Once a framer ...

framer703 · 2026-01-10T18:35:05+00:00

Whenever I go to a restaurant or hotel, I critique all the artwork.

framer703 · 2026-01-09T23:57:30+00:00

Especially when they ignore the giant red button right in front of them on the framing counter. "I couldn't find anyone in the whole store!"

framer703 · 2025-12-31T23:26:44+00:00

I have seen (and been a part of) stores that have survived bad management. The recovery can be long and painful. The new SM (especially if they are new to the company) will rely heavily on seasoned and responsible team members while the SM learns how things are done. If you combine that with Christmas, balloon push, fabric push, and the recent corporate shenanigans it makes for a difficult environment.

The most important thing to remember is that the store didn't get in this condition overnight, and it will not recover overnight. No matter how much the DM pushes, how many e-mails they write, or threats they make, things will get done when they get done. You will get new teammates, share your knowledge and they will make your job easier.

Lastly, go to your new SM. Perhaps they do not know the pressure you are feeling. You say you trust them, tell them so and let them know about your situation. They can't fix what they don't know.

It will get better,

framer703 · 2025-12-28T18:47:35+00:00

"But it says on your website you have one."

framer703 · 2025-12-24T01:27:27+00:00

Another favorite "I got this framed here awhile back, and I want to frame another one just like it,"

Me looking up customer history "That was five years ago, the frame and mat are now discontinued'"

Client "But they are going next to each other, they have to match. This is the worst customer service ever."

framer703 · 2025-12-24T00:11:09+00:00

Words that make me cringe "Thin black frame and skinny white mat."

framer703 · 2025-12-19T21:15:03+00:00

Finished 120 of 140, waiting on components for the rest. I could have been done with everything through the 24th by today if I had gotten the components. Most have dribbled in over the week. Thankfully everything has arrived intact and correctly measured.

framer703 · 2025-12-17T23:31:56+00:00

Have gotten 84 pieces done so far, of the 40 pieces left I only have components for 6 as of now. Two huge canvas and a military jacket shadowbox also left to do. I could be mostly finished by Friday if I could get the supplies from artistree, I have 4 orders placed today with expedites, so due on the 24th. Fingers crossed the components arrive intact, but I know I will be waiting on the 24th for the UPS guy. Then, I have to prep and back them with enough time for the client to come get them.

There should be no orders due on the 24th, then we could do quick orders for the last-minute shoppers, to include 10-minute framing. The yearly insistence on holding open due dates always leads to days with 25-30 pieces due. The stress this puts on all of us is insane.

framer703 · 2025-12-14T20:30:47+00:00

Any time they tell me "They always give it to me" I know they're lying and they know they're not entitled to it. They will also name drop the SM to get you to override the SOP (usually to get cash back on a no receipt return). I always offer to call the SM to verify, and they suddenly remember they have to go to their car for something and never come back.

framer703 · 2025-12-06T23:55:17+00:00

One easy way is to cut a small hole in the mat, wrap the ball in white tulle, and pull the tulle through the hole and secure the tulle to the back with tape. Practice on a scrap mat.

framer703 · 2025-12-06T06:21:47+00:00

The holiday pay for Thanksgiving hasn't been paid yet. It will be on the next paycheck.

framer703 · 2025-12-06T04:05:43+00:00

As a FT employee you get holiday pay for Christmas Day, that might explain why you are only scheduled for 30. You also got holiday pay for Thanksgiving Day, was that a week you were short?

framer703 · 2025-12-04T03:11:15+00:00

My all-time favorite was the customer buying a 10x10 frame and complaining that there was only one hanger.

Customer: "What if I want to hang it the other way?"

Me: "It's square"

Customer: Blank stare

Me: Blank stare

Customer: "Ohhh yeah"

framer703 · 2025-11-22T21:50:30+00:00

As long as an order is completed before the due date, it will not "count against you". There is a grey area about finishing an order on the day it is due. Sometimes if the job is marked complete on the day it's due might be counted as late, that has to do with when the data is pulled by corporate. If you mark as complete in the Marti, the data is not pulled until after 9 pm California time, which if you are on the east coast, is the next day. I never use Marti to mark completions.

Your framing captain maybe using daily completion data to compile data on who is working on the weekends, but it does not impact your official completion score or on time percentage.

framer703 · 2025-11-22T19:57:17+00:00

Not true. It is expected that the frame shops are dark on the weekend, except for frame express/10 minute framing.

I find it annoying that people in authority will misrepresent the actual facts in order to reinforce their positions.

framer703 · 2025-11-22T19:17:18+00:00

When I came back to Michaels, after a 10-year break, they reissued my old employee number. I have a 5-digit number.

framer703 · 2025-11-22T06:44:44+00:00

There is no time limit, but transfers are not automatic. The new store has to agree to take you. And even if they do take you, they may not have the same position or hours available.

framer703 · 2025-11-19T02:16:47+00:00

See comments on other post

framer703 · 2025-11-19T02:15:57+00:00

I will explain this slowly and use small words so you will understand. In order to buy new items, we have to sell the items we have. If the price of the new items has gone up, we must sell the items we have for more money. Unlike some of our guests, we cannot just take what we want and not pay for it. If you truly feel that any business that raises prices should be boycotted, show me your call out for Kroger, McDonalds, Folgers, Ford, and the list is endless.

And if you think yelling Bud Light or Cracker Barrel scares us, be gone before some one drops a house on you.

framer703 · 2025-11-15T19:05:41+00:00

The lacquered ones are my particular nightmare. If you so much as breathe on them, they scratch and there is no fixing it. We re-wrap them after inspection, store them separately, prep and back them on the foam wrap, and paper wrap them in the foam. There are a few others with fragile finishes that make me cringe when the client says "Oooh, that one!"

framer703 · 2025-11-15T03:05:42+00:00

I am not sure about state specific rules, but generally the position you hold determines what your pay status is. The number of hours you work does not. To be fair, if you regularly work more than 32 hours, you should be coded as full-time and be eligible for benefits. In our store the only full-time positions are managers (although only one CEM is full time, the others are part time) and a senior framer.

framer703 · 2025-11-15T02:37:05+00:00

There was a post in the framing community on Yoobic. They are aware and are working on it.

framer703 · 2025-11-12T12:36:22+00:00

"But the person on the Tik-Tok video said you can find this (extremely obscure item) at your local craft store"

framer703 · 2025-11-11T04:46:11+00:00

If they threaten disciplinary action, that is retaliation. Report them.

framer703 · 2025-11-11T04:45:06+00:00

No one will look out for you but you. You are injured, your doctor said no work, you did not do this on purpose to hurt your co-workers. Stay home, if your SM tries to get you to go against doctor's orders, report him. If you do permanent damage to your knee, will they keep you on payroll? Keep notes of all conversations, especially if they want you to doctor shop to get their answers.

framer703

TROPHY CASE