50% off soapbox

Okay, here goes. I try to stay civil as well as factual when talking about most anything and figure I can manage to do the same here, but my ire gets pretty worked up when falsehoods are used to promote well... anything.

The big box craft stores have a habit of spending big advertising dollars to let you the customer know about their fantastic 40-60% off custom framing sales. Just think of how much cheaper that is than the standard local frame shop. How nice of them to care about you so much they are willing to cut their prices this deeply. I mean that's huge, I couldn't cut my prices(week after week) by that much and stay in business. I guess it's because they are so large they can buy in bulk quantities and pass these savings along to you...think again.

True, they offer (most always) a massive discount on this service, and that invariably leads one to believe they are getting a deal over what they would pay at the mom and pop's frame shop. The truth of the matter is that after these discounts, most local shops (you know the ones where the folks donate to your local schools, churches, etc; the ones who are highly trained professionals constantly reeducating themselves as to how to properly handle your valuables) wind up being within 10%, usually lower. Yes, that's after their "generous" discount. If someone is in our shop getting a quote, and decide to check out the big boxes (because everybody knows how expensive local shops are), we are sure to mention to them to wait until the big sale so they can get a quote at 50% off. They almost always come back, most of the time they come back angry at the craft store for luring them in with the old bait and switch.

Let's face it, custom framing is not inexpensive. It is a truly hands on product from the time we help you choose your matting and framing to the time we hand over your finished little bundle of love. You will always be able to find a cheaper price, but with that usually comes a cheaper product.

Just remember, the next time you want something near and dear framed, try the local guy. If you try us, I can guarantee not to discount my quality or service, and you'll probably get a better price.

PS. It'll also help Santa be able to find his way to my kids this year if you know what I mean.

Visit us at www.hamptonhouse.net for more info.

Jack Hernon show

We are pleased to host Jack Hernon in our Winston-Salem gallery this Thursday Nov. 5th. The reception will be held from 5:00-8:00 and is free to the public.

View Jack's website at www.jackhernon.com.

Or, as always check in to www.hamptonhouse.net for more examples of Jack's work as well as contact info and directions to the gallery.

Boo!

Happy Halloween to all! Instead of the usual boring old soap boxy stuff I sometimes publish, here's a little Halloween fun. I have always loved Halloween and really dig the fact that I can now dress up again and roam the streets under the guise of a responsible parent. Another scary love of my life has always been the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney world. If you've ever been, no doubt you've seen the tombstones scattered about, well here's an explanation of what they mean. Enjoy

http://www.2719hyperion.com/search/label/13%20Tombstones

PS. Don't take candy from strangers and certainly don't eat the apple those hippies down the street gave you.

PPS. Don't forget to check out the not so scary goodies at www.hamptonhouse.net before our name is on one of those tombstones.

The 3/50 project

I found this site through a framing chat room I take part in and just thought it was wonderful. Buying local has always been pretty important to us and these guys seem to really be working to spread the word.
Everyone has heard the buy local spiel before, but it totally makes sense. The sheer numbers of dollars that leave our area are staggering, and if spent locally could make a significant change. I often think about the larger institutions we do business with on a daily basis, banks, insurance firms etc. and find myself wondering where they go to get their framing and art needs taken care of. Most of this need is serviced from other states, or other countries. That makes me sad(not to mention making it hard to feed my kids).

Anyway, check out the site and see if it resonates with you.

www.the350project.net

And as always, be sure to check out the things that keep shoes on my children's feet.

www.hamptonhouse.net

Two in one day

I just couldn't help myself. I ran across this photo and just thought WOW!!! The whole post can be seen here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/megpi/2717513321/

The new logos are here, the new logos are here.

Yes, it's a "The Jerk" reference, but I can't help to feel a lot like Navin Johnson when he first sees his name in the phone book. We've got new logos, and I'm just itchin' to share them with you (yes, all one of you).

Slowly conquering the virtual world

Wow, I have a follower.

Customer service

Caveat mptor-considering this is free to the end user, you'll at least get what you pay for.

As a small business owner, one of the most important things one can employ is good customer service. If they like what you do for them, the chance are they'll come back, tell their friends, etc.
My fear for this world is that as prices go down and items become more disposable, customer service will become a thing of the past. Also, as companies strive to reduce costs in order to lower prices, there are typically fewer people around to effectively serve those customers, therefore you and I get the short end of the stick, crumbs from the table or the boot.

This being said, when a company gets it right, I like to sing it from the mountaintop. The most recent company would be Chaco, Inc. To make a long story short, I ordered a pair of their sandals and they weren't working just right. I sent them back and they speedily assessed the problem and realized they couldn't fix them. They called me (actually kept me in the loop from the get-go) and asked if it would be okay to send me a different pair of shoes. I could pick any pair in their line for no additional charge and they would send them along. I did. They did. I am happy. I will tell everyone who will listen about this wonderful experience (not to mention the thousands reading this blog).

So there, good service, good company and a good feeling.

More interesting and unrelated ramblings to come. I promise.