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Picture framing can be a fun and profitable business that offers low startup costs, flexible modes of operation (home-based, retail, mobile etc.), reasonable hours, and of course, high markups. (If you've ever purchased custom picture framing, you probably recognized this out already.) Framing is also a great business for partners, as an add-on to an existing business, and a nice retirement business too.
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The American Picture Framing Academy is the picture framing industry's largest provider of technical, business, management and sales training and consulting. With all proper modesty, we believe our success is due to the fact that we're the best at what we do. Perhaps it's because of our top notch faculty and state-of-the art equipment.
At APFA, education is our only business -We're not a picture framing shop that moonlights as a school, or a community college offering a hobby-level course. Your future is too important to trust it to just anyone. Attend one of our classes and you'll understand why students travel from across North America, and around the globe, to attend our classes and make us the #1 choice of novices, experienced professionals and serious amateurs too.
No prior experience is required to attend. Call us now at 860-940-9262 and we can tell you more and answer any questions you may have.
Picture success at The American Picture Framing Academy. You'll be glad you did.
Our 2-day classes are well suitable for hobbyists and artists. You'll learn the fundamental skills of professional framing, including basic mat cutting, mounting techniques, cutting/joining frames, cutting glass and fitting procedures. Once you've complete the class, you'll be able to do your own framing at savings of as much as 70%. We'll even tell you how and where to buy wholesale materials and supplies. Tuition is only $495 - about the cost of just 2-3 frames bought at retail.
Our 2-day classes are held only a few times each year, usually on weekends, at different locations. Check our schedule, or call for upcoming classes.
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Our 4-Day Professional Class is tailored to the entrepreneur, however, serious amateurs are also welcome. If you want to make money with your framing skills, this class is designed for you. In fact, many entrepreneurs get their start in picture framing by attending The American Picture Framing Academy's most popular class.
Our 4-Day Professional Class covers both the technical and business aspects of custom picture framing.
Naturally, you'll learn all of the technical fundamentals that our 2-day class covers, but with the greater depth, breadth and detail that an aspiring professional framer needs and desires. You'll also learn advanced mat cutting skills and other techniques.
Most important, in the 4-Day Professional Class, you'll learn the business secrets of professional picture framing from one of the industry's most respected and widely read business experts, Paul Cascio, aka "The Guerrilla Framer."
Mr. Cascio travels around the country as his schedule allows, lecturing at many APFA classes. He'll share his creative insights and high-powered business strategies, answer your questions and provide pricing, sales, marketing, management and advertising tips to help your profit picture look its best. No matter where you live, if you're starting a picture framing business, start with our 4-Day Professional Class, a small investment of time and money whose benefits will last an entire career.
Don't miss the opportunity to put your business on the path to success. (Note: Call our office for an updated schedule of Mr. Cascio's appearances.)
Tuition is only $895, (Just $795/person for groups of two or more). Class size is strictly limited, and because many of our 4-Day Professional Classes are sold out, early registration is strongly recommended. Call our office to check dates and availability. 1-860-940-9262
Tuition for our 4-day Professional Class is $895 ($795/person for groups of two or more). If you've ever purchased custom framing, you already know that $895 is about the total retail price of just a few frames (and less than one medium size mistake), so it shouldn't take long to recoup your investment. If you're thinking about starting or buying a framing business, this should be your very first step. Call us and we'll tell you why.
Tuition for our 2-Day Learn to Frame Class is $495.
There are no additional fees, all materials are included. Naturally, you'll be responsible for your own transportation, food and lodging expenses. At some locations, you won't even need to rent a car. We've also arranged discount lodging for our students at many of our locations, with rates as low as $49/night. Call us for details. 1-860-940-9262
All enrollments are currently done by telephone. Call anytime with questions or to enroll: 1-888-840-9605. Be sure to ask about discounts for groups of 2 or more.
No. Experience is not necessary and won't hinder your learning experience.
Most of our students have no experience, or are self-taught and want to learn professional techniques. Framing is not nuclear physics, but there are a lot of little things to learn - things that separate successful framers from the struggling wannabes. Our staff will provide easy-to-understand instruction and also individualized attention. When you complete any our courses, you'll be able to confidently say, "I can do this." You will need more practice of course, but you'll have the knowledge and familiarity that forms the foundation for future success.
Honestly, I wish we could answer that, but unfortunately, we can't. In fact, no one can.
You should be aware that starting a business of any type entails some amount of risk. Of course, as you may already know, working for someone else also entails risks.
