This past weekend a chain store tried to rip-off my daughter and son-in-law. Last December, when they were home for Christmas in Mississippi, my wife and I gave the two of them a couple of large prints that needed framing. This past weekend, while on a visit to their home in Birmingham, AL, we noticed that Michaels Stores was having a 30% off the already 50% reduced price on framing.
Off to Trussville, AL we drove with the prints in hand. At the rear of the store was the framing department where we were greeting by a very friendly clerk, Frances. She was a young person who was good at her job and helped us to pick out a frame and quote a price for the job.What Frances probably didn't know or at least I hope she didn't know, was that Michael's had very much overpriced the initial cost of framing to then mark down to a still excessive price.
According to the quote that my daughter was given, the original cost to frame two 27x39 prints was $1,005.40. The reduction in price (30% off the already 50%), lowered the cost by $631.42 to a total of $373.98. As friendly and professional as Frances was, it simply felt like a rip-off. In fact, we knew it was a rip-off and it really angered me that someone (Michael's) would take advantage of others in this fashion. Michael's slogan is, "Where Creativity Happens" and it appears that especially goes to their pricing structure and promotions.
 |
| Neblett's Frame Outlet, Clinton, MS |
A big pat on the back to Neblett's Frame Outlet in Clinton, MS and to all the other frame shops that treat people right with a proper price and a job well done.
Below are the quotes and invoices from Michaels and Neblett's.
