C&J Picture Frames Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions:




Q- Do you have a catalog?
A- Our 72 page catalog comes in a hard cover binder and contains full color photos of over 800 of our frames along with their corresponding profiles. It is available for $40 including shipping, and is refundable on the first frame order. If you order 10 or more samples the catalog is free. Updates are mailed at no extra cost and can be easily added to the book.

Q- Can I customize the finish on my frame?
A- Since all of our frames are individually made by hand there is no limit to the variety of finishes we can do. We welcome your creativity when it comes to custom finishes. Our finishes can be interchanged or combined at no extra cost. We can also create a new and unique finish based on your specifications.

Q- Are all of your frames pictured on the website?
A- No, the website shows only some of what we offer. The complete line contains over 1500 different items.

Q- How can I get a password to view pictures of your frames.
A- Because we are a wholesale manufacturer parts of our website are protected with a password. If you are a C&J customer you can call us to request a user name and password.  The Safari browser will not work with the password protected section of our website. Mac users please try Firefox instead, which is available for free download over the internet. Simply do a google search for Firefox.

Q- How long do frame orders take?
A- Most frames take about 3 weeks to produce. Specialty items may take longer.

Q- Do you offer a RUSH service?
A- Rush service is available on most of the frames we manufacture, please inquire. There is a 25% charge to make a frame in 5 to 8 business days when possible. ($50 minimum charge).

Q- Can I receive free corner samples?
A- Our samples are very expensive to produce. We can not offer them for free, however we do offer rebates as well as significant discounts on sample sets. If you order a frame directly from the catalog or website you can request the sample at no charge. This is a good way to build up your sample collection at no cost.

Q- How do corner sample rebates work?
A- When you order a frame you will receive a rebate for the amount you paid for that particular sample.

Q- What information is needed when I place an order?
A- The Frame number, Finish, and Dimensions. The frame number alone does not indicate the finish. Special finish or carpentry requests must also be specified at the time the order is placed.

Q- When I order a frame will I receive a confirmation?
A- Yes. We fax a confirmation that will contain the specifications and pricing for your order. The confirmation should always be checked for accuracy. We must be notified as soon as possible if any changes need to be made.

Q- Can I Fax or Email you my order?
A- Yes, we prefer that you fax or email your frame orders. This will help avoid costly mistakes and delays. Phone orders are also accepted but require that you sign and fax back our order confirmation before work is started.

Q- Can I receive a price quote?
A- C&J will give price quotes via phone or fax only to existing customers with C&J account numbers. Please remember that verbal quotes are not guaranteed. You can request a written quote via fax or mail. This quote will have a number that you can reference when ordering.

Q- How do I calculate the footage on a frame?
A- Add the 2 sides plus 4 times the width and divide by 6. Round up any fractions to the next half foot.
example: 20 x 24 frame that is 3 inches wide would be:
20+24+12 divided by 6 = 9.5 feet

Q- What is your minimum footage on frame orders?
A-  There is a 5 foot minimum charge on frames up to 1½  inches wide. All other frames have a 6 foot minimum.

Q- Will the frame I order match my sample?
A- Our finishes are as consistent as possible but slight variations should be expected on hand made frames. These are not defects, they add to the character and uniqueness of our frames.

Q- Can I order a custom Mat or Liner with my frame?
A- Yes, we do make custom mats and liners but these are available only with frame orders. They are not sold separately.
Since mat orders can be complex, we will only accept these via fax or mail.

Q- Can the rabbet on my frame be made deeper?
A- Yes, we can add to the depth of the rabbet by building up the back of the frame. The charge for this is listed on the last page of our price list. When we build up a frame wood is added to the back. If you need a flush build up this must be requested.

Q- I need a wider rabbet. Is there a charge for this?
A- There is no charge for wider rabbets.

Q- What type of wood do you use?
A- We use only the best kiln dried Basswood to make our frames. This is the highest quality wood that can be used for gold leaf picture frames. We never make substitutions and we buy only from companies who are ecologically responsible.

Q- What type of gold leaf do you use?
A- 22k yellow gold, 12k white gold (Silver) or 18k (Pale or Lemon). This is high quality real gold leaf, not imitation or metal.

Q- Do your frames require any special care?
A- No. If needed they can be cleaned with a dry cloth or feather duster. Never use anything wet, never use furniture polish or any type of cleaning product. Our frames should not be kept near a radiator or subjected to dramatic temperature changes.

Q- Can your frames be kept in a bathroom?
A- Yes, as long as they are kept dry they will be fine even with the extra humidity. Please make sure to specify when a frame will be used for a bathroom so we can apply extra coats of sealer. To maintain a bathroom frame we recommend applying Butcher's amber paste wax with a dry cloth every 6 months.

Q- Are your frames hand carved?
A- Yes, most of our carved styles are done entirely by hand. The only exceptions are items starting with the letter "M". The "M" series frames are wood with composition designs. These are handcrafted frames with finished corners but are not hand carved. All frames starting with the letter "C" are carved by hand.

Q- What is Sgraffito?
A- Sgraffito is a technique used for making gold leaf designs on picture frames. It is done by scratching away a surface layer to reveal the underlying layer of leaf. There are examples of this on page 3 of the frame gallery section.

Q- What is the Tinta Negra finish?
A- Tinta Negra is a black ink finish with red undertones. This finish has 3 shades from lighter to darker. Tinta Negra, Dark Tinta Negra and Dutch finish. There is also a Dark Tinta Negra with Red Edges finish. The Tinta Negra finish will show more red, and the Dutch finish will show the least. At your request we can make you a color stick that shows the 3 different shades. There is no charge for this service.

Q- Can a frame be made into a floater for a canvas?
A- Yes, we can add a custom floater to any of our frames. The cost for this service is listed on on the last page of our price list. Please specify the depth when ordering.

Q- Do you do frame restorations?
A- Yes. Prices are quoted per job. In all cases we would need to see the frame before we can give a price quote. Please remember that most restoration work will be more expensive than making a new frame.

Q- Are your prices listed in my framing software?
A- We provide pricing information for the software listed below.

ARTISAN FRAME PLUS
FERN SOFTWARE

FRAMESMART
LIFESAVER
SPECIALTYSOFT
SPINSOFT

C&J is not responsible for the software, or its accuracy. You should contact the software maker directly for technical support or questions. It’s a good idea to test the pricing accuracy before giving out quotes.  If the program you use is not on the list, contact your software maker and have them email us to request our price file. Our email is: cjframes@cjframes.com

Q- How do you ship frames?
A- Frames are shipped via UPS up to size limitations. Larger frames require foam lined wooden crates that will carry an additional cost. These crates are 100% solid wood and custom made to offer the the greatest protection possible. Most crates over 65 inches will be shipped by truck, smaller crates are shipped by air.

Q- Do you ship COD?
We ship COD via UPS only. We cannot ship COD via truck. If you have not established credit terms with our company, and your frame order is over the UPS size limits you must use a Credit Card or pre-pay your order.

Q- Can I use my own freight company?
A- Yes, but in this case C&J would not be responsible for any damages. You would need to insure the package yourself, and file any damage claims directly with your freight company.

Q- What is your credit policy?
A- COD, or Credit Card. Net 15 day terms can be established by filling out our credit application. First time orders are COD only. There is a 1.5% monthly finance charge for past due invoices over 35 days.

Q- Will I receive my invoice in the mail or with the frame?
A- Our invoice will be on the box in a pouch unless the shipping address is different than the billing. If this is the case the invoice will be mailed.
If your invoice is lost you can request a copy that will be faxed or mailed to you.



 C&J Picture Frames Inc. FAQ updated 05/01/2008