Cheap Pete’s Frame Factory Outlet

Update ⁵⁄₃: I traded voicemails with the owner and have received a refund, albeit grudgingly. He backed his company, policies and employees rather than me, the customer, telling me how well trained the employees are, they’ve had this return policy 27 years and that they always tell the customer the pre-​fab frames aren’t returnable if the packaging is removed! Apparently this time it slipped the mind of the employee who helped me — he did not mention this policy at any time, nor right before HE took off the packaging in the store! So a CYA moment for the employee, backed by the owner. Ick.
Completely backs up my first review below about «cheap» customer service.
My original review ⁴⁄₂₈:
Cheap in Customer Service and prices not that cheap — other art stores that aren’t marketed as «factory» are similarly priced.
I’ve been a customer for several years, but won’t be anymore, because they wouldn’t issue me a refund for a $ 100 frame I bought only two days ago because the «packaging had been removed.» Really? The manager stated they wouldn’t refund my money because I had taken off the wrapping of the pre-​fabricated frame and because «they didn’t make them here» — meaning they can’t issue a refund for items they don’t make? What? Every other business refunds or exchanges for all items in their stores for returns for any reason. No one told me this was a final sale and that I could not return or exchange for any reason it – or I would not have bought it in the first place.
This was the main reason they wouldn’t return it. And the manager wouldn’t budge. I told her I thought this was a terrible customer service policy and they should change it and that I would unlikely be a continuing customer. She said «ok.»
When I bought the frame I did ask them if they’d like to keep the glass and use it for something else (saving them money). The guy that helped me told me I could just break the glass and throw it away at home but I said why would I do that if they could re-​use it. So the guy took the glass away (after opening my package in the store without telling me it was not returnable after taking off the packaging!) with me thinking they were going to re-​use it and I left with my ‘not cheap’ light maple $ 100 frame and backing.
I was not certain this frame would work for what I needed and it did not (I found something at Aaron Brothers). When I returned today later to get a refund or exchange, I was told by the manager with an attitude what I said in the first paragraph of this review. Then she told me the guy threw the glass away and this is not what I understood was going to happen and I said I could have kept the glass and re-​used it. The manager didn’t even indicate the lack of me having the glass or the fact that they trashed it was a concern in not giving the refund. She flatly stated I could «have the glass back.» Huh? I thought she just said they threw it away?
I was floored at not only the absence of any customer service (even the thought of offering me a partial refund because of the glass), but also the attitude that they don’t really care about my $ 100. I have seen the attitude over the past couple of years in this company but dismissed it. Now, however, they have finally lost me as their customer.

We’ve gone to Cheap Pete’s many times in the past 15 years for framing projects from $ 11 to $ 500. We received top notch service and advice every time. Most of the staff are knowledgeable, and many have a good eye regarding styles and colors. It is not that cheap, but they have everything you need for good quality framing, and an excellent selection of frames. They do a terrific job with custom framing.

Normally the Cheap Pete’s in Walnut Creek is the store I get my frames and mats from. The WC store is closer and the parking is harder, San Rafael is further and the parking is much easier. The people who work at both stores have always been helpful. The prices are a bit more than they are at the large art supply store on University in Berkeley. But I like this chain more. They do send out coupons and they regularly have Groupons for 50% off anything in the store, not just custom framing.
I am slowly replacing my Nielson sectional frame pieces. I reuse them several times a year, they have taken a beating over years and most of them are pretty battered. I had a Groupon that was due to expire. The WC store did not have what I needed; they checked the other locations and send me here. It was a very pleasant experience. They had what I needed, smiled when I handed them my Groupon, and thanked me for my business. I would recommend this store, and also do it yourself framing.

I’m giving this place stars for having a good selection on hand, and reasonable prices. I’m deducting 2 stars for the customer service. The chick who helped us out was pretty difficult to deal with. We brought in some collectible posters that had been rolled up forever. Literally. But, seriously, we can’t be the only people who’ve ever done that. She looked at us like we just asked her if we just asked her if she could have our baby. She basically said that she didn’t want to frame the posters because they had been rolled up and it would be too difficult. This is fine but it would be nice if she could treat us like we’re still human. I bet she probably has a poster rolled up somewhere in her house too. Like many people. Anyway, that was the only issue. I might go back if I need frames but don’t know that I’d trust them with my stuff. I would just do it myself.

