Custom photo mats

[wburychka]

Has anyone found a source of custom mat assemblies (mat, back, hinge) with reasonable (not necessarily cheap) prices, quality products, and ethical business practices? I need 11 mats/backs/hinges with centered 12x18 openings and 20x24 outside dimensions. [Yes, I know that is not proper mat proportions, but the exhibitor is calling the shots--and providing loaner frames!).

I have bought previously from lightimpressionsdirect.com, but the last time I ordered, I was overcharged by $10 in excess of the online printed order form, and my correspondence inquiring about it was ignored--not enought to create a complaint with my credit card company, but enough for future caution. I went back to the lightimpressions website and configured this latest need--no, I won't buy from them again. I just used their configuration system to get an idea about the price.

This lightimpressions price for 11 "Exeter" mats and backings (4-ply mat and 2-ply back, sized per above) and hinged long side, was $156, and the shipping was going to be about $24. I'd like to buy locally (Houston), but the common local providers of these services are really slow and really expensive. I've heard good things about matcutter.com, but their minimum custom mat order is 25 mats.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[wburychka]

In spite of my great efforts to buy locally, I am forced to say that Light Impressions online is still the best source for small quantities of custom mats. I tried Hobby Lobby on Katy Freeway (Houston) in an emergency. What a mistake! The prices was astronomical and the quality was poor--six out of eleven mats had to be returned for corner cracks, and three of the remaining five were only marginal.

I expected to pay a bit of a premium for local retailers, but the shoddy work was really a surprise. The quality was so far below what I have had consistently from Light Impressions, that I would have to recommend going "mat-less" rather than paying Hobby Lobby's premium price for amateur workmanship.

Still looking, though.

[t00mies]

have you looked at framedestination.com? its not local to you (they are in dallas), but i think they do custom mat work.

i have ordered complete frame kits from them and have been satisfied; am going to order from them again soon.

t

[jeffkohn]

You might want to check out FramesByMail.com.

[pix-shooter]

check www.clearbags.com
I've purchased mounting boards and clear bags from them. I'm not sure about mats.