Topic ID 5201
I have recently had a custom picture frame made for the first time and chose to support one of our local business's. I am very disappointed with the quality of the end product and the service i have received from ordering through to collecting the finished piece. I have heard that they had combined the previous shop based in Stortford with Hertford to cope with the strain of the recession. I fear that by doing this they have jeopardised their business, with customers waiting longer and the quality of the finished piece compromised. I am certain that following what can only be described as an ordeal, I will no longer be using the services of Hertford Picture Framing and hope that Patrick, Paul and Mark realise that they are not only risking the reputation of their business but all other independent businesses locally.
Reply ID 73251
I am sure they would be very disappointed to know this is how you feel. Have you taken it back and pointed out what is wrong, I am sure they would be more than happy to put it right. They are never very fast as it is a custom job they do but I have always been more than happy with everything they have done for me.
Reply ID 73252
What a shame. I have had lots of items framed at the Hertford shop over the years and have always been absolutely delighted with the finished items and the service received throughout. You really ought to pop in and see them, I am sure they would be happy to rectify the problem.
Reply ID 73253
I though so too so when i first picked up the picture i returned it asking that they change the frame and mount to meet the inital order specification. Second time around, the mount isn't straight and there is lint trapped behind the glass. Throughout all of the trouble i have had, they have never called me to advise on progress and never returned my calls.
Reply ID 73261
I have had all my framing done there and have never had a problem. The only draw-back is my impatience to get the finished item back home. I found they were fairly priced, too.
Reply ID 73263
Gotta say, i've always been very happy. Ive used it for maps/pictures etc. Good service always.
Reply ID 73266
SEB although you have every right to complain about the service you have received. It seems from the posotive replies to this thread, your experience may have been a one off. I myself used them a few years ago and was pleased with the results, though a little expensive. Just to correct you though, The shop name is "Hertford Picture Framers" not Hertford Picture Gallery. There are three Hertford Galleries in Hertford and i am sure you would not want any confusion.
Reply ID 73311
It is a real shame that you have felt the need to register disatisfaction with such a genuine and honest local business. We have pictures in every room of house that have been expertly and professionally tailored to our specific requests. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. We have always been informed how long work will take - and have never had to wait beyond a specified completion date. We would echo the opinions of others in saying that Patrick is always approachable, honest and values the customers and we believe would have rectified any misunderstanding. It's not for everybody - but we feel it is a pleasure to have such personalised service with quality that continues to be second to none.
Reply ID 73328
quote:Hmm - you may be a satisfied customer bramley but consider this: a brand new forum member making a first ever posting and giving a diamond studded endorsement of a company that has received criticism may not appear totally genuine. I am sure though you will have lots of opinions on the other wealth of subjects discussed on here - we shall see [:)] For the record, I have had no problems with Hertford Picture Framers - not the cheapest, but the results are good.
Originally posted by bramley
It is a real shame that you have felt the need to register disatisfaction with such a genuine and honest local business. We have pictures in every room of house that have been expertly and professionally tailored to our specific requests. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. We have always been informed how long work will take - and have never had to wait beyond a specified completion date. We would echo the opinions of others in saying that Patrick is always approachable, honest and values the customers and we believe would have rectified any misunderstanding. It's not for everybody - but we feel it is a pleasure to have such personalised service with quality that continues to be second to none.
Reply ID 73336
Why not try Gilmark Gallery in Parliament Square; between Botsfords and the clock shop. Mark and Gill really know what they are doing. They are THE people for picture framing.....not many people know that
Reply ID 73794
Thanks Tiger. You are all more than welcome to come and view the shoddy piece of work!
Reply ID 73797
quote:You are also welcome to view the 24 or so at mine which are all very well framed....................
Originally posted by SEB
Thanks Tiger. You are all more than welcome to come and view the shoddy piece of work!
Reply ID 73823
FWIW I've had about 5 pictures very well framed by Hertford Picture Gallery. i have no connection with the shop other than as a customer.
Reply ID 73828
I've just had a 6ft charcoal drawing re-framed by Hertford Picture Gallery. The only complaint I have was that they over-ran their estimated time by one week - otherwise, they've done a great job with it and it is so much better than it was before - so I would recommend them.
