5 Reasons To Host Framing Workshops in Your Store

Framing workshops are a creative way to bring customers into your store and boost business — especially since research shows that 80% of shoppers value experiences as much as the products they buy. 

Adding workshops turns your store from a simple retail space into a true destination.

From teaching customers how to frame their favorite prints to helping them preserve family photos, workshops create connections and increase foot traffic to your store. They also keep people engaged longer — leading to a few extra frame purchases. 

Here’s why workshops might be the game changer your small business needs.

1. Build Stronger Connections With Your Customers

Hosting workshops lets you connect with existing customers on a deeper level. People love hands-on experiences, and framing workshops provide an opportunity to teach, interact, and engage with your audience.

Here are some ways to engage with customers during workshops.

• During workshops, demonstrate framing techniques, share tips for preserving artwork, and answer customer questions. Sharing expertise and highlighting your skills helps attendees see the benefits of working with professionals.
  
  
• Create an inviting space where customers feel comfortable sharing their stories and projects. Encourage interaction between attendees to promote a connection that can turn your store into a go-to spot for creative inspiration.
  
  
• Offer exclusive perks for workshop attendees, such as discounts on custom framing services or early access to new products. Providing tangible benefits will encourage them to think of you for their next project.

Use your point of sale (POS) system to track workshop attendance and purchasing habits so you can learn about your customers’ preferences. Use integrated email marketing to follow up with personalized thank-you notes, promotional offers, or invitations to future events that match their interests.

2. Attract New Customers

Framing workshops are an excellent way to attract customers who might not have visited your store otherwise. Offering a fun, creative experience draws attention to your shop and introduces new customers to your services and products.

Here’s how to attract attendees for your workshops. 

• Post about your workshops on social media channels and local community boards. Share photos and sneak peeks of past events to spark interest.
• Promote your workshop by partnering with art teachers, photographers, or local creative clubs. Their networks can help you reach new audiences interested in framing and art.
• Hand out loyalty cards or exclusive coupons for their next visit, giving them a reason to return.

You can check your POS software’s reporting tools to see which promotions — like Instagram ads or email blasts — drive the most sign-ups. With this data, you can tweak your marketing efforts and find what works best to attract attendees.

3. Showcase Your Products and Services

Hosting a framing workshop is a great way to show off your store’s tools and supplies. 74% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy a product after trying it out or seeing it in use. 

Here are some ways to showcase your expertise and convert participants into paying customers.

• Use your store’s frames, mat boards, and tools during hands-on demonstrations. Show how easy and fun it is to create professional-looking results with your products.
  
  
• Encourage purchases by giving workshop attendees exclusive deals on the tools or supplies they’ve just used. Highlight items that pair well with their projects.
  
  
• Create take-home kits to recreate the workshop projects, including frames, tools, and instructions. These kits make it easy for attendees to continue their creativity at home.

With barcode scanners and receipt printers connected to your POS terminal, you can easily manage sales during the event and provide a simple checkout experience that your workshop attendees will appreciate. 

4. Generate Additional Revenue

Done right, workshops generate buzz and boost your bottom line. Charging for these creative sessions makes them a steady income stream while building a strong community around your store.

Here are our tips for pricing your framing workshops. 

• Set tiered pricing for beginner-friendly sessions, advanced technique classes, or one-on-one private workshops. This makes your events appealing to a broader range of customers.
  
  
• Include a materials kit in the ticket price — complete with frames, mat boards, and tools — so customers get everything they need while you boost your sales.
  
  
• Encourage customers to share the fun by offering gift cards for your workshops. It’s an easy way to reach new audiences through word-of-mouth referrals. 

With a point of sale system with an attached card reader, you can accept various payment methods, from credit cards and debit cards to mobile and online payments like Google and Apple Pay. This makes it simple to handle transactions during busy events.

5. Improve Your Marketing Efforts

Framing workshops provide a steady source of content for your marketing channels. Share photos and videos of participants enjoying their experience on social media to showcase your store’s welcoming and creative atmosphere.

Check out these marketing tips for framing workshops.

• Add a workshop schedule to your website so your customers know what’s coming up. Include details like themes, dates, and any materials they’ll need.
  
  
• Post behind-the-scenes videos of your team setting up or prepping materials. These sneak peeks create buzz and make your events feel more personal.
  
  
• Promote future workshops by using participant photos, testimonials, and finished projects. Show people what they can achieve (and how much fun they’ll have) when they join.

If your point of sale software comes with integrated email marketing tools, you can send personalized invites to your customer base and reach out to potential attendees who fit your target audience.

Make a Big Impression on Your Customers and Community

Framing workshops can help you connect with your community, show off your expertise, and grow your business. From creating a buzz on social media to building customer loyalty and increasing sales, workshops turn your store into a thriving, creative space.

With LifeSaver POS’s hardware and software, you can manage registrations, track sales, and use customer relationship management (CRM) tools to keep your audience engaged. Book a free trial with LifeSaver today and see the difference it can make for your business.