Shocked!
My boss asked me to get some quotes for framing six large posters, so I tried Michaels and Buckhead Custom Frames, figuring Michaels would be cheaper because of their huge sales. I did not like Michaels at all - it just isn't a pleasant environment, but I knew this shop would be more expensive.
It wasn't! The price here was LESS than Michael's 50% off price. And the place is nicer, with a better selection, really nice owner, etc. She gave me all kinds of options at different price points and showed how different combinations would look on the posters. I actually learned a lot!
We were spending a lot of money (to me anyway!), and Michaels just seemed like kind of a junky place to get framing done, and it was more expensive! More than twice as much. I really just don't get it. I'm sure they do fine work - their frame dept. was really busy, but I personally didn't get a good feeling in there and if I didn't have a coupon their price would have been insane.
The bottom line is, if you are shopping purely on price, don't think that a smaller shop is more expensive. From what I can tell, you'll get better service, selection and quality for less money here, and probably the other small framing stores too. read more