Just this morning, I had a well known art conservator come into my studio to get a sketch framed. It was medium to large in size. He inquired about a nice solid wood black frame, high quality 99% UV filtering glass, a thick 8 ply 100% Museum Grade cotton rag matting with 4 ply 100% Museum Grade cotton rag backing and a final backing in 100% Museum Grade corrugated backing.
He wanted my regular price. I stated about $250 to $300, depending on the frame and measurements based on matting size.
He said “Really?”. He took to a frame shop in Washington, DC to get the work done. The Price? $750!
By the way, the materials they used left a tone shading from the matting (wood pulp, no doubt)
Ann Landers once said, “Nobody can take advantage of you without your permission”. So true then, so true now!