Frequently Asked Questions
With so many options and services, and now with our Online Store open for business, we have received some great questions from our customers. View our frequently asked questions below to get some answers!
Online Ordering & Shipping
After over 40 years in the picture framing business, we're finally selling online! Find frequently asked questions regarding online ordering, shipping, and more.
Online Products
What products do you sell online vs. in-store?
While our goal is to have most of our in-store products available in our online store, we generally offer our most popular items online. We carry our most popular photo frames, pre-cut mats (8-ply mat packs), and wall frames, particularly our Fillmore Poster Frames in 13x19. We're constantly working on adding more products for sale in our online store, so visit regularly to see what's new!
Visit our online store to check out what we have available, here: Online Store
Is there a way to get a quote on a custom frame on your site?
If you have a piece of art that you'd like to get quoted on framing, you may send us the art information (dimensions, type of art, and any special requests you may have) using our Contact Us form. Click HERE to be directed to the Contact Us page. A designer will try get back to you as soon as possible with any requested information.
Please note that custom framing involves many variables, from the frame moulding, custom matting, mounting and backing, glazing, assembly, and more, all of which have multiple options to choose from. Because of this, giving quotes online or by phone may only be a price range ("framing at that size can range between $--- and $---, depending on your choice of frame, matting, etc.")
What sizes do your Fillmore concert poster frames come in?
Our Fillmore poster frames are 13"x19". The concert posters that are produced for The Fillmore's sold out shows have in the past (and still sometimes even now) been made at different sizes, but 13"x19" is the most common size of the posters currently in production.
Measure your concert posters first or bring them into one of our stores so we can make sure that the 13"x19" size works. If your poster isn't 13"x19", we can help you find other frame sizes and options.
What are my Pete's Prints paper choices?
We offer 4 kinds of Epson professional printer papers:
ENHANCED MATTE - This matte-finished paper is the most popular paper type, chosen by most of our customers, employees, and artist clients who get printing done with Cheap Pete's. With a smooth surface and at 104 ISO brightness, this paper yields sharp and rich images.
PREMIUM LUSTER - This photo paper features a Luster E surface (orange peel). This paper has a 97 ISO brightness and is the 2nd most popular paper ordered.
EXHIBITION CANVAS MATTE - This paper is a lignin-free heavyweight cotton-poly blend. This paper is matte canvas textured and can be ordered with stretch allowance or trimmed to the edge of the image. And, yes, this paper can be stretched on bars!
COLD PRESS BRIGHT - This last of the 4 papers we offer for printing is a textured matte paper, much like watercolor paper. It's the thickest of all the papers we offer (almost double the thickness of the Enhanced Matte and Premium Luster papers). The Cold Press Bright is made of 100% cotton rag, is acid free & pH buffered.
We offer free paper samples through our Online Store. Click HERE to order.
How can I figure out the right size to order my Pete's Print photo?
If your photo is getting uploaded from a digital device, and you're not a professional photographer, you may not know exactly the aspect ratio or size of the photo. Every device is different, and they all produce differently sized photos. If you don't want to commit to a size until you know, you can contact us using the Contact Us form, or send us the full sized photo via email to [email protected]. Our Pete's Prints printing department can offer suggestions on what size to order or answer any other questions you may have.
The size I want printed isn't listed. What should I do?
If you know the size you want printed but it isn't listed in the Online Store or posted at the store, order the size closest to your desired size. For example, if you have a 5-1/2"x8" photo and you don't want to crop it or change its size, order the 5x7 print and under "Special Instructions" let us know that you want to "print the full image at 5-1/2"x8", no cropping".
Order a Pete's Print HERE.
Shipping
What method of shipping do you use?
We use a few different shipping methods, depending on the product being shipped. For most of our items, we ship via UPS. We offer multiple UPS shipping speeds, which are up to our customers to choose from. Gift cards are sent out using USPS Certified First Class mail.
How fast will my order get to me?
Order speed mostly depends on the type of shipping you choose at checkout and also depends on where you're shipping your order. We use different UPS shipping options: UPS Ground, UPS Next Day Air®, UPS Second Day Air®, & UPS Three-Day Select®, as well as USPS Certified First Class mail to send out Gift Cards.
We try our best to process orders the same day they are placed, and if processing takes longer than 2 business days, we will contact you promptly.
Cheap Pete's ships out of our San Francisco, California warehouse, so we have found that UPS Ground shipping cross country takes up to 6 business days from processing completion, while shipping within the San Francisco Bay Area takes anywhere between 1 and 2 business days.
USPS Certified First Class mail ranges between 1-3 business days from mail-out date.
Can I order a Pete's Print to be shipped to my nearest Cheap Pete's store?
Yes! If you are ordering Pete's Prints in our online store, simply enter the pick up location you prefer before you add the Pete's Print to your basket.
