Starting a framing business is a rewarding venture that combines craftsmanship and an eye for design with solid business sense. The picture framing market is a multi-billion dollar industry, with consistent demand from homeowners, artists, and businesses looking to preserve and display their pieces.
This guide will take you through the practical steps of validating your business concept, securing funding, acquiring equipment, and building supplier relationships to help you launch a successful framing business in the U.S.
Step 1: Plan and validate your business idea
Market and competitor research
Start by visiting local art galleries, home decor shops, and artist markets. Note the popular frame styles, sizes, and price points. You can also use Google Maps to identify all framing shops within a 20-mile radius and analyze their customer reviews on platforms like Yelp.
A frequent misstep is to focus only on high-end art framing. Many customers want to frame family photos, posters, or certificates. Neglecting this segment means you miss a large part of the market. Your research should cover both high-end and everyday framing needs to find your niche.
Estimate your startup costs
Initial equipment costs can be significant. A professional miter saw runs from $500 to $1,500, while a good underpinner or joiner costs between $1,000 and $3,000. A quality mat cutter, like a Fletcher-Terry, will be another $300 to $1,200.
Speaking of costs, you should also budget for your initial inventory. Plan for $2,000 to $5,000 to stock a basic selection of moulding, mat boards, and glazing. With business formation fees and insurance, your total startup investment will likely fall between $5,000 and $12,000.
Here are 3 immediate steps to take:
- Visit three local competitors to document their services and pricing.
- Create a detailed startup budget listing specific equipment and inventory costs.
- Analyze online reviews for local framers to identify common customer complaints and service gaps.
Step 2: Establish your legal and licensing framework
Choose your business structure
You might want to consider forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). It protects your personal assets if the business faces debt or lawsuits. This structure also allows profits to pass through to your personal taxes, which avoids the double taxation that corporations face.
Many new owners operate as a sole proprietorship to save on initial fees, but this leaves personal assets like your home vulnerable. An LLC costs between $50 and $500 to file with your Secretary of State, a small price for peace of mind.
Secure federal, state, and local permits
First, get a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS website. You will need this number to open a business bank account and hire any future employees. The online application takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
Next, apply for a Seller's Permit from your state's tax authority. This permit allows you to purchase framing supplies wholesale without paying sales tax. Also, check with your city or county clerk for a local business license, which typically costs $50 to $100 annually.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- File LLC formation documents with your Secretary of State.
- Apply for a free EIN on the IRS website.
- Research your state's requirements for a Seller's Permit.
- Contact your city clerk's office about local business license fees and applications.
Step 3: Secure your insurance and manage risk
Protect your business with the right coverage
General Liability insurance is your first line of defense. It covers accidents like a customer slipping in your shop. A $1 million policy is standard and costs around $400 to $900 per year.
You should also get Professional Liability insurance. This protects you if you accidentally damage a customer's artwork. Many new framers skip this, only to face a huge bill for a damaged piece. This coverage is a business-saver.
With that in mind, Commercial Property insurance covers your expensive equipment and inventory from theft or fire. Expect annual premiums between $600 and $2,500, based on the value of your assets. If you plan to hire help, you will also need Workers' Compensation.
When you look for policies, consider providers that work with small businesses, such as Hiscox, The Hartford, or Next Insurance. They understand the risks specific to artisan shops and can offer tailored packages.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Request a quote for a $1 million General Liability policy.
- Add Professional Liability coverage to your insurance plan.
- Assess your equipment and inventory value for a Commercial Property quote.
- Compare policies from providers like Hiscox, The Hartford, and Next Insurance.
Step 4: Set up your location and equipment
Find and prepare your space
Look for a retail or commercial space between 500 and 1,000 square feet. This provides room for a small showroom, a consultation counter, and a workshop. Check that the local zoning is C1 or C2, which generally allows for light artisan work and retail.
When you review a lease, ask about a Tenant Improvement (TI) allowance. You can use this for better track lighting or a ventilation system. Many new owners overlook ventilation, which is a must for managing wood dust and adhesive fumes from the start.
