Anyone frame at Michaels' yet?

[wizdom]

they seem overpriced

[summoner]

they seem overpriced

They ARE overpriced.

[misterwhisper]

yeah im not looking for anything real fancy, which is why im asking about Michaels. im pretty much just after a nice basic black frame and good framing job

For a basic framing job, I'd strongly recommend DIY. Buy a frame from Aaron Bros or Ikea (but not Michael's; their ready-mades are crap), have Michael's or Aaron Bros. cut a mat for you if you need one, pick up a backing board and some mounting materials (corners or strips) and throw it together yourself -- it's easy and there's a bunch of threads here that will show you exactly how.

If you need a custom size or just want to get everything you need in one box, order a custom frame kit from Frame Destination or American Frame. It'll cost a little more than ready-made but the difference in quality will be worth it.

[DickButt]

Anything basic you're better off just buying from American Frame and doing it yourself. It's far easier than you might think. Michaels is insanely overpriced and don't be fooled by their "60% off custom framing" deals, it's ALWAYS like that. They raise the prices on things and then "bring it down" by having sales. They've been investigated before.

Like others have said, there's always exceptions to the rule, but most people who work there are doing it because it's a job and not because they love framing and have decided to have a career at Michaels. I asked once how much a piece of museum glass was and the dude looked at me like I asked for cheeseburger.

I buy frames there because living near NYC, there's really no other options for cheap frames. We don't have Aaron Brothers or Hobby Lobby. But I'd never leave something of value there with them.

[GatorsCanes]

Aaron Brothers is wholly-owned and operated by Michaels Stores, Inc. ("Michaels"). All information collected through the Site is shared with Michaels and our other affiliated companies.

Just so everyone knows.
http://www.aaronbrothers.com/canvases/privacy

[BlakeAronson]

I believe an AG sued michaels for misleading business practices, aka their never ending sales.

even with their 60% off sales, the sale price is more expensive than going into a independent shop. unless you live in a tiny city/town under 10k population, you will have better choices than michaels.

[misterwhisper]

I think that lawsuit was on the east coast, perhaps New York. I think it was local to that state, b/c both Michael's and Aaron Bros are still pulling that overpriced-but-perpetually on sale b.s. here in CA.

Aaron Bros is owned by Michael's but the quality is significantly better at Aaron Bros, even for seemingly identical frames. For example, they both sell a style of frame called "Studio." A cursory look indicates that they're identical -- both are mat black, 5/8"deep, 1 5/8" wide, with the same 1/8" recess detail on the inside. But if you look carefully there are significant differences. The fit and finish on the Michael's frame is sloppy compared to Aaron Bros' version. The rabbet is much shallower on the Michael's frame. Aaron Bros uses points while Michael's uses some slot-and-tab system that pretty much forces you to use their crappy particleboard backing. And most importantly, the Aaron Bros frame is true-to-size, but the Michael's is not. I found this out the hard way when I bought my first and only Michael's frame, opened it up, and found that my artwork didn't fit because the opening was a quarter-inch smaller than stated in both directions.

I don't know why they would sell frames of such differing quality in their two different stores, but they do. I shop pretty regularly at Aaron Bros. I avoid Michael's like it's the plague.

[bmerel]

I've actually dealt with them a few times here in Chicago. They have been great. Reasonably priced always and constantly running specials usually up to 65%off. Love em.great work. Solid prices.

[DickButt]

That lawsuit was NY. Michaels settled for $1.8 million

http://www.whec.com/news/stories/s2290479.shtml

[drummer7795]

There are several threads that deal with Michaels. The general feeling, backed by many examples/stories, is a lack of quality/professionalism/knowledge/etc that comes as a result of their employees in the framing department knowing little or nothing about matting/framing/design.

this.

[FramerDave]

I've actually dealt with them a few times here in Chicago. They have been great. Reasonably priced always and constantly running specials usually up to 65%off. Love em.great work. Solid prices.

Yes, 65% off prices that are double what they would normally be and as you said, they run it constantly. That's what led to the AG slap on the wrist. If you go to an independent framer you'll find that their normal everyday prices are within a few bucks of Michael's 65% off prices.