Frame Shop POS Systems

The Complete Buyers' Guide

Are you drowning in work orders? Do you frequently run out of your most popular mats and mouldings? Are customers less-than-happy with your communication and turnaround times? 

If any of these problems sound familiar, it’s time to upgrade your frame shop point of sale (POS) system. 

Investing in a new POS system is a huge decision, but being informed can help you make the right one for your business. That’s why we created this comprehensive buyers’ guide to frame shop POS systems. 

In the following chapters, we’ll share everything you need to know before making the switch to a new POS solution, including:

What a frame shop POS system is and why you need one

Must-have POS software features

Essential POS hardware components

Tips for finding the right frame shop POS system 

Frame Shop POS Systems 101

You might think of a POS system as a simple cash register, but modern POS systems designed for the framing industry can do so much more. Along with processing sales transactions, this tool can shape the consultation process, track the status of work orders, monitor inventory levels, and more.

Investing in this powerful technology is a win-win for you and your customers. 

You’ll save time and boost profits by automating your day-to-day processes and generating quotes that reflect the value of your services. Customers will enjoy better consultations, clearer communication, and faster turnaround times. 

frame-1-1

 

Ready to see these benefits come to life in your frame shop? Let’s dive in!

Frame Shop POS Software

Let’s start by talking about frame shop POS software. 

Think of software as the brain behind your frame shop’s operations. It gives you the tools to monitor and manage everything happening in your store — from creating quotes to checking out customers. 

In this chapter, we’ll take a closer look at what frame shop POS software can do and the specific features to look for. 

First, let's cover the must-haves. These are the bare minimum features you need to tackle frame jobs and process transactions:

This image is missing an alt tag

Payment processing

Process transactions quickly and securely, building customers’ trust and ensuring a smooth shopping experience. 

This image is missing an alt tag

Inventory management

Monitor your shop’s inventory levels in real time to ensure you have enough of your most popular framing supplies. 

This image is missing an alt tag

Quotes

Generate thorough quotes for custom framing projects to help customers understand the materials needed, labor involved, and total price. 

This image is missing an alt tag

Order management

Keep an eye on each framing job and its progress to boost efficiency and ensure quick turnarounds. 

This image is missing an alt tag

Reporting

Get an overview of your revenue and sales over the past day, week, month, or year. 

This image is missing an alt tag

Cloud-based

Access your POS software, check on work orders, and more from any device, at any time.

As your frame shop grows, you’ll need a POS system that can keep up. Here are seven advanced features that can take your business to the next level:

This image is missing an alt tag
Customization

You can customize your order tracking system, adding or eliminating status stages to match your shop’s workflow. 

This image is missing an alt tag
Email updates

Send an automatic update when a customer’s frame is ready for pickup, or send an email blast to your full customer list to announce new promotions and options. 

This image is missing an alt tag
Customer relationship management (CRM)

Maintain a running list of your customers, their contact information, work order history, and any other notes. 

This image is missing an alt tag
Vendor connection

Use your POS system to browse and order directly from trusted mat and moulding providers like Nielson, Roma, Omega, and more.

This image is missing an alt tag
Frame visualization

Use frame visualization tools like FrameVue to show customers exactly what their project will look like and help them feel more confident in their style decisions. 

This image is missing an alt tag
On-the-fly inventory checks

Get real-time inventory updates while quoting and visualizing a customer’s order to ensure accurate estimates and clear communication.

This image is missing an alt tag
Multi-location reporting

Manage multiple frame shop locations from one single platform. Check work orders, inventory levels, and sales reports to ensure each shop is running smoothly. 

Frame Shop POS Hardware

To interact with your POS software, you need hardware. Let’s look at some of the most common POS hardware components for frame shops:
Frame 7

Desktop computer

Most frame shop POS software solutions run on any kind of computer — whether Windows, Mac, or Linux. 

Frame 1

Monitor

A computer monitor with a bright, clear display is a must — especially if you plan to browse frame options with customers and use virtual frame visualization tools.

