FrameReady FAQ's
Click on one of the following categories to review all relevant topics.
General Questions
1. Why should we invest in FrameReady POS software? What better way to organize every facet of your business. FrameReady is an indispensable tool to help you deliver your product or service. Without this tool your gallery/shop will not be as efficient as it could be. It is an extension of your staff at a fraction of the cost.
2. What benefits will we get from using this product? The biggest benefit is being able to confidentially, accurately, and quickly price your custom framing. Spend more time with your customers. The data FrameReady generates is the key to business success. Save money with fewer time pressure errors, inaccurate out-of-date pricing charts, and less calculation errors, particularly from your employees. Up-to-date pricing from each of your vendors means your profits are based on your most current costs. Easily manage your discontinued samples at a fraction of the time. Install FrameReady on a laptop and your entire art inventory images go with you to client meetings and/or art shows. From this one program you will be able to: create proposals, estimates, work orders, invoices, create & track direct mail programs, email, create address labels, envelopes, referral lists, financial reports, invoices, client statements, certificates of authenticity, biographies, artists commission statements, text and image art directories, product labels, purchase orders, back room scheduling, cut lists, materials lists and shipping labels.
3. Is there a trial period or demo disk? Yes. You may download a free 60-day trial version for Windows or Macintosh. We also have overviews and explanations of features and parts of the program on video tutorials. Or if you prefer, you may request a demo CD. Our policy is try-before-you-buy.
4. Do you have a User Guide? Yes. A two hundred page bound guide comes with the program when you purchase. A PDF version will be installed on your desktop when you download the demo and can be read with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
5. Is there a sample database with which to practice? Yes. The trial version comes loaded with moulding and matboard items from a number of leading suppliers. Included is a sample customer database with which to play. You may also type in your own data.
6. Can we get tech support before purchasing? Yes. Our Help Desk is available to those who are testing the software. Tech support is provided from Monday to Friday from 9AM-6PM Eastern Time. Unlimited toll-free tech support for the first year is included as part of the purchase package. You may wish to book a one hour over-the-phone introductory tutorial to get you into the program. Call for 888-281-3303 for an appointment.
7. Can data from an old program be transferred into FrameReady? Yes. Customer databases from other programs and spreadsheets can normally be transferred into FrameReady. The minimum charge is $100 US. As well, ReadyFrame is upgradeable to FrameReady. All the data captured will be populated into the more highly featured program.
8. Are there add-ons? The bar coding and labeling software are included in FrameReady. You do not have to purchase these as add-ons. At any time you may purchase bar code scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, visualization software and additional terminal licenses. These are optional beneficial enhancements which you may or may not require.
9. Is there a limit to the amount of information we can enter into FrameReady? Generally, no. However, file size is usually limited to available space on your hard drive.
10. Can we customize the program to meet our needs? Yes. All work order pull-down menus and value lists may be customized. There is no limit to the number of items which may be added. Your business logo can be incorporated to make printed documentation professional. Customize your own art labels. Set defaults for mat sizes, mounting, discounts and pricing. Some customization may be added by SoftTouch Solutions Inc for specific requirements.
Technical Questions
1. What are the System Requirements? Click here.
2. May I enter my own pricing formulas and mark ups? Yes. Although FrameReady has default markups and formulas for people just starting out, we recommend you customize any of the many flexible pricing structures available in the software to meet your business needs and demographics.
3. Can FrameReady run on the MAC platform? Yes. FrameReady is native to the MAC platform and does not require any Windows emulation software in order for it to run.
4. Can FrameReady be run on a network? Yes. FrameReady comes bundled with FileMaker Pro. Each additional terminal requires FileMaker Pro. We highly recommend FileMaker Server when exceeding three computers. Up to 250 computers can be networked using the Server.
5. Can I set up my own passwords to protect unauthorized access to the program? Yes. FrameReady comes with four levels of access. Each level is password protected and ranges from basic daily functions to programming access. You may also apply a security password to restrict access to selected areas of the program.
6. Is there an annual maintenance plan? Yes. There is an annual membership/ subscription (which is included for the first year) entitling you to toll-free tech support and vendor pricing updates. A software maintenance plan can also be purchased which keeps you current with FileMaker Pro and FrameReady upgrades.
