Quick! How do you answer: What makes you better?

[Russ Wood]

During my Wednesday morning marketing effort, a potential customer asked me "What makes you better...[than other framers]"

Well, I kind of hammed and hawed and flubbed through an answer, and it wasn't well thought out, because no one had ever really directly asked me before. :yuck:

She still took a business card and I wrote on the back of it where we met, but I certainly could have handled my answer better. After thinking about it, I now have a very succinct answer, but it is probably too late for this potential customer.

Do you have a quick answer that you can give off the top, without thinking about it? I do now.

 

[Randy Parrish CPF]

I tell them I am a CPF and explain it.

 

[Sarah Beckett MCPF]

I explain that i am an MCPF, what that means, then talk about my passion for what I do.

 

[Kai Vanuffelen]

In that case I will say, they are asking the wrong question.
I am not better, than my nearby competitors. I like to think of myself as a good framer without making comparisons to others. Most customers come to me because I am good and near to where they live, not because I am better than others.

 

[Mikki Kavich MCPF]

I love what I do and I am an artist too!

 

[Russ Wood]

In that case I will say, they are asking the wrong question.
I am not better, than my nearby competitors. I like to think of myself as a good framer without making comparisons to others. Most customers come to me because I am good and near to where they live, not because I am better than others.

I understand what you are saying about being reluctant to say you are better than some competitors.

But this customer wanted to know If I was better, and why. I believe she is willing to travel to get the "better", instead of just settling for what is close and convenient. And I am about 10 miles from where she lives, so she will pass several other framers to come to me.

If I say I am not better, and I don't really believe I am better, she will not drive the additional distance.

 

[Robin Gentry MCPF]

I say: Because I care! This is my profession and I am keeping up to date with the framing techniques available. I have a vast resource through PPFA, my Professional Organization, to research proper handling of items. My Frame designs have won awards in our Framing Competitions. And I treat your items like they are mine. We take our time being sure the design is the best for your piece and make sure you are satisfied.

I know a little long but it is the truth :smile:

 

[Pat Kotnour]

I think that the thing that makes a better framer isn't necessarily from having the knowlege of the right and wrong methods, but a combination of knowing the best methods and having the skill and artistic eye to incorporate those methods into somehting that becomes a work of art. Not all MCPF's or CPF's have both. Some of the best framers that I have seen over the years are artists in every way. Some are MCPF's and CPF's, but just as many are not. Being the best framer has more to do with a gift, than it does with the ability to pass a test. As I'm sure you have all seen over the years that not all good framers have that gift. Only the best ones do.

What I say to my customers: " I'm better because when I am finished your picture (or art) will have become a work of art, and I will quarantee that you will agree or I will re-do it for you at no cost."

I have given this guarantee for over 20 years and have never had a return for a re-do. And that's why I can say that I am better.