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Customer relationship management (CRM) software use is on the rise, fueled by a growing focus on data-driven marketing. Global spend on CRM tools is expected to reach $53 billion annually, with over 6.2 million small retail businesses looking for better ways to track customers and increase repeat sales.
While full retail CRM software dominates the market, most small retailers don’t need that level of complexity. Integrated point of sale (POS) systems with built-in CRM tools often deliver everything a frame shop needs, without the cost, setup time, or extra software.
What type of CRM is best for your frame store? In this blog, we break down what to consider before investing and five popular options — including tools made for custom framers.
What Is Retail CRM Software?
Retail CRM software helps you store and use customer data — from purchase history and contact info to preferences and loyalty rewards. With the right setup, you can:
- Send follow-ups or promotions automatically
- Track repeat orders and popular products
- Reward loyalty and build stronger customer relationships
While traditional CRM platforms like Zoho and HubSpot offer specialized features, many are overbuilt for small retailers. CRM-friendly POS systems have become a go-to: they combine customer tracking and sales history in one easy-to-use system, right at the counter.
Does Your Frame Shop Need Retail CRM Software? Ask These 5 Questions
Before you sign up for a full CRM, take a closer look at how you work. These five questions can help you decide whether a dedicated platform or a modern POS for framers will better meet your needs:
1. Do You Want Customer Data Tied Directly to Sales?
CRM-only platforms track contacts and communications but don’t always sync with your daily sales activity. A POS solution with built-in CRM connects every purchase to a real customer — making it easier to review past orders, suggest upgrades, and personalize service during the sale.
2. Do You Need Marketing Automation or Just Better Follow-Ups?
Full retail CRM systems offer key features like email sequences and lead tracking, but those tools often go unused in smaller retail settings. CRM tools within POS software let you send order confirmations, thank you notes, and loyalty discounts or perks without building full campaigns or managing a separate platform.
3. Are You Already Using a POS System?
Switching to a full CRM means taking on extra tools, new workflows, and higher monthly costs — often without features that apply to framing. With an all-in-one framing POS, you get access to everything in one place: customer info, order history, vendor details, and design approvals — all tied to the same system you already use to run your shop.
4. Do You Need More Detailed Customer Profiles?
Generalized CRM tools track emails and sales funnels — but that’s not useful when you’re framing art. POS systems, which include CRM, let you save customers’ past moulding, glazing, and matting choices, preferred vendors, and even visual mockups. The next time they walk in, you can pull up exactly what they liked and offer options that match their style without starting from scratch.
5. How Much Time and Budget Can You Invest?
Popular retail CRM software includes tools like lead scoring and sales pipelines, but those extras can slow things down. Integrated POS systems give small frame shops exactly what they need: full order history, past project details, loyalty rewards, and easy follow-ups — all in one place, without the hassle of managing complicated features.
If you’re still deciding, comparing POS systems with built-in CRM to full-scale CRM for retail can help you find the setup that fits your workflow, budget, and customer experience goals.
5 Top Retail CRM Solutions
Whether you want a full-featured CRM or a built-in option, these five platforms help you track customers, run loyalty programs, and improve service:
1. LifeSaver POS
Best for framers who want CRM tools built into their daily workflow.
LifeSaver POS includes everything custom frame shops need — customer profiles, frame visualization, full job history, loyalty tracking, and follow-ups — all in one solution. You can quickly pull up past orders, identify patterns, or send targeted offers based on what a customer already loves — no separate tools or complicated setup.
2. Square for Retail
Best for simple sales environments and easy setup.
Square for Retail includes a customer directory, purchase tracking, and basic segmentation — ideal for framers who want to send receipts, log repeat clients, or offer loyalty perks without setting up a full CRM. It’s a good fit for smaller shops focused on fast in-person sales, pop-ups, or local art fairs that don’t need complex backend features.
3. Lightspeed
Best for high-volume or fast-paced multilocation retail shops.
Lightspeed is a generic retail POS system that offers advanced CRM features like segmentation, lifetime value tracking, and campaign management. You can tag customers by purchase behavior, run targeted promos, and generate detailed reports. If you sell online, handle complex orders, or want deeper marketing tools, Lightspeed is a step up from basic POS systems.
4. Zoho CRM
Best for shops with a separate sales or marketing team.
Zoho CRM is a standalone CRM with tools for lead tracking, email automation, and detailed segmentation. While it doesn’t integrate directly with most POS systems, it can work for frame shops with e-commerce stores, offsite reps, or event-based sales. Zoho offers flexibility for framers who run outreach through digital and in-store channels — but it may be more than most in-person shops require.
5. HubSpot CRM
Best for framers focused on digital marketing and e-commerce.
HubSpot CRM includes contact tracking, automated emails, lead forms, and detailed sales forecasting. It offers an accessible free tier and some POS integrations, but setup can take time. This option works well for shops running complex digital campaigns or building online sales alongside in-person service.
Is Retail CRM Software Worth It For Your Frame Business?
Consider what your POS system offers before investing in an external retail CRM software. Solutions built for the framing retail industry let you track customer history, manage follow-ups, and run loyalty rewards without adding new tools or costs.
LifeSaver POS gives framers full access to customer history, real-time job tracking, and rewards — all without jumping between extra tools or subscriptions. That means better customer service, more meaningful upsells, and better follow-ups that encourage return visits.
Request your free 14-day trial today to see how LifeSaver can help you build stronger customer relationships and turn repeat visits into steady revenue.
