Part-Time Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Woodside, California, United States

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service

Date Posted: 2026-09-12

Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences within a retail environment, specifically in the custom framing department.

• Key responsibilities include building customer relationships, understanding their needs, and translating those into high-quality custom framing solutions.

• The position involves direct sales, order fulfillment, and maintaining visual merchandising standards for framing products.

• Operations professionals in this role will also contribute to general store operations, including inventory management and transaction processing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Custom Framer," the responsibilities extend beyond just production to encompass sales, customer relationship management, and general retail operations. This suggests a hybrid role blending sales expertise with operational execution, common in customer-facing retail environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build and nurture customer relationships by actively engaging them, understanding their creative projects, and offering personalized custom framing solutions.
  • Utilize Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to drive sales and production targets for custom framing orders.
  • Acknowledge customers promptly, assist them in locating products, and provide solutions to meet their needs.

• Custom Framing Production & Quality:

  • Accurately complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and within established timelines, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Operate framing equipment and glass cutters safely and effectively.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Ship-from-Store) and Directed Replenishment processes.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment, with a focus on well-merchandised and in-stock areas for customers.
  • Participate in truck unloading and stocking processes, adhering to company standards and budgets.

• Transaction Processing & Compliance:

  • Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures according to company standards.

  • Support shrink and safety programs through diligent adherence to company policies and procedures.

  • Assist with Omni-channel processes, such as online order fulfillment or in-store pickup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct customer interaction, sales execution, production quality, and general retail operations. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales approach focused on customer consultation and solution-selling, which is crucial for custom framing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is generally expected for entry-level retail roles.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within retail.

• Experience in custom framing or a related craft/artistic field is a significant advantage. Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Ability to navigate point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic order management software, and potentially internal communication platforms.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Precision in measuring artwork and frame materials is critical for accurate order fulfillment.

• Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating framing equipment and a glass cutter, with a strong emphasis on safety protocols.

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, listen to their needs, and provide solutions in a friendly and professional manner.

• Sales Acumen: Capability to effectively sell products and services, upsell, and meet sales targets.

• Cash Handling: Accuracy and integrity in managing financial transactions.

• Merchandising & Store Maintenance: Understanding of visual presentation standards and ability to maintain organized retail spaces.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal communication for customer interactions and team collaboration.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve customer issues or operational challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Proven track record in retail sales, particularly in a consultative or solution-selling environment.

• Custom Framing Expertise: Hands-on experience with various framing techniques, materials, and design principles.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with stock management, replenishment, and loss prevention strategies.

• Omni-channel Fulfillment: Experience with processes like Ship-from-Store (SISO) or Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are foundational for a retail environment, with specific emphasis on the technical aspects of custom framing (equipment, measuring) and sales/customer service. Preferred skills indicate that candidates with prior industry experience will have a distinct advantage, especially those with a strong sales background.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Custom Framing Design Examples: Visual documentation of diverse framing projects, showcasing creativity, material selection, and problem-solving for different art types and sizes.

• Sales Achievement Documentation: Evidence of exceeding sales targets or contributing to team sales goals, potentially through performance metrics or customer testimonials.

• Process Adherence Examples: Brief descriptions or visual aids illustrating how SOPs were followed in previous roles, particularly concerning order accuracy, quality control, or safety procedures.

• Customer Interaction Case Studies: Short narratives detailing challenging customer interactions and how they were successfully resolved, demonstrating customer service and problem-solving skills.

Process Documentation:

• Order Fulfillment Workflow: A clear outline of the steps involved in taking a custom framing order from consultation to completion, highlighting quality checks and timeline management.

• Customer Consultation Process: Description of how initial customer needs are assessed, design options are presented, and final selections are made.

• Merchandising & Stock Management: Explanation of how departments are maintained, stock is replenished, and visual standards are upheld.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role focused on custom framing, a formal portfolio might not be strictly required but demonstrating relevant skills through a curated collection of work or case studies would be highly beneficial. The emphasis should be on showcasing practical application of skills, particularly in design, sales, and customer service within a retail context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.25 - $20.30 per hour.

• This range reflects an entry-level to intermediate position within the retail custom framing sector, considering the location and the specific skill set required. The higher end of the range likely accounts for candidates with direct custom framing experience or a proven sales track record. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
  • Telemedicine services for convenient healthcare access.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support.

• Financial & Retirement:

  • 401(k) plan with employer match, supporting long-term financial security.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Commuter benefits to assist with transportation costs.

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition assistance to support ongoing education and skill development.
  • Adoption assistance for team members expanding their families.

• Other Perks:

  • Voluntary insurance options for added protection.

  • Generous employee discounts on Michaels products, fostering personal creativity.

  • Access to partner discount programs for additional savings. Working Hours: Part-time, with the potential for up to 40 hours per week depending on business needs. Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for part-time retail positions requiring specialized skills like custom framing. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering a good mix of health, financial, and developmental support, which is a strong incentive for part-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, operating over 1,300 stores.

