my investment.
BUDDY
[This message has been edited by BUDDY (edited August 28, 2000).]
po' framer
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Interesting answers, but I agree with you, Mel, that THAT particular pond is no place for a dog paddler.
And yes, Buddy, I would much rather be paid; I guess the direction in which the thread had wandered sort of got me thinking into a scenario which sounds as if it's been more than hypothetical.
The concept of storage fees vs. a responsibility disclaimer is interesting enough in itself. Seems it could be one or the other... definitely not compatible policies, however. I don't know which one is best. disclaimers seem to me to be wishful thinking until they have, as Mel suggests, been thoroughly researched from case law by someone who knows what they're doing.
"and po' deftly avoids the "L" word himself!"
And yes, Buddy, I would much rather be paid; I guess the direction in which the thread had wandered sort of got me thinking into a scenario which sounds as if it's been more than hypothetical.
The concept of storage fees vs. a responsibility disclaimer is interesting enough in itself. Seems it could be one or the other... definitely not compatible policies, however. I don't know which one is best. disclaimers seem to me to be wishful thinking until they have, as Mel suggests, been thoroughly researched from case law by someone who knows what they're doing.
"and po' deftly avoids the "L" word himself!"
cody
CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
We had a customer that just would not pick up. Had Disney prints and a l8 opening of the new tree & animals at Disney. Left no deposit (thats another story) After several letters from our attorney, we finally sent a registered letter informing him if he didn't pick up by a certain day, his work would be put out for sale or donated to charity. The l8 opening went to a childrens charity last week. It's now been a year since we took the order.
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2000
- Posts
- 16,581
I can only speak of experience in Arizona, but we had our attorney do the research here and we formulated the following policy:Set a definite reasonable time period for pickup and post it on the workorder. In our case 60 days.After that and a grace period (30 days) we send a registered letter to the address of record announcing a date for auction.That date needs to be advertised in a local paper in the legal section, but it can be a neighborhood type paper. At that date the item is auctioned off and anybody, including us may bid on it, ensuring we recover all our costs (including cost of ad, etc). The reality is nobody shows up, you bid $1, and then you sell it for whatever you can get the next day.Any excess over actual costs are suppossed to be turned over to the state for potential reimbursement to the original owner. The whole process is covered under the UCC-1 provisions and you do own rights to the property if you follow the procedure. Once again, let your attorney confirm your state's laws, but I'll bet they are similar. We've only done it once on a high end serigraph, and we still came out short.
po' framer
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
There's a good case for storage fees as a reasonable way of ensuring that there is no excess to return.
Mel
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Bob's solution probably is what most of us would encounter with our own state laws, and sure seems like a lot of trouble to still end up on the losing end. Makes you wonder about the "30-day's" notice on the wall at the dry cleaner's shop. Do they have to go through this? Anyway, I know this is only peripherally related to the subject, but what would happen if, in these extreme cases, you offered to deliver? If they decline, you certainly know where you stand and can proceed accordingly, if they accept, you pick up the check.
[This message has been edited by Mel (edited August 30, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Mel (edited August 30, 2000).]
....you earn your own Stoopidest Framer award. Gave in to a picky customer who wanted French Powder Panels in "slightly salmon and soft green" with four gold lines and a "hint" of texture. Shoot me. What made me think I could "get in and out" of this project in 15 minutes, Brian Wolf's suggested timeframe. When I paint 1/8" cows in a landscape, I put tails on them: the only thing that would be worse would be that I would be doing a pair. Guess what.
rosetl
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by po' framer:
There's a good case for storage fees as a reasonable way of ensuring that there is no excess to return.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I agree! In California you can only get back what the client contracted to pay you plus costs of the sale. It is recommended to sell at auction (ensuring public notice of the sale). Don't know what happened to "posession is 9/10 of the law" - not that way with "art". We have no right to spend any profits made on the auction and must pay the client or his heirs any proceeds over and above the debt----if and when they come to pick up the picture and settle their bill. I believe here we legally have to wait 6 months, but it is OK to give the 30 Days disclaimer on our invoices!
There's a good case for storage fees as a reasonable way of ensuring that there is no excess to return.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I agree! In California you can only get back what the client contracted to pay you plus costs of the sale. It is recommended to sell at auction (ensuring public notice of the sale). Don't know what happened to "posession is 9/10 of the law" - not that way with "art". We have no right to spend any profits made on the auction and must pay the client or his heirs any proceeds over and above the debt----if and when they come to pick up the picture and settle their bill. I believe here we legally have to wait 6 months, but it is OK to give the 30 Days disclaimer on our invoices!
Mel
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
MM:
Followed that train of thought up to the point of the cows. It's late here, and I'm sure I'll find that train in the morning, but in the meantime, I'm going to dream about two cows with two tails each, I'm sure.
Nightie night.
Followed that train of thought up to the point of the cows. It's late here, and I'm sure I'll find that train in the morning, but in the meantime, I'm going to dream about two cows with two tails each, I'm sure.
Nightie night.
po' framer
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
That's a good idea, MM; we need to give framer some thoughts on a smilie which signifies our awarding of the Stoopid Framer Award.
For sure, for sure, we need a smilie for the Stoopidust Framer. Framer will come up with something, as he always does.
Mel, what I meant was that I'm one to spend WAY too much time with that kind of stuff: fiddling, dinking, messing with it until I'm nuts. I'm never through with it, which is one reason I like framing: you do it, do it right, and it's over! Not so with me and an oil painting.
Mel, what I meant was that I'm one to spend WAY too much time with that kind of stuff: fiddling, dinking, messing with it until I'm nuts. I'm never through with it, which is one reason I like framing: you do it, do it right, and it's over! Not so with me and an oil painting.
MerpsMom - I think I used to work with you.
I had a co-worker that would work on an oil painting till she had gone past masterpiece, straight to mud. I would take the painting away from her and tell her to "Back away from the brush!"
For some reason I can't call MerpMom - MM. I guess that for me, MM will always be Mickey Mouse.
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
For some reason I can't call MerpMom - MM. I guess that for me, MM will always be Mickey Mouse.
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
You haven't met me yet.
It's those deerflies buzzing around those 1/8 inch cows that make me crosseyed.
Mel
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Now this is w-a-y off point, but I've often wondered when an artist knows when he/she is done.
And, Susan, some think she resembles Marilyn Monroe more than Mickey Mouse.
And, Susan, some think she resembles Marilyn Monroe more than Mickey Mouse.
Mel;
Alexander Calder was asked that question. His reply was, When it was lunch time.
Alexander Calder was asked that question. His reply was, When it was lunch time.
LOL!!!
ROFLMAO!!!
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
ROFLMAO!!!
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
Mel
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Great reason! And all these years, I've been waiting till I was done before getting lunch.
Haven't heard from you in a while, Mitch. Welcome back.
Haven't heard from you in a while, Mitch. Welcome back.