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Handmade solid wood frames: worthwhile business niche?

B

Ben Osborn

Participant
Messages
5
Loc
Hanahan, sc 29410
Company
Eastbound Custom Framing
I'm a part-time picture framer who is getting into manufacturing my own solid wood frames. Trying to innovate by experimenting with things like wood burning (shou sugi ban), chalk painting, and ebonizing wood (iron acetate) to create different tones and textures. I love the creative options this opens up, especially when combining the frames with my own photography.

I'm wondering... do you think there a market for this kind of stuff? It's fun but a ton of work. In about 14 months I'm going to pursue framing full-time and wondering how I may incorporate this into the business. All feedback is welcome. Thanks!

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Ben Osborn said:
I'm a part-time picture framer who is getting into manufacturing my own solid wood frames. Trying to innovate by experimenting with things like wood burning (shou sugi ban), chalk painting, and ebonizing wood (iron acetate) to create different tones and textures. I love the creative options this opens up, especially when combining the frames with my own photography.

I'm wondering... do you think there a market for this kind of stuff? It's fun but a ton of work. In about 14 months I'm going to pursue framing full-time and wondering how I may incorporate this into the business. All feedback is welcome. Thanks!

View attachment 1533
Click to expand...

In short YES IMHO.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I would say that there IS a market for it, but realize that it will take marketing (expertise, dollars and time) to find that market and get them buying from you. Unfortunately, like a website, it's not as simple as "build it, and they will come".
 
I'm guessing from your post that you are asking if "retail customers" will buy hand finished frames from you?

The answer, IMO, is a qualified "maybe."

You need to answer some questions like, how much will you have to charge to make a profit? (don't short change your time!)
What is the demographics of the potential customer base where you will open a shop?
If there ARE sufficient number of customers that can afford what you have to charge, what is their design aesthetic? (Will they buy this style, as opposed to something like PRISMA for example)
How can you reach them with promotions and visibility?
 
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