Company Size: Large (over 1,000 employees globally, with a significant retail footprint across the US and Canada). This size implies established operational processes, training programs, and opportunities for internal mobility.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a well-established brand presence and a deep understanding of its customer base in the creative space.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: This role is primarily within the Custom Framing department, working closely with other framers and potentially a department manager or store lead.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While the primary focus is framing, the role requires interaction with other store associates for customer assistance, inventory tasks, and Omni-channel fulfillment. Collaboration with the broader store team is essential for overall store success.

• Reporting: Reports to a store management team (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Framing Department Manager), with direct supervision related to daily tasks and performance.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on building relationships and providing solutions, as indicated by the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

• Process Standardization: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensures consistent quality, safety, and customer experience across all locations.

• Data-Driven Operations: While not explicitly detailed for this role, large retail organizations like Michaels often use sales data, inventory metrics, and customer feedback to inform operational decisions and performance.

Company Website: https://www.michaels.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels fosters a culture centered on creativity, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. The company's large scale means robust training and established best practices, which can be beneficial for individuals looking to build a career in retail operations and customer service.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to early-career stage within retail operations, specifically within a specialized department. It serves as a foundational role for developing skills in customer service, sales, technical production, and operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The Custom Framer reports to store leadership (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Framing Department Lead). This structure allows for direct guidance, performance feedback, and opportunities to learn about broader store operations.

Operations Impact:

• Revenue Generation: Directly contributes to store revenue through custom framing sales and impulse purchases driven by effective merchandising and customer service.

• Customer Loyalty: By providing high-quality framing solutions and excellent service, the role helps build customer loyalty and repeat business, which is crucial for the Michaels brand.

• Operational Efficiency: Adherence to SOPs, efficient order fulfillment, and participation in store operations contribute to the overall smooth functioning and profitability of the retail location.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialization: Potential to become a senior custom framer, taking on more complex projects, training new team members, or managing department inventory.

• Sales Leadership: Progression into roles like Sales Lead or Assistant Manager, focusing on driving sales performance and managing store operations.

• Cross-Departmental Expertise: Development of skills across various store functions (e.g., visual merchandising, inventory, customer service) can lead to opportunities in other areas of retail management.

• Management Track: With demonstrated performance and leadership potential, opportunities may arise for Store Manager positions or roles within regional operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within the retail environment, starting with specialized skills in framing and sales, and potentially expanding into broader operational management or leadership roles within Michaels. The part-time nature allows for flexibility while still providing a solid foundation for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic, customer-facing, and involves interaction with a diverse customer base.

Office Location(s): The specific location is Woodside, California, at 5106 Northern Blvd. This is a standard retail store environment.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Area: Primarily involves engaging with customers in the sales floor and dedicated framing consultation area.

• Production Area: The frame shop itself is a specialized workspace equipped with framing tools, machinery, and materials. This area requires careful organization and adherence to safety protocols due to the nature of the equipment (e.g., glass cutters, heat presses).

• Stock Room: May involve working in stock rooms which may or may not be climate-controlled, for tasks like receiving and organizing inventory.

• Climate Control: Public areas of the store are climate-controlled; some stock rooms might not be.

Work Schedule: Flexible, part-time schedule. Requires availability for nights, weekends, and early mornings. This schedule is typical for retail roles and allows for work-life integration, but demands adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characteristic of a busy retail store, requiring adaptability to customer flow, varied tasks, and different zones within the store (sales floor, production area, stock room). The inclusion of specific equipment like glass cutters and heat presses highlights the hands-on, technical nature of the framing aspect.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and applications to assess basic qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with company values.

• Phone/Video Screen: A brief introductory call with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss experience, availability, and initial fit for the role.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve a discussion with the Store Manager or Framing Department Lead, focusing on:

  • Customer Service Scenarios: Behavioral questions about handling difficult customers, upselling, and building rapport.
  • Technical Skills Assessment: Questions about experience with framing equipment, measuring, and materials. Practical demonstration might be requested if feasible.
  • Sales Aptitude: Discussion about sales approaches, meeting targets, and understanding customer needs.
  • Operational Understanding: Questions about SOPs, safety, and store maintenance.

• Potential Skills Demonstration: A practical exercise or discussion about how you would approach a specific framing consultation or problem.

• Final Offer: Based on interview performance and fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Custom Framing Projects: If you have photos of past framing work, prepare to discuss your design choices, materials used, and the customer's objective. Focus on variety and complexity.

• Highlight Sales Successes: Prepare examples of how you've exceeded sales targets, successfully upsold, or built strong customer relationships. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Demonstrate Process Adherence: Be ready to talk about how you follow procedures for order accuracy, quality control, and safety in a retail or production setting.

• Prepare for Scenarios: Think through how you would handle common situations: a customer unsure of their design, a difficult framing challenge, or a customer complaint.

Challenge Preparation:

• Framing Design Challenge: You might be asked to propose a framing solution for a hypothetical piece of art, considering aesthetics, preservation, and budget.

• Customer Service Scenario: Role-playing a customer interaction to assess your approach to consultation, problem-solving, and sales.

