Top 4 Framing Software Solutions You Need To Demo

Looking for the best software to streamline your framing business? From managing inventory to creating stunning custom designs, the right framing software can transform how you work. 

An industry-specific POS system offers numerous benefits for your picture framing business. These systems not only manage sales transactions efficiently but also integrate easily with your current inventory and design processes. They can track materials, automate reordering and suggest the best frame styles based on customer preferences and current trends. 

These systems feature tools for creating and visualizing custom frame designs, letting customers preview their purchases. By consolidating these functions into one platform, an industry-specific POS system cuts manual work, reduces errors and enriches personalized service.

The following top four framing software solutions are packed with features to help you save time, increase sales, and deliver exceptional customer service.

1. LifeSaver

LifeSaver is a cloud-based point of sale system tailored for the framing industry. It provides essential tools for frame store owners, art gallery managers, and other framing businesses to thrive. With LifeSaver, you can effortlessly manage your inventory, quickly create quotes, and seamlessly process transactions.

Pros of LifeSaver

• Easy inventory and operations management: LifeSaver makes stocking your store with new products and managing day-to-day operations easy. Creating quotes, generating new work orders, building custom templates, and upselling premium services are just some of the many daily tasks it is designed to handle.
  
  
• Complete range of vendor integrations: As a leading framing software and POS system, LifeSaver comes pre-packaged with catalogs from the industry’s most trusted vendors. Browse the latest product lines from CMI, Bella Moulding, Fotiou, RomaMoulding, Larson-Juhl, and Nielsen from LifeSaver — or integrate your preferred vendors within minutes.
  
  
• Fully customizable: With LifeSaver, you can customize every detail of the software to showcase your store’s unique products and services, helping your business stand out from the competition.
  
  
• Mobile-friendly: Ditch the desktop PC! LifeSaver Cloud enables you to run your frame store from any internet-connected mobile device. You can check in on business data and manage everything on the go.
  
  
• Customer visualization function: FrameVue transforms the way you visualize and showcase your custom framing designs. Effortlessly upload and manage artwork through the LifeSaver Cloud, add a variety of vendor mouldings to your library, and generate stunning frame models. Show your clients the finished look before it’s made, ensuring satisfaction every step of the way. 

Cons of LifeSaver

• Software training: LifeSaver has exclusive framing features and options you won’t find in generic retail POS systems. While it offers incredible capabilities, new users will need to invest some time exploring its full potential to unlock all the benefits.

2. FrameReady

Next up, FrameReady is a point of sale system for the picture framing and art industries. With numerous industry-specific features, FrameReady streamlines operations for frame shop owners and gallery managers.

Pros of FrameReady

• Industry-adapted pricing formula: FrameReady uses wholesale costs for each framing job, eliminating inaccuracies, reducing losses on small jobs, and avoiding sticker shock on complex projects.
  
  
• Comprehensive analytics system: With FrameReady, you can access over 30 different reports, providing detailed insights into payments, sales, inventory, stock levels, usage, and accounts receivable — empowering you to make the best business decisions. 
  
  
• Advanced invoicing system: Simplify your finances with FrameReady’s advanced invoicing. Effortlessly manage deposits, payments, and refunds. Seamlessly integrate with QuickBooks Online for automatic data synchronization and accurate records.

Cons of FrameReady

• Prone to bugs. FrameReady’s feature-heavy design can be prone to bugs that may disrupt its functionality, requiring regular updates and patches to maintain reliability and improve user experience.
  
  
• Complexity: FrameReady offers many features, but mastering them requires time and training. Connecting multiple devices through FrameReady involves using Claris FileMaker Server, which can be tricky without the right technical skills.

3. SpecialtySoft POS

SpecialtySoft POS has been in the framing industry since the mid-1990s. It’s a solid solution for your point of sale needs, designed for everyone from solo framers to bustling frame stores.

Pros of SpecialtySoft

• Highly versatile: SpecialtySoft simplifies daily operations with its built-in credit card processing, purchase order processor, and inventory manager. It seamlessly interfaces with a variety of hardware and software, including QuickBooks, Microsoft MapPoint, and specialized POS hardware like printers and scanners.
  
  
• Integrated visualization software: SpecialtySoft POS pairs with SpecialtySoft View, which lets you display customer images in virtual frames. This is perfect for showcasing framing materials, colors, and measurements, helping customers visualize the final product.
  
  
• Easy to access: All you need to access SpecialtySoft POS’ features is a single, one-time payment. While vendor updates are available annually at a reasonable price, you don’t need them to continue using the software.

Cons of SpecialtySoft

• Not designed for wholesalers: SpecialtySoft POS offers comprehensive features for frame shops and framing departments. However, framing industry wholesalers might need more inventory management capabilities.
  
  
• Not intended for multi-site businesses: SpecialtySoft POS is designed for businesses with a single location. If you install a copy of SpecialtySoft at each location, they can’t sync data unless you use the Corporate edition, which comes at a higher cost.

4. ezFramer

Built by framing industry veterans for fellow framers, ezFramer is a powerful software solution designed from the ground up. It’s easy to use, intuitive to navigate, and customizable to match your framing shop’s needs.

Pros of ezFramer

• Intuitive interface: ezFramer puts all your order data in one easy-to-access window, cutting down on clicks and streamlining your workflow. Quickly review and verify orders to ensure they match customer specifications before confirming, making your job faster and more efficient.
  
  
• Multiple editions: ezFramer offers three versions, each packed with progressively more features to match your store’s evolving needs. Start with the Express version, which includes essentials like work order management, customer history databases, and barcode scanning. As your business expands, you can upgrade to more powerful tools and advanced features, ensuring you always have the perfect solution at your fingertips.
  
  
• Affordable: ezFramer is one of the more reasonably priced framing software solutions on the market today. Each version of ezFramer is available for a one-time payment, starting from $349 for the Express version to $999 for the most feature-complete edition.

Cons of ezFramer

• Extra service fees. Customer support is only free for the first year of your subscription. Customer service incurs an additional fee if you need to troubleshoot any technical issues. 
  
  
• Windows only: ezFramer is designed exclusively for Microsoft Windows. You may need a different framing software solution using Mac or mobile devices.

Finding the Best Framing Software for Your Business

Whether you’re opening a framing business or your existing store is due for an upgrade, consider these top framing software solutions. Before making a final decision, talk to providers and take each software you’re considering for a live demo.

When it comes to framing software, LifeSaver is redefining the art framing business with its cutting-edge POS system. With an intuitive interface, feature-packed design, and dedicated customer support, it’s custom-built to improve every aspect of your framing store. LifeSaver’s comprehensive management tools streamline operations, simplify customer interactions, and boost sales.

Ready to integrate the leading framing POS and management system into your framing shop? Discover why LifeSaver is the best framing software today. Request a free 14-day trial or contact us for more information.