Custom orders are the core of your frame shop services. Customers have a unique vision: specific dimensions, colors, materials, matting, glazing, and mounting. One mistake, and that vision falls apart — along with your reputation.
When juggling orders across sticky notes, emails, and phone calls, details can easily slip through the cracks. This leads to delays, disappointed customers, and lost sales.
If you’re still relying on handwritten forms or spreadsheets, it’s time to upgrade. Discover how custom order management software can simplify your workflow, reduce errors, and help you deliver exactly what your clients want — every single time.
The right framing shop software should keep everything easy — from tracking sales and inventory to handling detailed custom orders. When choosing a framing software, look for a solution that allows you to:
Manage custom work orders: Choose a platform tailored for framing businesses, with built-in tools to manage frame dimensions, mat and moulding options, and special requests.
Keep track of your inventory: Simplify inventory management with software that tracks every material, color, and texture your shop carries.
Access vendor catalogs: Order new matting, mouldings, and materials right from the interface of your custom order management software. Your supplier catalog is built in for faster, easier reordering.
Display visual mockups: Replace physical mockups with a visualizer that lets customers see their custom design in real time, saving you time and materials.
Use your point of sale (POS): Run your entire frame shop with custom order management tools that also serve as full-featured POS systems. Look for a system that lets you process payments, custom orders, invoices, and deposits — all in one place.
Look for customer relationship management (CRM) tools: Build lasting customer relationships using CRM features that track past orders, remember preferences, and keep your most loyal clients coming back.
Get data reports and analytics: Measure your shop’s success with reporting tools that translate data into insights, so you know exactly what’s moving and making money.
Choose software that supports your workflow, not one that slows you down. The right features help you stay organized, wow your customers, and free up time to focus on custom orders.
Once you know what to look for, explore these four top software tools designed for frame shops to see how they can help you process custom orders faster and with fewer errors.
LifeSaver POS is an all-in-one, cloud-based point of sale system for picture framing businesses. Access a full suite of tools to manage your business, including custom orders, visual previews, quoting, and real-time inventory control.
Key features:
LifeSaver POS is the best choice for framing stores and custom frame businesses that need a complete software solution. Manage your frame shop’s operations from any of your favorite devices, including desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones.
FrameReady is POS and custom order management software built on the FileMaker Pro database system. Its features are tailored to framers, art galleries, and other art industry businesses.
Key features:
FrameReady is an excellent fit for business owners who want a fully customizable solution. It’s most suitable for advanced users who are comfortable working with database systems.
shopVOX is a custom order management software solution for small and medium businesses (SMBs). It’s designed for organizations across various industries, including frame shops.
Key features:
shopVOX is ideal for frame shops that also offer printing or signage. It began as a platform for sign shops and screen printers, but now supports various custom manufacturing needs, including framing.
For almost 30 years, SpecialtySoft has helped framing businesses manage sales, inventory, and custom orders, making it one of the industry’s most established tools.
Key features:
SpecialtySoft is a custom order management software solution mainly intended for already established professional framers. It focuses on point of sale and order management features.
Choosing the right custom order management software for your frame shop isn’t always easy, especially without clear guidance.
If you’re looking for a tool that combines proficiency with simplicity, Lifesaver POS is worth a look. It’s packed with features and designed for ease of use — perfect for managing custom frame orders from start to finish.
Start your free trial today to see how Lifesaver POS makes managing your shop’s processes easier and more convenient.