There is no shortage of places to a buy a picture frame. Making a quality purchase that holds its value is another matter. Moreover, when you have items of sentimental or monetary value that needs framing for preservation, you absolutely need to be certain that the frame is up to the job intended.
The vast majority of mass-produced frames sold in chain stores are only for décor purposes. They provide little protection.
Frames from any professional framing store focus on the intent of the frame. Not only the aesthetics. Sure, it has to look good, but it also has to protect the material inside the frame.
Deciding to use a professional framing service is only the first decision. The next is to decide if you want to have in-person assistance or if what you want to be done can be better handled via an online service. There are advantages to both.
The 3 Distinct advantages to buying photo frames online
1. Professional Shipping
While it is true that you can find great picture framers locally, even if you buy in-store, you still have to get it home. In one piece! That is easier than done.
Online framers have processes in place to ensure items shipped are labelled as fragile and, depending on the framer, they may bulk up the protective packaging to mitigate against damage from rough handling and possible scratching inside the packaging. This is important for framing kits, such as frames shipped with hanging accessories like brass hooks, screws and other wall mounting accessories that could scratch glazing if they come loose inside the packaging.
When you pick a frame up in-store, pop it in the boot of your car that possibly has other heavier items around, accidents can happen.
By ordering from a long-established framer online, they will have experience of packaging and shipping so will know how to make sure that your order arrives in pristine condition.
2. Technology helps you personalise the frame to the print
When you have something special to preserve and display that warrants a quality frame, it can be advantageous to bring your print into a framing store to get the expert advice of an experienced framer.
Framers can certainly advise on the quality and style of frames, as well as the protection offered, but they can never be certain that a particular style will win your heart.
Not all stores have websites with customisation options. Those that do, offer different features. At The Picture Gallery, our website is custom built by industry experts and has visualisation software integrated. This lets users preview the image within different frame profiles, experiment with different frame and mount sizes, and the colours before ordering. Above that, numerous photo editing features have been added to enhance the personalisation of photo framing.
3. Know your suppliers’ reputation before making a purchase
In the age of digital, everything is a few clicks or taps away. Framers that have been in the industry for a while, have a reputation. Some are on marketplaces, others have their own websites, and even those without websites have an online reputation. Even if it is a local community Facebook group or a community forum.
The vast majority of framers are small, and mostly independent. The experience of previous customers shapes the view of future customers. Rather than rely on expensive advertising campaigns, the best in the business do make it easy for their customers to share their experience.
Whatever you plan to buy online, it is relatively easy to find information about a business before making a decision. It helps set your expectations before you make a purchase.
The next time you have something to frame, consider how you can get the job done to the highest standard.