At checkout, if you are only ordering Pete's Prints, choose "Pete's Prints Store Pickup". If you're also ordering frames and supplies (which are not yet available for store pickup), specify in the "Special Instructions" during checkout that you'd like the Pete's Prints delivered to your nearest store.
Do you have pickup in-store available for online orders?
Currently we do not offer pickup in-store for orders of picture frames and supplies online. We only offer pickup in-store for Pete's Prints orders.
We are working to offer the pickup in-store option to those who would prefer to visit our store than pay shipping costs. We are hoping to have this option made available by early 2017--Stay tuned!
Payments
What forms of payment do you accept in your Online Store?
We accept the following forms of payment in our Online Store: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club & JCB. Our customers can also choose to pay via PayPal.
Are Gift Cards accepted as a payment type in the online store?
At this time, gift cards are only accepted as payment in-store and not online, which means Cheap Pete’s gift cards can only be applied to purchases and orders made in one of our SF Bay Area store locations (San Francisco, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Rafael & San Mateo) and not in our online store.
Products & Services
Frequently asked questions about products we carry and services we provide
Readymade Products
What readymade picture framing options does Cheap Pete's offer?
We offer a wide variety of options for those searching for a readymade frame. We carry photo frames (also known as table top frames), wall frames, open back frames, which are fully assembled frames with no glass or backing), collage frames, sectional frames, hinged frames, and shadowbox frames!
What are "standard size" frames?
Most readymade picture frame manufacturers build frames at dimensions that have become "standard" to the industry. These standard size frames are the most popular sizes and are often based on common photograph sizes.
Although Cheap Pete's carries many readymade frames that are not at standard sizes, we stock up on the standard size frames because of their popularity.
Most popular standard sizes: 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 18x24, 24x30 & 24x36
Do you carry digital sized frames?
Yes. The popularity of digital sizes has grown over recent years, as many have been printing from their phones and digital cameras, which produce various image sizes that are not typical "standard" frame sizes. The digital sizes we carry in-store are:
6x8, 8x12, 9x12, 10x13, 11x17, 12x16, 12x18 & various square sizes
What sizes do your Fillmore concert poster frames come in?
Our Fillmore poster frames are 13"x19". The concert posters that are produced for The Fillmore's sold out shows have in the past (and still sometimes even now) been made at different sizes, but 13"x19" is the most common size of the posters currently in production.
Measure your concert posters first or bring them into one of our stores so we can make sure that the 13"x19" size works. If your poster isn't 13"x19", we can help you find other frame sizes and options.
What are your pre-cut matting options?
We have a large variety of pre-cut mats available for purchase. There are 3 types of mats we sell at various sizes and colors: single 4-ply mats, double 4-ply mats, & single 8-ply Mat Packs.
Starting from 4x6 opening size that fit into 8x10 frames to 16x20 opening size that fit into 20x24 frames, we have a wide range to help you put together a custom look at a readymade price.
Custom and Readymade Framing
What's the difference between a full custom framing order and a readymade frame?
We do our best to give our customers options for their precious pieces of art and photographs, so many things are considered when we create designs and choose those options.
Full Custom Framing - This option allows the customer to design practically every aspect of his or her piece. Designs can include custom-cut matting, mounting, glazing (glass and acrylic) preferences, and of course a custom cut frame moulding. Also, many times art isn't produced at standard frame sizes, so full custom framing allows each design to fit your unique piece.
Readymade Frames - This option is substantially more cost-effective than custom framing. Readymade frames come in various sizes, from the most popular standard size frames to the less common digital or poster sizes. We try to carry a wide range of readymade frame sizes, in order to accommodate most customers' pieces.
I need a custom size but can't afford the custom price. What are my options?
Custom framing can get a bit pricey, but we still encourage you to try out the design process with us in-store. There are different directions you can go with framing that may just fit within your budget.
PETE'S COMPLETE - We carry a collection of custom frame mouldings which we order so much of that we can offer it at a discounted price. The Pete's Complete package allows our customers to create custom frame designs using those mouldings and a set combination of framing elements, all for about 25% off a typical full custom frame price. Check out the Pete's Complete page on our site to see how the process works!
CUSTOM/READYMADE COMBO - If your piece doesn't fit a readymade frame or mat because its size is off by a fraction of an inch, we know it can be frustrating. But we can help by putting together a custom/readymade combo. That means we can cut a custom mat to fit your unique piece into a readymade frame. We'll assist you in finding the right color, getting the precise measurements, cutting the mat, and you can go home with a readymade frame and everything you need to get your piece framed up right--at a price much less expensive than doing a full custom order.
Same-Day Custom Orders
I need some custom framing done TODAY. Is it possible?