Frame 4

Computer accessories

Don’t forget to purchase a keyboard, mouse, and mouse pad for each computer! 

Frame 5

Pinpad

A pinpad allows you to accept credit, debit, and mobile wallet payments. We recommend investing in a pinpad that seamlessly integrates with your POS software to speed up checkouts and avoid pricing errors.

Frame 6

Barcode scanner

A barcode scanner can help you organize inventory, perform quick stock counts, and ring up simple purchases. 

Frame 3

Tablet

A tablet offers a convenient way to access your POS software on the go — whether you’re discussing frames with a customer on the sales floor or away from your shop.

Your POS software’s requirements will determine what type of hardware you need, so we recommend choosing your software before shopping for hardware.

How To Find the Perfect Frame Shop POS Provider

Now that you’re a frame shop POS system expert, it’s time to start your search! In this chapter, we’ll share our top tips to help you find a solution that meets your needs and fits your budget. 

Insist on Framing Industry Experience 

Our top tip is to look for a POS system specifically designed for frame shops. 

While generic retail POS systems might seem appealing because of their popularity and price, they don’t include industry-specific features like work order management, frame visualization, or material inventory tracking. The teams behind these systems also lack the framing industry experience and knowledge to help you configure the software to your needs.

Relying on a frame shop-specific POS solution like LifeSaver will give you access to the features you need and a support team that understands your business and goals. 

Look for Stellar Support

Hoping for a smooth transition to your new POS system? A great relationship with your POS provider makes all the difference. 

Your provider should provide one-on-one training to help you navigate your new system, understand its new features, import your shop’s data, and tailor the settings to your unique needs. 

This support shouldn’t end with the onboarding process; your POS provider should offer ongoing support to help you solve technical issues and answer questions as they arise. 

Set a Realistic Budget

The world of POS system pricing can seem mysterious, so we put together this list of fees to look for as you get quotes from different providers: 
=

Software subscription

Expect to pay a monthly fee to access your POS software. Most providers use a tiered pricing model, which means you can access basic features for a lower fee or unlock advanced tools by paying a higher subscription cost. 

This image is missing an alt tag

Hardware

Some POS providers require you to purchase hardware from them, while others have a “bring your own” hardware policy. You can purchase hardware upfront or pay a monthly fee for a hardware and software bundle. 

This image is missing an alt tag

Payment processing

If you choose a provider that offers integrated payment processing, expect to pay a small flat or percentage-based fee for each card transaction.

This image is missing an alt tag

Training and support

 Ideally, your POS provider will offer training and support at no additional cost, but some companies charge a fee for access to their support team.

This image is missing an alt tag

Cancellation

If you sign a long-term contract with a POS provider, make sure to ask about the cancellation terms and fees. 

While it might be tempting to choose the most affordable option, keep in mind that the right POS software can boost your shop’s productivity and profits.

See Each System in Action

Our final tip is to explore each POS system from the driver’s seat. 

Most POS providers offer live demonstrations, allowing you to see their software in action, determine how user-friendly the interface is, and ask questions in real time. 

These demos are also an excellent opportunity to gauge the quality of the provider’s customer service and support. The representative leading your demo should be friendly, comfortable with the software, and understand your shop’s needs. 

If you book a demo of LifeSaver, you’ll also have access to a free trial of our POS software. You can explore the system at your own pace, deep dive into its features, and make a confident decision about whether it’s the right fit for your shop. 

frame-2

Get Started With the Best Frame Shop POS System

Ready to start your search for the perfect frame shop POS system? You don’t have to look far!

LifeSaver is a POS solution designed with frame shops like yours in mind. With our software, you can generate quotes, manage work orders, and process sales transactions — and take your business to the next level with advanced features like frame visualization software integration, simplified material reordering, and marketing. 

Plus, our team of frame industry experts is available 24/7 at no additional cost to help you achieve your small business goals. 

Get in touch with our frame experts to claim your free two-week trial of LifeSaver!

Get my free trial