Reply ID 73837
Reading all of the above posts, it is clear to me, that there have been many satisfied customers who have had good work done at Hertford Picture Framers in the past. (myself included) However, as with all or any kind of work undertaken by a company, there will be ups and downs, complaints and criticisms and one-off problems from time to time – which I am sad to say - is life -- and you have been unfortunate…but it would appear on the face of it, that the recommendations outweigh the criticisms. I am sure that if the good folk working at the Gallery have read this topic – they will (if they are sensible) take heed to not rest on their laurels and keep up the pace and maintain their previously high standard of work to anything carried out in the future. Cheers *T* [img]http://www.smilies-and-more.de/pics/smilies/persons/139.gif[/img]
Reply ID 73957
I have recently moved to Hertford, and what a lovely town it is, however there are quite a few empty shops. Then coming across this forum answers my question, as this topic is terrible! I can not believe someone would start a topic about complaining/ insulting a small private business. From what I have read the shop seems to be very good and provide a very good service. If you were not happy with their service, you should have expressed your opinion and told them to fix it, and not paid until it was sorted. From the impression I get is that they are very good, some say they take a long time but this is most probably because 'a busy tradesman is a good tradesman'! I would like to know exactly what it is you are trying to achieve by starting this topic?...... Are you trying to ruin their reputation and be the reason for another empty shop. In hard times such as this recession, this is the last thing they need. Also I am aware of this being my first post, but I have no relation to the shop at all.
Reply ID 73966
quote:I take it that you haven't seen the 'rumour of the week' thread in the housing section?
Originally posted by TYE
I have recently moved to Hertford, and what a lovely town it is, however there are quite a few empty shops. Then coming across this forum answers my question, as this topic is terrible! I can not believe someone would start a topic about complaining/ insulting a small private business. From what I have read the shop seems to be very good and provide a very good service. If you were not happy with their service, you should have expressed your opinion and told them to fix it, and not paid until it was sorted. From the impression I get is that they are very good, some say they take a long time but this is most probably because 'a busy tradesman is a good tradesman'! I would like to know exactly what it is you are trying to achieve by starting this topic?...... Are you trying to ruin their reputation and be the reason for another empty shop. In hard times such as this recession, this is the last thing they need. Also I am aware of this being my first post, but I have no relation to the shop at all.
Reply ID 73969
quote:Harsh - SEB has stated that he/she did talk to the shop about their dissatisfaction and gave the shop an opportunity to correct the fault, though the frame came back worse and the lack of communication added to the overall dissatisfaction. This Forum suggests that its members make use of the facility here to comment on experiences, good and bad, so that others may make a reasoned opinion. It is true that the majority of posts on this thread suggest a positive experience with Hertford Picture Gallery; which is also my experience having used them a number of times. However, that doesn't mean that local, independent businesses are without fault nor that these should not be listed. I don't believe that SEB intended to ruin this local trader by posting. I would suggest further that as other members have felt it necessary to counter SEB's experience with their own positive experiences, as a result Hertford Picture Gallery's reputation has been enhanced. There are indeed a number of empty shops in Hertford though I don't believe that Forum members are to blame for McDonalds leaving, Woolworths going bust, Coles downsizing, M&Co not selling enough, or for the empty units in The Wash. In fact, I can't think of any local enterprise that has failed as a result of comments on this Forum. Welcome to Hertford and the Forum. We look forward to reading your own experiences, both good and not so good, in our beautiful though not so perfect town. [:)]
Originally posted by TYE
I have recently moved to Hertford, and what a lovely town it is, however there are quite a few empty shops. Then coming across this forum answers my question, as this topic is terrible! I can not believe someone would start a topic about complaining/ insulting a small private business. From what I have read the shop seems to be very good and provide a very good service. If you were not happy with their service, you should have expressed your opinion and told them to fix it, and not paid until it was sorted. From the impression I get is that they are very good, some say they take a long time but this is most probably because 'a busy tradesman is a good tradesman'! I would like to know exactly what it is you are trying to achieve by starting this topic?...... Are you trying to ruin their reputation and be the reason for another empty shop. In hard times such as this recession, this is the last thing they need. Also I am aware of this being my first post, but I have no relation to the shop at all.
