I needed seven pictures (about 16 x20) framed fairly quickly for a showing. I had ordered and paid for some custom wood frames online (already spent about $600) which needed assembled. I asked the Frame Cellar if I brought the materials in, could they assemble them for me. Additionally, I had already purchased some mats which needed cut to size and needed glass for each piece. I was told they would be willing to help but there would be a $20 per picture rush fee (reportedly due to the intensive labor of assembly) in addition to any other labor and material costs (even tho I was providing most of the materials). Once I got the quote for over $700, and after I put a little over half the money down, I thought about it for a minute and decided it was too expensive. I would research it and frame them myself. So all I needed the Frame Cellar to do was cut the mats (that I had supplied) and the provide the glass for each pic. I was told on the phone, they would credit my card for most of the labor since I would be assembling them myself. When I arrived to pick up the mats and glass, I was told that not only were they not going to credit me any money, but I owed another $180! I was told that I still had to pay the $20 rush fee even tho they didn't do any of the assembly! The mats I'm sure are cut in seconds on a machine and the only real labor involved was packing up the glass to transport home. So, I ended up spending $560 for them to cuts some mats and provide glass. Unbelievable. I told the guy I didn't agree with the charges but he refused to budge. I was in bind because now my showing was the next day and I still had to go home and assemble everything. It took me most of the nite as it was my first time doing any framing. I feel frustrated that I allowed them to take advantage of my naïveté' and they knew I was in a rush and had little choice but to pay the crazy charges. I will NEVER use them again or recommend them. I feel they were dishonest and took advantage of my situation. On a good note, I learned to frame myself : )
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