In the arts and crafts retail industry, offering exceptional custom framing services can set your store apart from competitors and build customer loyalty. However, managing custom orders — from the initial design to final delivery — can be challenging and time-consuming.
Specialized custom framing software can make you more accurate and efficient when completing orders, leading to happier customers and more profit. Here are three custom framing software solutions to consider for your retail store:
1. LifeSaver
A top-rated cloud-based software tool for frame stores, LifeSaver is ideal for any business or retail outlet offering custom framing services. It’s designed to simplify work orders, track inventory, and manage pricing, all from one convenient place.
Features
LifeSaver comes with the FrameVue program, a custom frame visualizer that lets you show customers a virtual representation of their designed frames. Combining their photos or artwork with a database of frame mouldings and materials cuts down on prototyping costs, reduces material waste, and brings their vision to life.
The built-in payment processor accepts credit and debit cards, contactless payments such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, as well as traditional methods like cash and checks — eliminating the need for third-party payment tools.
Who It Is For
LifeSaver is perfect for framing stores and retail businesses that offer custom framing services for art, photos, and memorabilia. Designed by framing industry experts with over 30 years of experience, the current version is a modern, cloud-based, all-in-one solution with an intuitive interface.
Pricing Plans
LifeSaver offers three pricing plans:
- Startup Plan: $69/month for individuals and small businesses.
- Core Plan: $99/month for small businesses requiring a multi-user solution.
- Plus Plan: $149/month for medium-sized businesses or small franchises, including support for multiple locations.
Each plan is flexible and scalable. As your business grows and your needs change, you can upgrade to a plan with more features, giving you access to the extra options you need — without paying for those you don’t!
2. FrameReady
FrameReady is a fully featured software solution with a huge suite of tools for custom framing shops, retail outlets with framing services, art galleries, and similar businesses. It helps them manage their daily operations from start to finish.
When a customer walks in for custom framing, the software guides you through each step — from creating the initial design to handing over the finished piece.
Features
FrameReady makes your daily work easier by:
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Calculating frame prices automatically lets you give customers accurate quotes quickly.
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Keeping track of your current and finished orders in separate lists.
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Storing customer information and their past orders, making it easy to check previous work details.
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Working with design tools like FrameShop and MatDesigner to show customers exactly how their framed pieces will look.
The full version helps manage your finances by exporting invoice data to QuickBooks. You’ll never have to chase down an invoice, as the system integrates with Payment Logistics or Square for easy payment processing.
Who It Is For
FrameReady’s full version is designed for medium-sized businesses in the framing industry, including custom frame shops and art galleries. The Lite version is ideal for smaller framing professionals; it offers a simple dashboard with only the essential features.
Pricing Plans
Monthly subscriptions are available for both the Standard Edition and Lite versions, each providing one licensed copy for use on a single computer. Contact their sales department for more information on pricing or multi-site solutions.
3. SpecialtySoft
Launched in the mid-1990s, SpecialtySoft has become a trusted name in framing software. Known for its reliability and industry focus, it’s a go-to solution for framing retailers looking for an easier way to manage their inventory and custom orders.
Features
SpecialtySoft consists of two integrated software solutions: SpecialtySoft POS and SpecialtyView. SpecialtySoft POS provides essential point of sale (POS) tools, letting your frame shop set frame pricing, manage customer databases, and organize inventory.
Fully integrated with SpecialtySoft POS, SpecialtyView offers a comprehensive frame preview system that can automatically measure and display a virtual representation of any custom framing order. With convenient one-click functionality, you can present custom designs to customers during their initial visit and make real-time adjustments to perfect the virtual frame.
Who It Is For
Whether you run a small mom-and-pop frame shop, a framing department within a larger corporation, or a retail chain with multiple locations, SpecialtySoft POS and SpecialtyView are tailored to meet your needs. No matter the size of your business, this software makes accepting and completing custom framing orders easier.
Pricing Plans
The full version of SpecialtySoft POS is a one-time purchase for $1,495. For those needing fewer features, the entry-level SpecialtySoft Lite is available for $595.
Grow Your Retail Store With LifeSaver
Running a framing business and creating stunning custom frames involves managing many tasks, from taking exact specifications to contacting suppliers for materials. Without the proper support, these demands can quickly become overwhelming.
Custom framing software provides the digital tools you need to simplify every part of your store’s workflow. While many options come with standard features like payment processing and vendor integration, only LifeSaver offers everything you need in a convenient, cloud-based platform.
Why struggle with outdated systems when you can transform your framing business with cutting-edge tools? Book a free trial of LifeSaver today and experience the difference.
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