Acquire your gear and supplies
With your space in mind, you can purchase your main equipment. This includes a miter saw ($500-$1,500), an underpinner ($1,000-$3,000), and a mat cutter ($300-$1,200). While it is tempting to buy cheaper tools, professional equipment prevents costly mistakes and remakes.
Next, establish accounts with moulding suppliers. Companies like Larson-Juhl and Roma Moulding are industry standards. Contact their sales reps to get catalogs and ask about minimum order quantities, which can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand for an initial order.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Draft a floor plan for a 750-square-foot workshop and showroom.
- When reviewing leases, ask about a Tenant Improvement allowance for ventilation.
- Get catalogs and account requirements from Larson-Juhl and one other supplier.
- Price out a professional-grade underpinner and miter saw.
Step 5: Set up your finances and payment systems
A common practice is to require a 50% deposit upfront for custom orders. This covers your initial material costs. The remaining balance is due upon pickup. This protects you from clients who never return for their finished pieces.
You'll want a system that accepts credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. Many new owners get stuck with solutions that have high monthly fees or require expensive hardware. Average commission rates from other providers can range from 2.5% to 3.5% plus additional fees.
For a framing business that needs to accept payments on-site or on-the-go, JIM offers a streamlined solution. With JIM, you can accept debit, credit and digital wallets directly through your smartphone - just tap and done.
At just 1.99% per transaction with no hidden costs or extra hardware needed, it's particularly useful for taking deposits at art fairs or client consultations.
- Get Started: Download JIM app for iOS
- Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone
- Access Funds: Your money is available right on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done - no waiting for bank transfers
Here are 3 immediate steps to take:
- Decide on your deposit policy, such as a 50% upfront payment for custom orders.
- Compare payment processing rates, keeping the 2.5% to 3.5% industry average in mind.
- Download the JIM app to explore its features for on-the-go payments.
Step 6: Secure funding and manage your finances
Explore your funding options
An SBA Microloan is a solid starting point. These loans range from $5,000 to $50,000 with interest rates typically between 8% and 13%. You will generally need a credit score above 640 and a detailed business plan to qualify.
You might also look into a business line of credit. This gives you flexible access to cash for inventory purchases. Also, check with your local arts council for grants specifically for artisans, which do not require repayment.
Calculate your working capital
Beyond startup gear, you need cash to operate. Plan for at least six months of working capital. This covers rent, insurance, and marketing before sales become steady. For a small shop, this often means having $10,000 to $20,000 set aside.
Many new owners focus only on equipment costs and run out of cash quickly. To avoid this, open a separate business checking account immediately. This keeps your finances clean for tax season and gives you a clear view of your cash flow.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Research SBA Microloan requirements on the SBA website.
- Calculate your working capital needs for the first six months.
- Contact your local arts council about grants for artisans.
- Open a dedicated business checking account.
Step 7: Hire staff and set up operations
Hire your first framer
When you are ready to hire, look for a "Custom Framer." This person will handle customer consultations, cut mats and glass, and assemble frames. Expect to pay an experienced framer between $18 and $25 per hour, depending on your location and their skill level.
Some new owners hire for customer service skills alone. This can be a problem when a valuable piece of art is on the line. Look for candidates with hands-on experience or a Certified Picture Framer (CPF) designation from the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA).
Streamline your workflow
To keep orders organized, you might use industry-specific software like FrameReady. It helps manage pricing, work orders, and inventory from one place. This prevents the chaos of paper tickets and lost details, which can lead to costly remakes and unhappy customers.
As you grow, a good benchmark is for each full-time employee to generate around $100,000 in annual revenue. This figure helps you decide when it makes financial sense to bring on more help. It keeps your labor costs in check relative to your sales volume.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Draft a job description for a Custom Framer with a clear list of responsibilities.
- Visit the PPFA website to learn about the CPF certification requirements.
- Request a demo for a management software like FrameReady.
- Set a target revenue-per-employee goal for your business plan.
