Frequently Asked Questions

Picture framing can be a fun and profitable business whose benefits include low startup costs, flexible modes of operation (home-based, retail, mobile, full-time, part-time etc.), reasonable hours, and of course, high markups. (If you’ve ever purchased custom picture framing, you probably know this already.)

Framing can also a great business for couples, as one person often excels in the creative side, while the other in the technical or business side.

Picture framing is also terrific add-on to an existing business, such as photography, art, sign-making, etc.

Many people choose framing as a retirement business because of it flexibility, profit potential, and because it’s a fun and creative activity.

Framing is neither physically demanding or stressful for most people. As a result, it’s a business that can continue to operate throughout your retirement years.

It’s all about the education – in slightly more than a decade, The American Picture Framing Academy has grown to become the professional framing industry’s largest provider of technical, business, management and sales training. Each year we helped more successful framing businesses get their start than all other schools combined. It’s an accomplishment we’re proud of and that we’ve worked hard to achieve.

We’re serious about your success. Our focus has been on meeting the needs of the entrepreneur and serious novices. With all proper modesty, we believe our success is due to the fact that we’re the best at what we do.

We feature a top notch faculty and use state-of-the art equipment. (Read what our students say about us. Click Here

Professional Level Training is all we do. The APFA featuresthe only fulltime framing instructors in the industry. And you’ll learn using the same professional equipment used in frameshops accross North America.

Many self-proclaimed schools are moonlighting, they;ll attempt to teach you while also juggling their retail responibilities.

One aggresively advertised school offers a hobby-level course aimed at do-it-yourself hobbyists. using reudimntary tools use their classroom as a forum to sell equipment or consulting services, but at the APFA, our only objective is providing you with the highest quality learning experience. Our goal is to give you skills and confidence and provide your business with a competitive edge.

When you leave us, it will be with knowledge, not with a handful of souvenir frames and a sales pitch for consulting services or products. We’ll teach you as much as possible about as many things as possible, as efficiently as possible. You’ll receive broad-based knowledge and valuable tips that give you an edge on the competition and help put you on the path to success. Boot camp attendees even receive a complete pricing system so you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for software.

Your future is too important to trust it to just anyone. Attend one of our bootcamps and you’ll understand why students travel from across North America and around the globe to attend our classes, making the APFA the #1 choice of novices, experienced professionals and serious amateurs too.

No prior experience is required to attend our 1-Day Basic Professional Class or 3-Day Boot Camp. Picture Success at The American Picture Framing Academy. You’ll be glad you did.

Want to know more? Call us now at  860-940-9262 or 888-840-9605. We love to talk picture framing and we’ll try our best to answer any questions you may have. And if you haven’t ordered our 2-DVD set, “How to Start a Successful Picture Framing Business,” it’s a great first step that’s full of inside information about how to start and operate a successful picture framing business. Click Here to Order

The 3-Day, 6-Session Boot Camp is our most popular class. Geared to the entrepreneur, it combines our Basic Professional Class and Advanced Professional Class in an affordable discount package. You’ll learn all the basic professional level skills: mat cutting; mounting techniques; cutting and joining frames; cutting and handling glass; fitting procedures, etc. Plus the skills that can help make your successful: pricing; design and color; marketing and advertising; how to sell to profitable corporate, commercial and institutional accounts and more.

The Advanced Class also covers high-end and high-profit techniques that can separate your business from run-of-the-mill frameshop and craft store chains, including 3-dimensional object box (shadow box) framing, fillets, and more.

If you want to make money with your framing skills, this is the class for you. In fact, many entrepreneurs get their start in picture framing by attending The American Picture Framing Academy’s most popular class and it’s what we’re known for throughout the industry.

The Basic and Advanced classes are also available separately.

Naturally, you’ll learn all of the technical fundamentals that our 1-1/2 day Basic 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.

