OT - Jersey Framing

I have two jerseys framed and did both myself.  I got the shadow box at Hobby Lobby then looked at pictures online to see different ways to hang it then just used colored push pins to hold it in place that way you couldnt see the pins.  Little more work but a cheaper and faster way.

So I read everything on this site (and love it!).  I don't chime in very often but really want to weigh in on this topic.  I've been in the custom framing business for 22 years.  I've owned my own successful (humblebrag?) location for 12 years in a very competitive market here in St. Louis and I am very involved with the various national organizations that are related to picture framing.  I employ individuals who speak and educate at the national and regional conferences.  Just wanted to establish credentials before giving you my opinion in a very long winded post.

I'm not going to slam anyone specifically but I just want all of the great Mgo folks to be informed.

1. Places like that online site have a place in this industry.  They are performing a service that is adequate for many people.  Lots of folks have a jersey that they had someone sign with a sharpie (bad idea!) when the player was walking off the practice field.  Essentially, this item has very low value until/unless authenticated.  In this case, if that individual really only cares about putting it up on the wall and displaying it for a while, this is a great alternative for them. If you truly value your item, this is a bad idea.

2. The big box stores will sell you some Chinese made preconfigured box for cheap and you can mount it yourself.  This is also fine if you don't value the item you have just framed.  Those boxes are not meant to protect/preserve your item.  Just know what you are buying.  If you truly value your item, this is a bad idea.

3.  The big box stores have frame shops.  Some of the folks that work there actually do know what they are doing.  If you have them custom frame it, even with a coupon, just know that practically every small custom frame shop who knows what they are doing could beat/match that price and you'd probably be dealing with someone who has quite a bit more interest in doing things the right way.  Keep in mind that there is a reason a few of those big box stores have been sued in many states for misleading the public when it comes to their "coupons".  Many restrictions and caveats apply there.

Bottom line, decide what your goal is that I've occasionally directed people to sites like this.  It really depends on their goals.  If you just want to get it on the wall and don't need to preserve it, then this is a good idea.  Although, if that's your goal you can tell a custom framer this as well and good ones should be able to solve your issue without you having to send your jersey to some anonymous person you'll never look in the eye.  If your goal is to truly preserve the item that you have because it is worth something or it means something to you I strongly recommend that you visit your local custom frame shop and discuss your options.  There is a huge difference between "Acid Free" mats and Museum/Conservation boards.  There is a huge difference between "UV glass" and glass that is 99% UV protection.  There is a huge difference between mounting your jersey with pins (if you live somewhere that isn't arid 100% of the time, you will actually be introducing rust into the fabric) or doing it one of the methods that are widely accepted in the industry.  

Again, sorry for rivaling War and Peace here but I just don't want to have one of you walk into one of our shops one day because your internet frame is coming apart and come to the realization that the back of your jersey is a totally different color because of the wrong materials used and that to be able to "knock it out" quickly they took a bunch of shortcuts.  You'd have no leg to stand on if they destroyed the value of your item because they are amazingly vague on their website as to what exactly they are doing.

Go Blue!