Important Update: Temporary Store Closure for Self-Care
Hey folks,
This has been a challenging decision for me and one that I've contemplated for some time. However, in order to prioritise my well-being, I have made the choice to temporarily close Frame-A-Game from Friday 7 March 2025 to Friday 6 June 2025.
A brief history of the business
For newcomers to the Frame-A-Game community, I started Frame-A-Game back in January 2022 after I created a Halo 3 frame for myself and shared it online. As a fellow gamer, I wanted to show off my love for gaming in a stylish way that would also resonate with others who share the same passion. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it became clear that there was a desire for custom, beautifully crafted frames that could both preserve and display cherished gaming memories.
Since then, Frame-A-Game has grown beyond my wildest expectations. I've broadened the gaming range of frames to include controllers, CDs, vinyl, movies, trading cards, and comic books, ensuring that everyone can discover something that resonates with them.
It might come as a surprise to some to learn that I manage Frame-A-Game entirely on my own whilst also working a full-time 9-to-5 job. This means that all my free time in the evenings and on weekends is devoted to Frame-A-Game. This includes tasks such as designing layouts for new frame collections, offering customer service via the online store chat, responding to emails, sending marketing communications, writing blogs (like this one), and crafting the frames themselves.
Close to burnout 😓
As you can imagine working tirelessly for the past three years has impacted my physical and mental well-being. I had intended to ease my pace last year, but when I discovered a couple of framing companies offering similar products, it motivated me to remain competitive. This was essential to guarantee that I delivered the best possible service to my current and future customers. However, my relentless drive has meant I've been working 24/7 (16+ hour days including weekends on average), leading to being unable to disconnect and recharge, which has led to persistent fatigue. Recognising that something needs to change, I've decided to take a step back and reassess my priorities.
I am incredibly grateful to each and every person who has purchased from me, supported me throughout this journey and has believed in my vision. Your encouragement and loyalty has been the driving force behind my passion and dedication, and without you, none of this would have been possible. I hope that you continue to stand behind me and understand why it is crucial for me right now to take a break so I have some down time and relax, spend time with Miss Frames and friends, and finally have the time to play games again - the very thing that started Frame-A-Game.
What will happen moving forward?
The reality is, I cannot maintain my current situation, it is unsustainable. I don't intend on quitting my day job because adulting is hard as we all know and having a mortgage to pay means a steady salary provides some security. To free up more time for myself, I need to limit the sales I make so this will come in the form of raising the pricing of my products. I have remained competitively priced to ensure I stay ahead of the competition, however the products I offer are not comparable to competitors who sell cheaply.
All frames I produce are custom-built by UK businesses specifically for Frame-A-Game, to which I then compile the final product that customers love so much for their media framing needs. This includes the inclusion of 99% UV protective acrylic which no other company on the market offers as a standard feature. The bespoke nature of what I offer cannot be compared anymore, and so pricing will reflect that.
For full transparency, my intention is to make less sales but with better profit margin. It takes a lot of time to make 100s of frames each month and this time is something I would like to gain back for myself.
The most incredible feedback I hear from many customers is their surprise to the quality of the end product they receive. All you need to do is take a look at the mountain of reviews on Trustpilot or Fera to see what customers say. Nobody likes price increases, but the age old saying "You get what you pay for" couldn't ring more true in this case.
Lead times will remain between 4-6 weeks initially until I find a new rhythm that balances my work and social life better. The long lead time allows me to ensure I have everything I need and when I need it to fulfil each order to the high standard Frame-A-Game has become known for. Quality takes time and as much as I wish I could be as speedy as Amazon with delivering your purchase, that isn't how things work for a small business, but rest assured the wait is always worth it.
FAQs
I have provided a list of answers to questions I imagine you may be asking which I hope will address such queries.
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What are the closing times?
The store will officially close 22:00 on Friday 7 March 2025 and will reopen at 09:00 on Friday 6 June 2025. Please note that you will still be able to browse the store during this period, but you will not be able to purchase frames, gift cards or request custom frames.
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What happens if I've ordered before you close?
If you have placed an order before Friday 7 March, your order will be completed as usual. Please check your order completion date via email or create an account to check get updates.
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How do I create an account?
To create an account, click on the "Log In" button at the top right corner of the website, then "Create Account" and fill out the required information.
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Can I track my order?
Absolutely! Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a tracking number via email to monitor your order's progress. Parcelforce Worldwide are who I use to ship all frames and have extensive tracking options keeping you updated every step of the way.
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Will you still be contactable?
I will still be monitoring emails periodically however unless your email is important (for example you have an issue with your order), please note I will most likely hold off responding until I reopen the business.
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Will you be active on social media channels?
Posting on social media requires a lot of time and effort to craft the right message and visuals, so I'll be taking a break online for a while. That said, I may drop in occasionally to join some conversations. Keep an eye out though, as I may run a giveaway or two whilst I'm off!
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Are there any discounts available?
As a thank-you for your patience while I take a break to recharge, I’ll be offering a discount on all frames when I return so be sure to sign up to the Frame-A-Game mailing list to stay updated on this.
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Need assistance?
Don't worry, if you need help with your existing order I will ensure you're receiving the same level of customer support as if the business was open. Just email me on hello@frameagame.com with your order number and enquiry.
Signing off
I am eternally thankful for everything, and I look forward to bringing you even more of what you love, exceeding your expectations and delivering the best customer experience possible on my return.
It's just bye for now 🫡