Here at SohoFrames, we understand that finding skilled and knowledgeable people to make or do something for anyone is often a challenge. We are also aware that choosing the wrong, in this case, picture framer, can be both costly and disappointing. This is our unbiased advice on how to find a really good picture framer wherever you may be.
1. Ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations. We say this because almost every home in the country, every office, restaurant, theatre, etc almost certainly has one or more picture frames hanging on the wall. It is likely a person you know either knows of a picture framer that might help or knows someone who does.
2. Do some online research and yes, read the reviews, but do not rely on them exclusively. If you like the sound of a framer, even if they are not in your local area or even in your country, contact them. Which brings us on to point number 3.
3. Look at what the framer offers. Whatever the artwork might be, if it is going to be hung on a wall to be noticed, appreciated and loved, then it should be framed beautifully. Here at SohoFrames we offer everything from standard picture and poster frames to exclusive custom carved and painted creations. We make sample frame corners when we have ideas. We understand that not all will sell. What they will do is offer possibilities, and showcase our attention to care, detail, and excellence, whatever the need or budget. Does the picture framer you are looking at offer these possibilities?
4. Check out their customer service. Are emails answered promptly? Does someone get back to you quickly if you send a message? Can you talk to someone without feeling rushed or pressured? Are there multiple ways to contact them? Do they get back to you outside of normal working hours, weekends and Bank Holidays?
5. Visit the workshop if you can, either in person or via video call. See how accommodating the team is. For example, if you would like a frame in a certain colour, perhaps a darker shade than what is on offer, will they make it for you? Will they offer to make a profile shape you like smaller, narrower, deeper, larger or wider? Or in a different wood or colour? Will they show you around the workshop? Spend as much time as is needed on the consultation? Do they know what they are talking about? Will they go the extra mile? Do they care? Do you feel they are honest and unbiased? All these things and more are worth exploring should you still need further reassurance about who to trust your artwork and spend your money with.
6. Do they give free advice and have access to experts like conservators and insured installers? Will they build crates and dispatch around the world? Is the pricing itemised and easily understood?
7. Trust your gut instincts. They are seldom wrong! And consider us to care and frame your artworks, because we feel we offer all of the above.