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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Source for inexpensive/bulk frames?
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05/14/2010 03:38:26 PM · #1
I did some searching and reviewing old posts, but all the references I could find were to companies that don't exist any more, or aren't "inexpensive" any more... If anyone finds an existing thread discussing this, feel free to refer me and forgive the duplicate post.

Does anyone have any references or suggestions for sources of inexpensive bulk frames? Specifically in my case, I'm looking for 5x7 and 8x10 in bulk. I prefer very simple, black frames. I had a source for the Chinese-made "Mainstays" frames (I've seen the same frame sold under different names at various places such as Michaels, but at rather inflated prices), but that source went belly-up.

By inexpensive, I'm talking like $1 per 5x7 and $1.50-$2.50 per 8x10. Perhaps I should say CHEAP. :) Not overly concerned in top-quality here -- just something functional, and a bunch of 'em cheap.
05/14/2010 03:52:02 PM · #2
Walmart has you covered..

6 8X10's for 16.54

12 5x7's for $12
05/14/2010 04:05:12 PM · #3
Originally posted by coryboehne:

Walmart has you covered..

6 8X10's for 16.54

12 5x7's for $12

I use those same frames myself. Even though they are cheap, they look decent once they are on the wall.
05/14/2010 04:09:42 PM · #4
Try your local 99 cent or dollar stores. Many of them actually have some decent "cheap" frames up to 8x10 in size. I usually walk out of there with 5-10 frames depending on what I find. I keep a pretty good supply of these handy for use with photos I plan on giving away. It's definitely worth a look.

eta: I have bought the same 8x10s as in the Wal-Mart link above at the 99cent store on a couple of occasions as well.

Message edited by author 2010-05-14 16:12:25.
05/14/2010 04:44:28 PM · #5
I've used this company quite a bit:

USAFrames

nevermind, it's for custom frames not ready made cheapies.

Message edited by author 2010-05-14 16:45:33.
05/14/2010 05:00:26 PM · #6
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by coryboehne:

Walmart has you covered..

6 8X10's for 16.54

12 5x7's for $12

I use those same frames myself. Even though they are cheap, they look decent once they are on the wall.


Another point in their favor is that they do have glass fronts, and they are fast and easy to load...
05/14/2010 07:31:04 PM · #7
Originally posted by coryboehne:

Walmart has you covered..


HA! PERFECT! Thanks so much for finding those. I had visited my local Wally-World in person and they carry both the Mainstay and the Megapix lines (both the very same product, I think -- just rebranded) -- but their in-store prices were almost double. I never even thought to look on their online store.

The moose at the front shoulda told me! [*] ;)

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

I use those same frames myself. Even though they are cheap, they look decent once they are on the wall.


They are great, especially for the price. I take a minute or so per setup and clean the glass with some glass cleaner & lint-free cloth (just be sure it's completely dry before reassembly, of course), and they usually come out looking great. I'm all about really simple, thin frames -- much to the shagrin of my wife, who is all about the huge, gaudy frames. Everybody has their opinions... luckily mine is much cheaper to feed. :)

I use the 5x7s and 8x10s to frame signature photos for my theatre clients, and they always go over very well -- I'm running very low now and it's time to restock!

Thanks again, all!

* - Before anyone freaks out thinking I'm dissing Walmart greaters -- that is not a greater slam, that is twist of a famous funny movie quote. If I was going to dis greaters, I would quote another movie and say something like "Welcome to Costco... I love you." :P
05/14/2010 07:58:11 PM · #8
We routinely buy frames from Hobby Lobby and Michael's. But, we ALWAYS wait for the 50% off sales. Then, we load up. Price point in retail is hugely important. I like Michael's frame quality and style better than Hobby Lobby's. But, the best frames from either store complement good photography and expert matting. Sales from the gallery are good. We do NOT buy glass from Hobby Lobby. We have a good vendor in our town who provides wonderful, flaw-free glass for frames at a very reasonable price.

Message edited by author 2010-05-14 19:59:05.
05/14/2010 09:43:57 PM · #9
I've used Pearl Art for years - usually shop at their Northern VA store. Used to be in Alexandria, but moved to Falls Church. They have really nice frames and good prices, and I like their Ready Mades. They also frequently have Web Exclusive case lots. They have a nice wide variety of frames in wood and aluminum.

Pearl Art Supply
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