Is Picture Framing the Right Business for You?

Many people believe the best way to be employed, is to be self-employed. But, why picture framing?

Take a look around you. Chances are you're surrounded by walls. As the owner of a framing business, you'll find that every wall represents a prospective sale. In fact, an average 3-bedroom house typically has more than 40 interior walls. And a medium size office building has ... well, you get the picture. 

Picture frames are an almost universal used product. And since almost  everyone buys them, why shouldn't they buy them from you?

If you've thought about owning your own business, you'll want to consider custom picture framing for a number of reasons, especially if you value a business that's creative, flexible and fun. It won't cost a fortune to start either. This makes custom picture framing a popular choice that offers many advantages over most business startups.  And with markups of as much as 600%, a successful framing business can be quite profitable too.

  The economy and the picture framing industry

Economic swings impact every industry, and that includes picture framing. However, downward swings have also created opportunities in our industry for those who are getting started. The weak and poorly managed businesses have closed, leaving a vacuum in many places. The previously loyal customers of these businesses are now 'unattached' and looking for a new framer--perhaps you.

Another effect of the recession is that consumers are looking for value. They're fed up with the chain stores and their endless phony claims of 50%-off sales, that aren't really sales at all. They're looking for real value. This has helped home-based framing businesses and independent framing stores.

As the economy brightens, the prospects for picture framers also brightens. And when the real estate market finally gains strength, demand is expected to  increase even further. For the savvy entrepreneur, this could be an excellent time to get started in picture framing so that you'll be trained, experienced and ready to take advantage of these new opportunities. At the American Picture Framing Academy, you'll gain the skills and specialized knowledge that will help you succeed.

Profit Picture

What about profit potential?

Starting any business entails risks and profits can never be guaranteed, but If you've ever purchased custom picture framing, you've probably figured out already that it's a business that offers impressive margins.

Framing also offers prestige and variety in a business where your creativity and professional opinion become valuable assets to your appreciative customers, whose homes and businesses you beautify, and whose keepsakes you preserve. (Conservation Framing techniques are an important part of professional picture framing.)

While it may not be a primary consideration, framing is also fun, relatively easy to do, and not very physically demanding. This makes it a popular choice as a retirement business. It's also well suited to couples.

However, despite it's apparent simplicity, don't be fooled. There's a lot more to professional level framing than simply putting 4 sticks together and cutting a hole in matboard.  It's professional quality that people are willing to pay for.

Understanding the industry's unique methods for building your customer base and capturing sales from the competition (among the things you'll learn at an APFA class) can mean the difference between success and failure.

Reasonable Hours

Tired of the long hours and high stress of the corporate rat race? You'll find that a custom picture framing business is at the opposite end of the stress spectrum - after all, there are very few emergency picture frames. Most retail frame shops have reasonable hours (10-6) and many operate on a five-day work week. And if you're working from home as many framers do, you can pretty much choose your hours of operation to fit your busy lifestyle.

Low Startup Costs

Unlike many businesses, in picture framing, you can start small, then add on as your business grows. That's because you'll need only few pieces of major equipment. That's how I started, from my basement, with a very modest investment.

How many business can you think of that offer flexibility like this?

Picture framing lets you choose from working at home; opening a retail store or art gallery; offering wholesale framing services to artists and designers, manufacturing pre-framed art,  or even putting your business on wheels and bringing your frame shop to your customers. 

Framing also makes a great add-on to other business, such as photo processing, flower and gift shops, furniture stores and many other retail and service businesses. Framing attracts upscale customers to your present business. You can learn more in our DVD, "How to Start Your Own Picture Framing Business." Click here. In fact, that the best way to learn about this fun and exciting industry, market niches, profit potential, equipment, markups and more.

Buying an Existing Business

With custom picture framing, you can choose to start a new business, or buy an existing business or franchise. Our Four-Day Basic Professional Course will help you evaluate your options and show you how to get the most for your money, from negotiating price and terms to uncovering the hidden pitfalls and avoiding unscrupulous sellers. Regardless which road you choose to take, we'll make sure you're better prepared to succeed.. Picture success today by enrolling in our 4-Day Professional Picture Framing Course.

Learning Professional Framing

No experience is necessary to attend The American Picture Framing Academy's 4-Day Basic Professional Class. You'll learn all the fundamentals, hands-on. You'll even frame your APFA Diploma as a part of the class.  Of course, we know there's more to owning a successful picture framing business than making frame, that why we also teach you the business strategies and methods developed by one of the industry's leading experts, Paul Cascio. Pau's tips will give you a competitive edge and help you avoid costly mistakes that can quickly lead to failure and a damaged reputation. Now, lets explore some of the other reasons why you might want to sown you own picture framing business.

Recommended Next Step

Want to know more about starting a picture framing business? Order our informative 2-DVD set, "How to Start Your Own Picture Framing Business." Click here

Got questions? Call us anytime, at 1-888-840-9605 (Outside the U.S. call 1-860-940-9262). We look forward to speaking with you and answering your questions. Visit our website for more information and a complete schedule of upcoming classes. Isn't it time you started your own business?

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