• Operational Question: Discussing how you would maintain the framing department's appearance and inventory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, focusing on a blend of customer service, sales skills, technical framing knowledge, and operational awareness. A portfolio, even if informal (e.g., photos on a phone), can significantly strengthen an application by providing tangible evidence of skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Mat cutters, frame saws, corner moulders, staple guns, glue guns, heat presses, and other specialized tools for cutting and assembling frames and mats.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, calipers for precise measurements.

• Glass Cutting Tools: Specialized tools for accurately cutting glass or acrylic.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing sales data, and potentially tracking custom order details.

• Inventory Management Software: To track stock levels of frame mouldings, mats, glass, and hardware.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software (likely integrated into POS): To track customer preferences, past orders, and potentially manage loyalty programs.

• Order Management System: Software used to create, track, and manage custom framing orders from intake to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized framing equipment and precision tools is paramount. Familiarity with retail POS systems and basic inventory management tools is also expected. The company likely uses proprietary or industry-standard software for order management and CRM.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Michaels values a passion for arts, crafts, and creative expression, encouraging team members to share this enthusiasm with customers.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on building relationships, providing solutions, and ensuring customer satisfaction through personalized service.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together to achieve store goals, support colleagues, and create a positive work environment.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, particularly in the custom framing department.

• Efficiency & Accountability: Adhering to SOPs, managing time effectively, and taking responsibility for tasks and performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Support: Team members are expected to assist each other across departments to ensure smooth store operations and excellent customer service.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear communication for task delegation, problem-solving, and sharing best practices within the store team.

• Learning Environment: A culture that supports learning and development, where team members can share knowledge and grow their skills, especially within specialized areas like custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels is built around a shared love for creativity, with a strong emphasis on customer engagement and operational excellence. Team members are expected to be collaborative and supportive, contributing to a positive and productive retail environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer consultations and sales while also meeting production deadlines for custom framing orders.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Accommodating a wide range of artistic tastes, project complexities, and budget constraints for custom framing.

• Maintaining Quality Standards: Consistently delivering high-quality framing work that meets customer expectations and company standards, especially during busy periods.

• Adapting to Retail Demands: Managing fluctuating customer traffic, peak seasons, and the need for flexibility in work hours (nights, weekends, holidays).

• Learning Technical Skills: Mastering the operation of framing equipment and precise measuring techniques can be challenging for those new to the craft.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn advanced framing techniques, design principles, and material knowledge through on-the-job training and potentially specialized workshops.

• Sales Training: Development in consultative selling, customer relationship management, and achieving sales targets through company programs like Elevated ABC Deliver.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining experience in inventory management, visual merchandising, cash handling, and Omni-channel processes.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into leadership roles within the store, such as Framing Department Lead, Sales Lead, or Assistant Store Manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop a specialized craft in custom framing alongside essential retail operations and sales skills. The challenges are typical of a customer-facing retail environment with a production component, offering a solid foundation for career growth within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Consultation: "Describe your process for consulting with a customer about custom framing. What questions would you ask, and how would you guide them through design options?" (Focus on active listening, creative problem-solving, and understanding their project goals.)

• Sales Approach: "How do you approach selling a product or service, especially when the customer might be unsure or have budget constraints?" (Emphasize understanding needs, highlighting value, and offering solutions.)

• Quality & Accuracy: "Imagine a customer provides artwork that is unusually shaped or fragile. How would you ensure it's framed correctly and preserved properly?" (Focus on attention to detail, knowledge of materials, and following SOPs.)

• Handling Difficult Situations: "Tell me about a time you dealt with a challenging customer or a situation where you had to resolve a problem. What was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, and specifically in the Custom Framing department?" (Connect your passion for creativity, art, or customer service to the company's mission.)

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?" (Highlight collaboration, support, and shared goals.)

• Adaptability: "This role requires flexibility in hours, including nights and weekends. How do you manage your schedule to meet business needs?" (Showcase reliability and willingness to adapt.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: If you have a portfolio, use it to tell stories about your projects. Explain the customer's need, your design process, the materials you chose, and the final result.

• Quantify Achievements: For sales or customer service examples, use numbers where possible (e.g., "Exceeded sales target by 15%," "Resolved X customer issues per week").

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to walk through how you would handle a typical framing order, from initial customer contact to final product delivery, highlighting adherence to quality and safety standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your customer service philosophy, sales techniques, and your understanding of the custom framing process. Demonstrating a genuine interest in art and creativity, along with a strong work ethic, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight any experience in custom framing, visual arts, customer service, and retail sales. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer service," "sales," "merchandising," and "cash handling."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather any visual examples of custom framing work, design sketches, or projects you've completed. If you have sales achievements, be ready to discuss them.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions focusing on customer service scenarios, sales strategies, and your technical skills. Prepare to discuss how you'd handle specific framing challenges or customer requests.

• Research Michaels: Understand the company's mission, values, and its position in the arts and crafts market. Familiarize yourself with their product offerings, especially in custom framing.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.