I work for a local design studio in Chattanooga, and we were in need of five custom framed pieces. We also needed them within an (almost) impossible amount of time. I say, "almost," because I was told by other craft retailers in the area that the turnaround time was a minimum of two weeks for the job I was asking them to do. Admittedly, it was a big job. Not only did we need the custom frames built, but we also needed the artwork pieces being framed to be arranged in a particular order before being mounted. We needed all of this to float inside the frames, and we needed this x5... within less than 48 hours.
Neither Michaels nor Hobby Lobby could take on this task and complete it within our rushed time frame. It's also important to note the price I was quoted by Michaels, which was $1,811 (before tax).
I called Art Creations on Frazier Avenue, and they advised me that their location on Commons Boulevard (in the Hamilton Place area) did all of the framing, assuring me that they could do this rush job for us. I was already in the area, so I drove over to their Hamilton Place location to seek their assistance.
From the moment I walked in, the people working in this store also assured me that the job could be done within our rushed time frame. I knew we were asking a lot, but they didn't mind at all. They were very reassuring and even thanked us for bringing the business to them. By this point, I was already feeling guilty for not having gone to them first. I suppose there's something about having a coupon that makes us believe we will actually get a better deal elsewhere. Not so! Even considering that this was a rush job, they happily did the work and charged us a little over $900 (including tax) for the same work I had asked of Michaels. All things considered, they saved us about $1000 and completely took away the anxiety I was feeling over completing this task on time.
I had asked if one of the pieces could be ready by the following day with the remaining four ready the day after. They agreed to have one ready by the following day, and when I went to pick it up, I was blown away by their efforts. Not only were the framed pieces gorgeous, ALL 5 SETS WERE READY!!! They helped me load these into my car, and I got to go deliver the great news to the studio. This is one of the greatest examples of a under-promise (although it wasn't really an under-promise considering what they were already doing for us) and over-deliver I have personally experienced.
I will go to Art Creations for all of my supply and framing needs going forward. These people are not only knowledgeable, they're also some of the kindest and most helpful folks I have ever met.
Thank you all so much! Words can't adequately express how grateful I am for everything you did for us!
Sincerely,
Virginia read more