Reply ID 73994
The point I was making is that the reasoning for opening this discussion had no good or positive intentions. What if there were no counter comments which supported the framing shop, then everyone would have seen the post which was a negative towards the shop. You believe that there has not been a shop that has closed down due to discussions on this website, however when I first saw the topic it already aprox. 1330 views, now it has 1411! that is a huge amount of views overnight, as well as being a great number of total views especially for such a small town. A shop may not close due to negative feedback, however I am sure it could have definately affected his custom (if there were no customers supporting him). As for McDonalds, Woolworths etc closing- other than the fact they are multinational companies, I can not see a discussion with the topic being to criticise their service. I am aware that every business will not please every customer, however this does not mean that discussions should be opened to publicise the matter. Tyechia
Reply ID 73996
I myself have used them on many occasions and always been very happy with their work. I know that sometimes I have had to wait longer than I would have liked but a busy business is a sign of good a business and if I have had a deadline for anything they have always been able to accomodate me. I can see both side of the argument with regard to negative / positive posting as it is good to get balanced view on local services and retailers. The trouble is people are very quick to give unsolicited negative critisism but much slower to give positive feedback, and then usually only when it is asked for (as in the recommendation thread). A good reputation can take years to build but it can be lost in no time at all. Somehow in this instance, I think their good reputation is safe.
Reply ID 73998
quote:I understand your point though do not agree with you that consumer opinion should be sanitised to only reflect positive experiences. Posters are able to inform others of their dissatisfaction as a form of consumer protection as well as to praise good experience where it is due. The highlighting of unsatisfactory service can act as a positive in warning others to beware. If a complaint is warranted then why would we not wish to know or why should we not be able to learn of this? If a complaint is a rarity, then as this thread shows, there will be those with postive experiences willing to counter the OP. If I were Hertford Picture Framing I would take great strength from the weight of positive feedback its satisfied customers have shown here, to feel sufficiently positive about their service to want to say so in response to a one-off dissatisfied customer. I would be delighted that so many have read this thread and heard of this championing of my business. There is no better marketing than that of referral. In your opening post you refer to the number of empty units in Hertford and then suggest that this thread answers your question as to why this should be. Yes, I do believe that no shop in Hertford has closed as a result of any threads or comments made on this Forum. Please name one if I am mistaken.
Originally posted by TYE
The point I was making is that the reasoning for opening this discussion had no good or positive intentions. What if there were no counter comments which supported the framing shop, then everyone would have seen the post which was a negative towards the shop. You believe that there has not been a shop that has closed down due to discussions on this website, however when I first saw the topic it already aprox. 1330 views, now it has 1411! that is a huge amount of views overnight, as well as being a great number of total views especially for such a small town. A shop may not close due to negative feedback, however I am sure it could have definately affected his custom (if there were no customers supporting him). As for McDonalds, Woolworths etc closing- other than the fact they are multinational companies, I can not see a discussion with the topic being to criticise their service. I am aware that every business will not please every customer, however this does not mean that discussions should be opened to publicise the matter. Tyechia
Reply ID 74002
'Woody', you are missing my point- what I a have been saying is that starting a topic to criticise a business, I think is morally wrong. The whole purpose of the topic started by the origional writer had no good intentions for the picture framing shop! Luckily for the people at the shop, they do have many good ratings from their customers. Again the point I was making was the fact that the thread could have caused large problems for the business, people should have more consideration for these small businesses. I agree that not all customers will be 100% satisfied with a service from a business, and yes every business has the occasional hickup, but there is no need to start a topic of this nature. If they do not provide a good service then they obviously would not be around for very long.
Reply ID 74003
quote:No. I got your point and I disagree with it. There should be no censorship of consumer opinion.
Originally posted by TYE
'Woody', you are missing my point- what I a have been saying is that starting a topic to criticise a business, I think is morally wrong. The whole purpose of the topic started by the origional writer had no good intentions for the picture framing shop! Luckily for the people at the shop, they do have many good ratings from their customers. Again the point I was making was the fact that the thread could have caused large problems for the business, people should have more consideration for these small businesses. I agree that not all customers will be 100% satisfied with a service from a business, and yes every business has the occasional hickup, but there is no need to start a topic of this nature. If they do not provide a good service then they obviously would not be around for very long.
Reply ID 74162
Had about half a dozen pictures framed by these guys and been very happy with each.
Reply ID 74179
I personally recommend these guys, I have had a good service in the past always.
Reply ID 74431
I have used HPF once and it was fine. I use Gillmark gallery quite a bit as I always get what I want from Mark and Gill - they are a bit cheaper as well.
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