I have an 18x18 print I need to have custom framed. I have coupon for JoAnn's, and noticed they have professional framing. Anyone ever have something framed here? I called about a ballpark price, but they said I need to come in. Any ideas of pricing ... and how was the quality?
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Quality is good, but they are hella expensive, even with the coupon. That's not specific to JoAnn's though - custom framing is generally really expensive. I order most of my custom frames online and then insert the print/photo myself. But 18"x18" isn't that rare of a size - you don't really need a "custom" frame if you're looking to save money. If you want a mat, I'd just Google/shop for a 22"x22" frame, and then buy a mat of the same size, precut to an 18"x18" opening. But if you don't mind shelling out the $$$ (easily $100, depending on the quality of materials you choose), it's definitely easiest to take it to a frame shop in person.
ETA: Still "custom," but definitely cheaper than JoAnn's: http://www.arttoframe.com/search/single-mat/18x18/1/Super_White_mat
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Custom framing is expensive, Joann's and Michael's will ALWAYS have at least a 50% off custom framing, so think of the 50% prices as "full price". If you can wait, I would at least wait for a 60% off coupon. They come out semi regularly.
I've found that a local custom framing place is usually comparable in price, but better quality. Sometimes you can say, "Joann's price is $X, can you match or beat that?"
Don't get me wrong, Joann or Michael's will be good quality, but since their staff rotates there might be some inconsistencies based on who does it.
If you are at all interested in DIY, you can buy glass at a local glass cutter for cheap, buy (or build) an empty frame, and cut your own mat (if you have a mat cutter) and save a TON.
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I went there at Christmas to get something framed when it was 60% off and I remember I was blown away at how expensive it still was! I can't remember the price but it was hundreds of dollars.
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@TemperanceBrennan: I have an 85% off coupon!!
I don't know if I have to present that before I place my order (will they price accordingly?). I thought about going in for a quote, then telling them I have the coupon when I'm ready to place the order.
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I was going to comment that when I went to Michael's for a some prices, I was surprised how expensive it was. I was afraid that I would look cheap. Good to know others thought they were expensive, too.
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@littlejoy: That's a great coupon! I don't think it matters if you tell them you have a coupon up front or not. Everything is priced individually (frame, mat, glass, etc) and has its set base price so the employees don't have any negotiating room. They will probably try to sell the more expensive options to you, though so ask about the price for each "piece" of the frame.
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You guys ... they quoted me $110 WITH the coupon!!! Ha. SO PRICEY! I'll be buying something off Amazon.
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I had a poster framed at JoAnn's, and I was happy with the quality. It's a commitment though, as the piece is stuck onto the frame, so you can't change it. With a coupon, I thought the cost was reasonable, and it was done in under a week.
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I was once told by a Michaels framer that the coupons are bogus, and that those are the normal prices.
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@Mrs.Someone: That's exactly what I was thinking. You mean to tell me it usually costs $440?! Yeah right!
I don't know if I have to present that before I place my order (will they price accordingly?). Reply
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