Choosing the right picture framer can be a very daunting process but if you take your time to complete your research, the result will be not only what you wanted but it will also protect your item that you have framed for years to come. When deciding on what picture frame shop in Perth to choose, it can be very helpful in following the simple steps outlined below.
- Look for one with good reviews
With the online world at full pace, its very rare that a business would not have some sort of online presence, so finding some reviews on a local business should be relatively easy. Google or Facebook are the two places that you will normally find reviews and it’s always a good idea spending time reading through them. The important thing to note, is do not immediately rule out any picture framer with a less than perfect five star rating. Make sure you read through any 1 or 2 star ratings to inform yourself of any issues and see if and how the business has responded to the customers concern. Most local businesses will usually do all that they can to make a customer happy if they are able however there are some customers that cannot be pleased, no matter what the business does, so it is important to try and distinguish between the two. 
- Look for a local framer with years of experience
When trying to find a local picture framer, it is very important to see how long the business has been in operation for, and how many years’ experience the senior framer has. As with any trade or profession, experience is key, and it is vitally important that a framer is well versed in the proper techniques of framing. This is especially important when you have an item that has a high monetary or sentimental value, is rare or irreplaceable because if the wrong technique is used during the framing process this could mean your item is devalued, damaged or will deteriorate over time.
- Research the website to view previous work examples and explanations of techniques and products used
Following on from experience, a professional and knowledgeable framer will offer you an immense amount of information on their business website. Look for a picture frame shop in Perth that has a variety of photographic examples of previous works, especially in the area that you are looking to get framed, ie sports memorabilia. Also look to see if they offer explanations of techniques and products used. An experienced and reputable picture framer will explain if they frame items without any lasting effects and they should also promote the fact that they use acid free products and have UV grade glass options available to you.
- Look for a business with a wide range of frames and a neat and professional showroom with plenty of examples
Once you have found local picture framers that have the experience and know-how to frame your item, look to see if they offer photos of their showroom and premises. Choose a framer that has a wide variety of frame mouldings to choose from, as what you think you may want on your item, isn’t always what you end up with and it’s great to have a lot of choice if you do happen to change your mind once you have your consultation. A neat a professional looking showroom is always important to look for. Given that you are trusting this business with your item, you have little control over how your item is handled and what the overall outcome will be until its too late, so choosing a framer that looks and feels professional is always important to take into account. For example, if you left your item with a framer that had a cluttered, messy or unclean showroom, what surprises lay where you cannot see! Examples around the showroom is also a must to look for. You can see, touch and inspect the finished work and get an idea of the finish of your item before making the commitment.
- Ask questions at your consultation
Once you have chosen a framer that you may like to use, book a consultation and get their advice on the correct way to frame your item. Do not be afraid to ask questions on their framing techniques and ask about the products they will use to make sure they are all acid free. If you are unsure about how your item may look when completed, how big it will be, or if any items they recommended are actually needed, make sure you ask as it will be too late when you go to collect it. Its also a good idea to check if there will be any colour or texture variations between the moulding sample you are looking at and what you will receive. With raw and stained timers being all the rage at the moment, colour and texture variations from a sample piece can be quite common and to be expected as you are working with a natural product. Get a basis of what the colour variation could be and make it clear of what you would and would not like before the framer cuts your moulding to size.
- Don’t make your decision based on price
It can be very tempting to choose the cheapest framer if you are budget conscious, but it may cost you more in the long run by choosing a framer based solely on price. Yes, price is a big factor and there can be huge differences between framers for the same service, but it is strongly recommended that you take the other five factors listed above into account in order to choose the right picture framer for you. The same can also be said for the most expensive price. Just because the price is high does not guarantee you a better quality picture framer or even higher quality products. High pricing could just be a result of high overheads or simply wanting higher profits. So, while the price is always important, it cannot be the sole reason for choosing and trusting a picture framer with your precious item for framing.
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