Step 8: Market your business and acquire customers
Build local partnerships
Connect with local artists, interior designers, and photographers. Offer them a 10-15% trade discount on their orders. This simple gesture encourages them to refer their clients directly to you, creating a reliable source of business.
Many new owners wait for customers to find them. Instead, you should actively build these relationships. Attend local art fairs or gallery openings to introduce yourself and your services. A single design partner can bring in dozens of projects a year.
Create a visual online presence
Your work is visual, so your marketing should be too. Set up an Instagram and a Pinterest profile to showcase your best projects. With the client's permission, post high-quality photos of finished pieces in a well-lit space.
A frequent misstep is posting generic photos of moulding samples. Instead, focus on before-and-after shots or unique framing solutions. Also, claim your Google Business Profile and encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Most new clients will check your reviews before they visit.
Run targeted promotions
Align your marketing with seasonal events. For example, you could run a "Diploma Framing Special" in May and June. This targets recent graduates and their families. Around the holidays, a promotion for framing family portraits can also perform well.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Contact three local art galleries or interior designers to propose a partnership.
- Set up an Instagram account and post five high-quality images of your work.
- Claim and complete your Google Business Profile, including hours and photos.
- Plan a "Diploma Framing Special" promotion to run before graduation season.
Step 9: Develop your pricing strategy
Set your pricing model
Most framers use a cost-plus model. You calculate the cost of materials—moulding, mat board, glass—and add a markup. A 3x markup on materials is a common starting point. If moulding costs you $10 per foot, you would charge the customer $30 per foot.
A frequent oversight is to underprice your labor. Your time is valuable. Factor in a separate labor charge of $60 to $80 per hour. This covers consultation, design work, cutting, and assembly. Without it, your profit margins will suffer significantly.
Analyze your competitors
Before you finalize your prices, see what others charge. Call at least three local competitors and ask for a quote on a standard job. A good test case is a 16x20 inch frame with a single mat and regular glass. This gives you a direct market comparison.
Use this information to position your business. You do not have to be the cheapest. If your quality and service are superior, you can justify a higher price point. Customers who want quality framing often expect to pay more for craftsmanship and expertise.
Here are 3 immediate steps to take:
- Calculate a price for a 16x20 frame using a 3x material markup and a $70/hour labor rate.
- Call three local competitors to get a quote for a standard framing job.
- Create a price sheet for common sizes like 8x10 and 11x14 to streamline quoting.
Step 10: Maintain quality and scale your operations
Establish your quality standards
Your reputation depends on consistent quality. Adhere to Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) standards. This means perfect 45-degree corners with no gaps, clean mat cuts, and a dust-free finish under the glazing. A single speck of dust can ruin the final product.
A frequent mistake is to skip a final inspection under bright light. This simple check catches most errors. Track your remake rate, which is the percentage of jobs you must redo. A good target to aim for is below 2%.
Plan for growth
As sales increase, use the $100,000 annual revenue per employee benchmark to decide when to hire. This keeps your labor costs balanced with your income. It prevents you from hiring too soon or waiting too long and burning out.
When you consistently handle over 15-20 custom jobs per week, consider investing in a Computerized Mat Cutter (CMC). A CMC reduces errors and speeds up production. It also allows you to offer complex mat designs, which can increase your profit margins.
Software like FrameReady becomes even more valuable as you scale. It helps manage the increased volume of work orders, customer data, and inventory without letting details slip through the cracks. This prevents the chaos that can come with growth.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Download and review the PPFA's basic framing standards.
- Create a simple spreadsheet to track your remake rate each month.
- Research the cost and features of an entry-level Computerized Mat Cutter (CMC).
- Set a revenue goal that will trigger your first new hire.
Starting a framing business is about more than just wood and glass. Your success will come from blending skilled craftsmanship with great customer service. You have the roadmap, so go ahead and build your business, one frame at a time.
As you set up, you'll need a simple way to take payments. JIM turns your phone into a card reader for a flat 1.99% fee, with no extra hardware. It makes getting paid easy from day one. Download JIM to get started.