At APFA, we want you to be successful. We'll help you reduce risk through preparation and education. In our 4-Day Professional Class, you'll not only learn how to make frames, you'll also learn how to make money making frames. We cover the profit picture like no other school. After all, Paul didn't get to be known as "The Guerrilla Framer" for nothing.
And since knowing what not to do, is as important as knowing what to do, we'll warn you about about common, but costly mistakes; and how to avoid them too. We believe that knowledge is the most important tool in any frame shop. Call us at 1-860-940-9262 and we'll tell you more about our classes.
It varies. Framing is a relatively inexpensive business to start because only a small amount of equipment is required. If you're planning a home-based business you may be able to start with less than a $1000 investment in in equipment. However, you can also choose to spend $10,000 - $15,000 or more to provide a full complement of new, first class equipment for a modern retail store.
In addition to equipment, you'll need work tables, basic materials and supplies, money for leasehold improvements, signage, furniture, fixtures and working capital. You can learn more about startup costs and lots of other valuable information in our highly acclaimed 2-DVD set, "How to Start Your Own Picture Framing Business." If you're thinking about starting a framing business, we recommend our DVDs as an inexpensive first step. Click here for more info
The American Picture Framing Academy does not sell equipment. However, we do provide our students with a comprehensive list of sources for equipment, wholesale materials, supplies, art and more. You'll also get a Buyer's Guide to framing as part of our 4-day class.
Absolutely. You'll learn about special strategies for making money in a home-based framing business. You may not be aware of this, but many of the picture framing industry's most successful retailers began as a basement, garage or attic business. Our 4-day class is designed for entrepreneurs of every size business and budget. The knowledge you receive can help put even the smallest of businesses on the path to success. Who knows, someday you may be a big business.
Check out Paul Cascio's article home-based picture framing, "Have you Hugged a Basement Framer Lately?" By the way, have you ordered our DVDs?
We believe that the first step to starting any type of business is to learn as much as possible. Begin with either our 4-Day Professional Class, or our 2-DVD set, "How to Start Your Own Picture Framing Business, " include lots of information that will help you get started, with tips on everything from choosing a location, to naming your business, to negotiating a lease. Click here for more info about our DVDs.
If it's a McDonalds, no. But if you are considering a picture framing franchise, don't simply rely on the franchisors for your information. Attending our 4-day class can help you make a more informed decision as to which franchise to choose, or whether to operate as an independent. Spending 4-days with us may help you avoid spending tens of thousands of dollars.
As noted previously, our maximum class size is typically 8-14 students. Therefore, many of our classes are full; sometime months in advance. For this reason, we recommend early registration. However, occasionally we get a last minute opening, so don't hesitate to call about even classes that are about to begin.
We generally offer discounts for groups of two or more, for those who register early.
Call our office for more information. 1-860-940-9262
Most definitely.
Buying an existing business can be a great way to get into picture framing. In the 4-Day Professional Class, you'll learn from Paul Cascio, the former owner of a business brokerage. Find out how to evaluate picture framing businesses, detect red flag warnings, learn how much to pay, and even techniques to get the Seller to finance your purchase. You'll also learn how to find businesses that are for sale, before the information becomes public knowledge - thus placing you in a highly desirable one-bidder auction.
Don't sign a contract until you talk to us. Call for a complimentary consultation. 1-860-940-9262
If you haven't purchased our 2-DVD set, "How to Start Your Own Picture Framing Business," you're missing out on a lot of valuable information. Click here for more info
We recommend the 4-Day Professional Class, which is designed for entrepreneurs of all experience levels. Don't worry, we won't bore you with general small business info. Everything covered in class is specific to the picture framing business. We focus on your profit picture, with information that will help you save money and make your business grow faster. You'll be amazed at how much you will learn.
All of our equipment is professional grade equipment commonly found in professional frames shops. And there's plenty of it too. Most of it is also new or nearly new, as we replace much of our equipment every one-two years.
We'll also provide you with a Buyer's Guide to Framing Equipment, so you'll know your options, including their pros and cons, and can make informed choices when you buy equipment.
No, computerized mat cutters can be very expensive and are not usually found in startup businesses. Beside, you already know how to use a computer keyboard or you wouldn't be reading this. However, computerized mat cutters are discussed at our 4-Day Professional Class. Instead, you'll also learn how to cut mats with a traditional professional mat cutter, a skill that can save you tens of thousands of dollars.