We find that Michaels is just a HUGE rip-off and I would encourage folks to support local small businesses first, then Hobby Lobby because Michaels will rip you off, sometimes to the tune of a 400% mark up.
For example, we were excited about Michaels 70% off Black Friday sale on custom framing, so we made an appointment to bring in three 16"x20" posters to frame for our daughters room. My wife mentioned to the framing specialist that it was her first time getting something custom framed and was also interested in the cost breakdown so she could make an informed decision when it came to choosing quality products. She explained further that these posters are 31 years old, and were in her nursery when she was a baby, so we wanted something timeless that would last so we could pass on to our daughter when she has kids of her own. The lady who helped us said, "I don't know, I just put it in the computer and it tells me how much it costs." Beep boop boop. She asked if we were military, which I am, so another 15% off on top of the 70%! So excited to get more savings! Also, it was nice of her to ask! She turns the screen around, $424 for all three using the cheapest materials. We thought that was before the Black Friday deal and military discount. She corrected us adding, $424 is AFTER all discounts and BEFORE taxes noting, regular retail price would cost OVER $1,500 AFTER taxes.
How ridiculous! How scandalous! $424 for the cheapest materials to put a new wood frame and matting around three 16"x20" posters? That's not even a good price without any deals or discounts. That's not even a very good deal using top shelf wood and museum grade glass! She also didn't bother asking how much matting we wanted between the poster and frame? 2"? 3"? 4"? Didn't mention that the thin framing material she quoted us on would not be structurally sound enough for that size frame. We don't even know if the glass would provide UV protection!
To finish he story, we went to Hobby Lobby and got a quote for $360 everyday pricing after taxes, using top shelf wood, 3" matting all around, and UV protected glass. To be more clear, custom framing with the expensive material at Hobby Lobby on any given day is 20% cheaper than Michaels 70% off Black Friday sell with an additional 15% discount using the cheapest material they have. Add $65 for museum glass at Hobby Lobby for all three pieces and you've the best product Hobby Lobby has for less money than Michaels worst product.
If you're still reading this, Hobby Lobby also has more and better quality off the shelf products than Michaels that cost less. We found one option off the shelf at Michaels that would fit our posters. It was a thin plastic frame with zero design appeal that cost $35. Hobby Lobby had three beautiful frames off the shelf that would fit our posters nicely and the most expensive one was $30.
Thanks for reading my review. So sorry to the folks at Michaels, I know y'all don't make the prices and understand our experience with one agent doesn't reflect on all employees. read more