Equally important, in the 3-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.” (Read some of Paul’s articles)

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 3-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 very reasonable, especially when you consider what you can do with your new skills and knoweldge. Early registration discounts may also be available for certain classes. Class size is strictly limited, and because many of our 3-Day Professional Classes are sold out as much as 6 weeks in advance, early registration is strongly recommended. Call our office to check dates and availability. 1-860-940-9262

Tuition varies depending on whether you choose our 1-1/2-day Basic Class, 1-1/2 Day Advanced Class, or our most popular option, the 3-Day Combination Class (Boot Camp). You’ll enjoy the lowest tuition by taking advantage of early registration specials, and by bring a friend or family member along.

For about the price you’d pay for just a few custom frames purchased from your local framer, you can learn to frame like a pro, and even start your own framing business.

And while almost anyone can learn how to put four sticks together without help, keep in mind that professional framing requires a lot more knowledge than you might think. After all, you’ll be handling valuable items that require specialized techniques. Even one mistake can cost far more than than attending classes at our school. Also, by llearning quickly, you’ll be able to start earning quickly.

Bring a friend along and split the savings. Once you know how to frame, it shouldn’t take long to recoup your investment.

Starting, or buying, a framing business without first attending would be a shortsighted mistake, because even if you know business, you probably don’t know the framing business. If you’re thinking about starting or buying a framing business, spend a few days with us first. You’ll be absolutely amazed at how much you learn and you’ll leave with the skills and confidence that will put you on the path to success. Call us now and we’ll explain why.

NO.  Unlike some framing schools, all materials are included and there are no hidden charges. Naturally, you’ll be responsible for your own transportation, food and lodging expenses. At most of our locations, you won’t even need to rent a car. Discount lodging for our students at many of our locations, with rates as low as $79/night. Call us for details. 1-860-940-9262

The best way to enroll is to use our Easy Online Registration. This ensures your place in class, and it’s available 24/7.

However, if you prefer, you can also register by phone. And if you have questions,  pick up the phone and give us a call: 860-940-9262. Be sure to ask the latest specials, and about discounts for groups of 2 or more.

Yes, upon successful completion of any of our classes, you’ll receive an APFA diploma – proudly framed by you (with supervision) at a level of professional quality that just might amaze you.

Displaying your framed American Picture Framing Academy diploma at your business will instill confidence in your customers, provide evidence of your professional training at the industry’s largest school, and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

No. Experience is not necessary, and it 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 rocket science, but to frame at a professional level that customers pay handsomely for, there are a lot of little things to learn. This knowledge and capability is also what separates successful framers from the struggling wannabes.

Our staff will provide easy-to-understand instruction and also individualized attention. When you complete any our courses, we think 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. But we’re going to help you prepare for success, by sharing as much information as possible during the three days you’re with us.

That’s just how we do it. And we don’t hold back. We cover the profit picture like no other school. After all, Paul didn’t get to be known as “The Guerrilla Framer” for nothing.

However, please 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. One of our goals is to help you reduce risk through preparation, sharing what we believe are the keys to success and profitability, and alerting you to where the hidden pitfalls are that can spell disaster for your framing business.

In our 3-Day Professional Class, you’ll not only learn how to make frames, you’ll discover Paul’s keys to make money making frames.

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.  This is why we’re certain you won’t regret attending the 3-day APFA Boot Camp.

Need to know more? Call us at 860-940-9262. Ask for Paul. If he’s available he’ll be happy to speak with you.

Startup costs vary, but we think you’ll find that a custom picture framing business is a relatively inexpensive business to start.  That’s partly 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 equipment. However, you can also choose to spend $10,000 – $18,000 or more for 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, any leasehold improvements that might be necessary, 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. They’ll also help prepare you for class, assist you in creating a business plan, and become the cornerstone of your professional framing library. Click here for more info

Buying it, and maintaining it. Both are part of the class.

You’ll discover what you need, and what you don’t.

What to look for in used equipment, and what to stay away from. Knowledge that can virtually pay for your tuition.