While it is unlikely that we can cut and assemble frame moulding for your custom piece(s) same-day, we can definitely help get a full frame job together for you on the day you need it. We can cut mats while you wait (or if it's really busy, within a few hours of your order) and help you choose a readymade frame to fit the art and mat.
Photo Printing with Pete's Prints!
What are my Pete's Prints paper choices?
We offer 4 kinds of Epson professional printer papers:
ENHANCED MATTE - This matte-finished paper is the most popular paper type, chosen by most of our customers, employees, and artist clients who get printing done with Cheap Pete's. With a smooth surface and at 104 ISO brightness, this paper yields sharp and rich images.
PREMIUM LUSTER - This photo paper features a Luster E surface (orange peel). This paper has a 97 ISO brightness and is the 2nd most popular paper ordered.
EXHIBITION CANVAS MATTE - This paper is a lignin-free heavyweight cotton-poly blend. This paper is matte canvas textured and can be ordered with stretch allowance or trimmed to the edge of the image. And, yes, this paper can be stretched on bars!
COLD PRESS BRIGHT - This last of the 4 papers we offer for printing is a textured matte paper, much like watercolor paper. It's the thickest of all the papers we offer (almost double the thickness of the Enhanced Matte and Premium Luster papers). The Cold Press Bright is made of 100% cotton rag, is acid free & pH buffered.
We offer free paper samples through our Online Store. Click HERE to order.
How can I figure out the right size to order my Pete's Print photo?
If your photo is getting uploaded from a digital device, and you're not a professional photographer, you may not know exactly the aspect ratio or size of the photo. Every device is different, and they all produce differently sized photos. If you don't want to commit to a size until you know, you can contact us using the Contact Us form, or send us the full sized photo via email to [email protected]. Our Pete's Prints printing department can offer suggestions on what size to order or answer any other questions you may have.
The size I want printed isn't listed. What should I do?
If you know the size you want printed but it isn't listed in the Online Store or posted at the store, order the size closest to your desired size. For example, if you have a 5-1/2"x8" photo and you don't want to crop it or change its size, order the 5x7 print and under "Special Instructions" let us know that you want to "print the full image at 5-1/2"x8", no cropping".
Order a Pete's Print HERE.
Repairs & Preservation
Do your readymade frames use preservation-quality materials?
While we do carry readymade frames that are "museum quality" conservation materials (our ArtCare frames), most of the readymade frames that are made for and carried at Cheap Pete's do not have preservation-quality materials built in. Most frames have cardboard backings and regular glass, which are not the safest for paper art.
We do, however, offer upgrades to preservation-quality materials, such as acid free foamboard backing, rag mat board backing, and UV-protected glass and acrylic.
Check out our backing options, here: BACKING
Check out our glazing options, here: GLAZING & MIRRORS
Do you repair damaged frames?
Cheap Pete's has been in the framing business for over 25 years, but we have strict policies with regards to dealing with outside framing and materials. Many picture frames, matting materials, and various framing supplies are unique and one-of-a-kind. Because of that, we do not do repairs on damaged frames.
We would be happy to help you find a replacement frame or materials or even recommend trusted local businesses that may deal in specialty repairs. Pay us a visit, and we'll see what we can help you with.
I'd like to frame my art but I noticed that it's been damaged in storage. Can you restore my art?
We do not offer art restoration services, but we work with various professionals throughout the SF Bay Area that specialize in art restoration. Let us know the type of repairs you may need done, and we can either refer you to the appropriate restorer or you can drop off your art to us and we can work it out for you.
Coupons & Emails
Frequently asked questions about Cheap Pete's coupons and our email practices
Coupons
How do I get a coupon for Cheap Pete's?
There are multiple ways to obtain a coupon for Cheap Pete's. Note that we do not always have coupons out, but when we do, you can check:
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Our Coupon & Sales page on our website,
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Your email -- that is, if you're signed up to receive our emails, or
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Cheap Pete's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CheapPetes
We also are sponsors of Live Nation & The Fillmore in SF, where you may occasionally receive deals directly from them to frame with us.
Where can I get the best coupon for Cheap Pete's?
When we have coupons out, they're usually accessible to anyone that searches for them. So if you're looking for a deal and we have a coupon available to use, just visit our Coupons & Sales page on our website.
But if you're looking for the BEST coupons, then join our email list or like us on Facebook, because if there's a coupon out, our followers and loyal customers get the bigger deals!
Emails
I'm considering joining your email list. Will you send me lots of emails?
We know how it is to get inundated with deal and coupon emails, and we wouldn't want to do that to you! Cheap Pete's occasionally emails our customers to send out seasonal coupons or special announcements, but we only email 6-7 emails per year, no more than that!
Click HERE to sign up to receive Cheap Pete's emails!