Went once and had an OK experience.
went a second time and got roped into custom framing. never again.

Went to this store a couple days ago after getting sticker shock from another framing company. Anyways, the service was excellent. We found reasonably priced frames and bought stock matting. Were easy to assemble ourselves. Ended up costing about 25 percent of the cost at the other place. So if you want to frame something but not spend an arm and a leg, I suggest Cheap Pete’s

I had a Groupon otherwise i might not have visited, but i was so glad i did. The service was outstanding. I went in not really knowing what i wanted, just that i had some pieces of art well overdue for framing. As i had never framed anything before, other than a glass clip-​frame, or small pieces in small frames, i was a little overwhelmed by the process of choosing a frame/​mat/​sizing. The young lady (so sorry i forgot her name) who helped me was fantastic, and the rest of the staff very patient and offered opinions when i asked them. Although i spent more than i wanted too (of course!), my experience was great. I was even helped out to my car.
I wouldnt hesitate to go back, in fact i have two more pieces to frame and am planning on it.
Thankyou ladies!

There phone assistance needs work. I called in asking for the price of a very specific frame that was not in stock in the SF store. The person said that they had a lot of frames and didn’t want to go and see if they had it.

Place is pretty awesome. Quick and easy. Friendly service helped me get exactly what I wanted without spending a ton. Huge selection. Will be back for sure!

Kevin is a solid and good name. It’s also a good name to throw around at this Cheap Pete’s as their Kevin is very skilled at narrowing the selection of mats and frames down to an attractive array and a manageable number of selections. He has an eye for what will look good and, after having had three pieces of original art framed with Kevin’s help, I feel like I’m in good hands with him. The finished pieces look great.
To the best of my knowledge, Cheap Pete’s trades only in paper-​based mat material. Higher end places may offer pricey products like linen-​wrapped mats but chances are that’s not what you want in 98% of your framing situations. And then, if that’s what you do want, you might not want it after price shopping. The last piece I had framed and wrapped in a linen mat ran upwards of $ 900. That experience should get you to Cheap Pete’s stat.
I’m honestly uncertain whether Cheap Pete’s is less expensive than other framing shops, either upscale or downmarket. Custom framing adds up and though they might be a bit less than a place that specializes in framing of original art it’s truly not much less. The pieces I’ve had done have run from $ 200 — $ 400 which may have been $ 20 — $ 30 less, but definitely not «cheap».
If you’re a DIYer, this might be where the cheap part comes in. They sell uncut mats, pre-​cut mats, and a wide variety of decent looking pre-​made frames. Recently, they’ve also added the ability to make prints straight from your cell phone camera, a nice addition.
Cheap Pete’s is one of the few places who honors your email address when you give it to them. In the past 6 months they’ve sent me only 1 email, announcing their new photo service, offering a free 5X7 photo print, and offering a $ 20 discount on a purchase of $ 40 or more. Thanks to the rarity of their emails, I actually opened it and used it. West Elm, Athropologie, DSW, and a million others should take note.
Need framing? Give Cheap Pete’s Kevin a try.

Needed a photograph framed in a hurry. Found a frame and mat quickly, and got it done. The guy that helped us was friendly enough. Only problem was the cost. I had just had another photograph custom framed by another business, and it was cheaper than doing it myself at Cheap Pete’s. I agree with the other reviewers: Cheap Pete’s ain’t so cheap!

Meh. OK prices but not so great service. The guy in the mat cutting dept was efficient but curt and unfriendly. Don’t expect Nordstrom’s service at Pete’s.

I once had a friend in the Framing business who me that it was a gold mine in terms of profit and mark up. So like any other alleged «Discount» opportunity, it’s best to carefully watch the merchandise and what you’re paying.
Cheap Pete’s can be economical or not, as I’ve found some nice off the shelf stuff and with other frames thought I could do better. I suppose it depends on individual style, quality, and price points. This is an easy place to get a frame for Gayle’s picture on my desk. However, I don’t think I’d bring the ketubbah here.