You’ll even learn the basic maintenance procedures for each of the major pieces if equipment.

And  of course, we’ll provide you with a list of the best sources for equipment, wholesale materials, supplies, art and more. You’ll also get a Buyer’s Guide to framing equipment and supplies as part of our 3-day class.

Attending the APFA’s 3-Day Boot Camp should be on every business owner’s To Do list, because the most important tool in professional picture framing is knowledge.

Absolutely, because in our opinion, framing may just be one of the best home based businesses you can start. In fact, Paul started his first framing business at home. He’ll share his special techniques that can help make your home based framing business profitable, almost from day one.

You’ll learn his 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 3-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 about home-based picture framing, “Have you Hugged a Basement Framer Lately?”  Be sure to order our DVDs on starting a picture framing business. It could be the most important investment you make.

We believe that the first step to starting any type of business is to learn as much as possible. Begin with award nominated 2-DVD set, “How to Start Your Own Picture Framing Business. This will give you lots of inside information about the framing business, and the framing industry. It will also help you formulate your business plan, and prepare you for class.

Then, attend our 3-Day Professional Boot Camp where you’ll learn how to frame at a professional level, receive a free pricing system, and make some new friends that share your goals, and that you’ll be able to network with in the future. APFA students travel from all across North America to attend our classes, so you could gain some valuable insight, and discover lots of new ideas too.

If it’s a McDonalds, no. But if you’re considering a picture framing franchise, don’t simply rely on the franchisor for information. Attending our 3-day class before you sign on the dotted line can help you make a more informed decision. You’ll probably learn enough that you won’t need to spend those extra tens of thousands of dollars. Because there are no Golden Arches in picture framing, most customers will choose from the nearest frame shops. Part of the the money you save can be put toward a powerful marketing campaign.

We also offer an affordable consulting option that can also help you buy an existing business at the right price and terms. Give us a call at 860.940.9262, to find out more.

The quality and scope of education we provide is what’s helped the APFA become the industry’s largest school. Our strict policy of limiting class size to small groups of 3-10 students* ensures  you’ll spend maximum time learning. And our classes are fun too. It’s no wonder that each year, we train more framers in North America than all other schools combined.

Unlike many other schools, you won’t be standing around while your instructor is chatting with someone from outside the class,  waiting your turn to use equipment, or listening to sales pitches. The structure and pace of the APFA’s unique, comprehensive and  proprietary curriculum keeps things interesting and provides the broadest range of knowledge, topics and skills. At APFA, it’s all about learning.

BTW, if you have a group of 5 or more students, we can also bring our class to you. Call for details.

And in case you’re wondering, private instruction is also available, but we think you’ll learn more (and save a lot of money) in our small group classes, where students learn from each other’s mistakes, ask questions that you not have thought to ask, and share experiences and creative ideas in a comfortable and supportive environment.

*Most locations

In some cases, you can enroll up to one day prior to the start of class. However, many of our classes are full, sometimes weeks or even months in advance.

Take you time, and enroll when you’re ready. Sometimes we offer early registration discounts that you’ll want to take advantage of. These promotions can provide substantial savings, while also ensuring your place in a class before it’s full.

We also offer discounts when you enroll a second person. Because framing can be a suitable business for couples with complimentary skills, many of our students attend class with a family member, friend, or associate. It’s not uncommon to find that one person excels at the creative and customer side of framing, while the other prefers the more technical “back room” role.

It probably won’t surprise you to know that the AARP, The Wall Street Journal, and Money Magazine have listed picture framing as one of the most popular retirement businesses. And for good reason, too.

How many businesses can you name that are fun, creative, offer terrific markups, have low startup costs, need only a minimal amount of space, and require only as much time as your care to invest?

In most cases, framing is neither physically demanding, nor what we would consider to be stressful. It’s a business that might not only provide needed retirement income, but that you can continue to enjoy even in your later years.