Picture frames are available in many cost categories ranging from about $6 at discount stores to several hundred at top-notch frame shops. In the world of picture framing, it is generally true that one gets what one pays for. However, not all framing projects require identical levels of conservation standards and materials. Also, customers will have varying degrees of comfort with regards to how much of the project they are comfortable doing on their own, and how much they want to rely on professional guidance. Both of these factors influence the price of a frame; the more conservation quality materials are required, the higher the price. Also, the more of the framing project that a customer is willing to do themselves, the lower the price. This article lists the various categories of picture frame shops and the conservation qualities that are achievable at each. We also review how much help and guidance a customer can expect in each case.

Ready-Made vs. Custom-Made Frames
A major distinction with picture frames is whether they are ready-made or custom-made. Ready-made frames are produced on high volume machines, usually in low labor cost countries such as China or India, and most often not with conservation grade materials. They are therefore most suitable for the framer who is looking for standard sizes.  In contrast, custom made frames are precision cut and hand made to a customer’s unique specifications. They are generally of better quality than their mass produced, ready-made counterparts, but also cost more. When considering a framing project, it is helpful if the framer decides whether or not the project calls for a custom made frame or not.

Chain Stores
Large discount retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, and IKEA sell low-cost ready-made frames in most all of the standard sizes. The materials used in these frames tend to be plastic, cardboard-cores, or at best a low grade veneer.  They are suitable for basic framing projects in which the artwork will be of a standard size and not expected to last more than 5-7 years. This type of frame is suitable for digital photographs which can be easily replaced. Since the mounting materials will be wood-pulp based, they will have a low pH-value (high in acid) and will degrade (yellow and brittle) the artwork over time. 

When purchasing ready-made frames from big box retailers, we recommend carefully examining each picture frame for dings and scrapes. The customer should expect that these frames are not handled with any particular care during shipping, handling or retail display. Do not expect archival standards or a wide choice of matting colors. Also, be particularly aware that the glass used in these frames is very thin and will break easily. 

Chain Hobby Stores
One grade above mass discounters are the brick-and-mortar hobby stores. Tuesday's, Michaels, A.C. Moore, and Dick Blick are included in this category. These stores offer both ready-made and custom-made frames. They are a good place to go if the framer is unsure of whether an off-the-shelf or custom-made frame is required for the framing project. This type of store will most always offer coupons for custom-made frames. Also, the employees at these stores are rarely professional framers, and probably do not have specialized knowledge.

Also, some stores carry archival materials (for example A.C. Moore), while others (Michael's) special order this quality of product, which in turn may add to total order time. Also, be aware the most of these stores outsource their frame making to large regional manufacturing centers. This does not necessarily signal lesser quality, however, it is certainly not a process that involves a lot of personalization as the custom frame shops covered later in this article. 

Internet Sellers 
This is by far the fastest growing section of the picture framing industry. Indeed, buying frames online is now not the novelty it was just a few years ago. Internet-only stores sell either ready-made or custom-made frames. Some offer accessories such as matting, mounting board and glazing, while others do not. Purchasing custom-made frames can be somewhat daunting to the first-time buyer and it may take a few minutes to understand how to order via the internet. However, the time invested in the buying process will be more than made up by much lower prices. 

Generally the quality of frames from internet sites is very good. Pricing is usually very favorable because these retailers save money by not needing to invest in prime bricks and mortar retail space. Instead, their shops are often located in industrial parks that have much lower rents. 

These sites will sell most all grades of framing levels, including museum quality conservation grades. The major drawback of internet ordering is that the customer is required to insert their artwork into the frame once it arrives. Not all customers want to do this. This is an ideal choice for those looking for quality frames at good price and do not mind doing the framing themselves. Some designers and artists swear by these types of shops.

Full-Service Frame Shops
These are the frame shops that one finds in neighborhoods throughout the United States and Canada. The major advantage of these stores is that one receives one-on-one customer service, with someone who is usually a knowledgeable professional framer. Some might even have the Profession Picture Framers (PPF) accreditation.

The most significant downside to these stores is cost; a relatively simple and straightforward framing project will most likely cost over $150. Also, especially the small shops do not carry much inventory, so it can take up to two weeks between customer order and frame pick-up.

Full-service shops should be frequented by those who would like personal advice about mat color, border size, frame style, or those that have a particularly challenging framing project. This is also a good solution for those who simply do not want to bother with the details of the project.

In Conclusion
The choice of which type of store to purchase a frame from will depend on the framers personal preference, budget, and the conservation-grade demands of the artwork. This decision is quite personal to each person and may vary with each framing project. The most important thing is that the framer be comfortable with the decision.