There’s really nothing cheap about framing, even at Cheap Pete’s. We ordered 8 mats, and specified the exact dimensions. The clerk measured each one himself, wrote everything down then entered it into the computer. 6 of the 8 mats were cut to the wrong measurements by ½″ — 1″. They also charged us for glass that we did not order and did not receive.
Moral of the story:
1) Look VERY CAREFULLY at your receipt.
2) Measure everything BEFORE you leave the store with your goods
3) Above all else, maybe just buy pre-​made frames from them and go elsewhere if you need precision framing done.

I had a very good experience there recently. I bought my boyfriend a photo for his birthday that was already in a matte. I needed a frame and am sorta on a budget these days so I set off for Cheap Pete’s since I had heard so much about it.
I knew exactly they type of frame and color I wanted since the photo was of an ocean scene. I found one that was pre-​made, had the weathered look I was searching for to match the photo and was pleasantly surprised at the cost of the frame and non-​glare glass. It was an 11×14 photo and the frame I got was a solid wood frame. The cost was $ 40.00 for the frame and glass.
I wasn’t happy with the service over all… the man who waited on me just kept pointing to where I might look for frames and it was on my own hunt that I found the one I wanted that wasn’t even in the area of his finger point.
However for the price points and I wasn’t being a big spender and after reading a few reviews of my fellow Unilocalers I wasn’t expecting great customer service and therefore I wasn’t disappointed.
I asked about custom framing because silly me thought that «Cheap» would apply to all services and I think their custom framing prices are outrageous and the time frame of 2 weeks for their operation is ridiculous. Perry’s in San Anselmo is much better in cost and delivery schedule.

This is a good option for students looking for a relatively inexpensive custom matte for their work. The mattes I had cut came back with the cut hole area cleanly cut (I think they do this with a laser) but the outer edges of the mattes were quite choppy. You really need to be planning to frame these. It’s not the best option if you are submitting this to an art show unframed which is what I was doing. I’m sure they can trim them better just remember to ask and don’t assume they’ll just do it.

I also found out that they can replace broken frames for under $ 10!
Wish I’d known that before I went to Glass & Sash and spent $ 25 on the featherweight glass repalcement piece for my silver metal frame.

I’m impressed with their framing service. I have a beautiful original water color painting for 14 years that I’ve started to tire of and I didn’t know why. I thought it might be the old style glossy black frame surrounding the art. The painting is not matted as it has a «floating» look that took it off the back so it was completely by itself. The frame and glass made it super-​ass heavy, always an issue when hanging it on any wall.
So, when I recently moved it gave me the chance to re-​evaluate.
Jeremy (I think) helped me with the right matte and frame. Within 10 minutes we figured out the best matte was an off-​white color giving the art full attention and a simple, slightly grainy, black, pre-​made 32″ X 26″ frame to not attract any attention.
$ 107 and a week later I got the results. Daaang. Looking good. It now pops like it did when I first bought the piece years ago.
And if you just need a frame, chances are it is here waiting for you.

Cheap Pete’s isn’t so cheap. And I couldn’t find a guy called Pete working there — so that’s total false advertising right away.
That said, they have a pretty great selection of frames and framing products, including the rather handy Filmore Frames. (Perfect for… the poster you picked up a couple months ago at the Reverend Horton Heat show!) Staff are friendly and helpful, but one was a little condescending when I mentioned I had a mat cutter at home, so I just wanted a premade frame with some mat. All in all though, a decent spot to handle your framing needs.
Be forewarned though — it shares the same parking lot as a hellacious Trader Joe’s, so oft times you’ll circle for a while waiting for a spot.

I have a few things I need to get framed so what do I do? Put them into the closet of lots projects and then pull them out one day and decide to get them framed? Great idea!
Cheap Pete’s has a good selection of do it yourself items to make your kids drawing look like it was done by Dali himself. Not just frames but the mattes, acid free backing, UV glare free glass and all the things you don’t know what to do with can be bought here. I really like the frame selection because they have every size possible. They also will cut and thickness matte you want and have it done in a short amount of time.
I brought most recently in for framing some paintings I had done while in Burma for my baby’s bedroom. After talking for a bit with the «framing tech» he helped me work through matte color and everything. He suggested we walk throughout the store to find frames so i could do it myself, alas the paintings were an odd size and I have no idea how to frame professionally so we stuck with their framers.
The staff was super helpful this time and every time I go in. They usually have a rack out front of the super sale items and they also have coupons that float in those circulars so look for them. Framing can get really pricey, so warn the person helping you what your budget is and they can help out immensely.