7. How does FrameReady handle multi-store locations? If your intent is to use one centralized database, then you can purchase the FrameReady Multi Site program. If your intent is to keep your data separate for each location then you will need to purchase a separate FrameReady license for each location.
8. Can I use a bar code reader with the program? Yes. Any bar code reader with a USB port may be used with FrameReady. Quickly and accurately read the bar codes from the backs of your corner samples directly into the work order. The program comes with the bar coding software already installed. Bar codes are generated within the program to locate and track orders in production. You may also create your own retail bar code labels. See more information here!
9. Does the program create labels? Yes. A full label designer is included in FrameReady. (The layout function is disabled in the trial version). Labels may be customized and printed for retail products, corner samples, readymade frames, artwork editions, frames in production, address labels, Art Identification tags.
10. Can FrameReady show me what the frame job will look like? Yes. FrameReady interfaces with Integrated Framer by Wizard Int. (This is an add-on product.) Click here for a video demonstration.
11. Can I design and price a multi-opening mat with the program? For a limited time, MatDesigner Software by Wizard Int comes bundled free with FrameReady. This allows you to design multi-opening mats.
12. Does FrameReady interface with Computerized Mat Cutters? Yes. A number of CMCs are supported through FrameReady.
13. Will the program accommodate stacked frames? Yes. Up to five frames, or a combination of liners, extenders and fillets may be priced. You can also specify into which layer the glass needs to be fitted.
14. Can I put in my own frames with specified finishes or guilding? Yes. FrameReady will allow you to price your own moulding and finishes.
15. Will I be able to duplicate an order? Yes. Many times one customer likes the way you framed something for another customer or they ask for an order to be repeated. This is easily accomplished by duplicating an existing work order and updating it to current pricing.
Getting Started Questions
1. What do I need to get started? One computer and the best quality printer you can afford. Basically, that’s all. We highly recommend that you have high-speed broadband internet access on this computer in order to receive your vendor pricing service. You do not require an automated cash drawer.
2. What should we expect during the transition? We suggest allowing a cross-over period where you do both methods. While the customer is in the store, write up the order the way you normally would, by hand or with your old software. When the customer is gone enter the order into FrameReady. No one is looking over your shoulder; so you don't feel pressured to do everything 'right' while learning something new. Then, when you get to the point where you are writing up an order with a customer and you think, 'this would be so much faster/easier in FrameReady', that's when it's time to stop the old method. And set a “go live” date that everyone works toward to be ready to switch over to the new system. The key to good implementation is commitment.
3. What is critical to set up in the system first? Most people want to get their pricing set up first. Your software will arrive preloaded with your vendor items and wholesale cost. You will need to determine whether the default formulas meet your needs. Start entering work orders right away. This will tell you whether you need to tweak the markups. Systematically go through your pricing items: moulding, matboard, mounting, glass, etc. Make sure all procedures which you offer are entered into the Price Codes file. Inventory can be set up later. Enter any retail products you sell. Customer names can be entered as they come in to place their orders (if they were not pre-installed from an existing customer database).
4. How easy is it to learn the program? FrameReady’s graphical user interface (computer “geek-speak” for how user-friendly it feels), navigates you through the program intuitively. Colour-coded screens help the learning curve, allowing you to quickly remember the files. We have tried to make learning accessible and fun by posting informative videos on our web site. Your staff can watch these on their home computers. After purchasing, we provide over-the-phone training sessions, during during the first three months, helping you implement FrameReady and make the most of your investment. You may also elect to invest in on-site or in-house training.
5. How long from installation till “we’re up and running”? While some people have made the transition in 2-3 days, others allow a month. It really depends on your level of comfort with technology and the time you commit to this business investment.
Inventory Questions
1. Can I sell footage of moulding and sheets of matboard as retail items? Yes. FrameReady allows for separate pricing schedules for retail pricing and work order pricing.
2. Does FrameReady handle images? Yes. FrameReady allows you to import images of retail products, store pre, during, and post production images of the framing, and images of moulding profiles. This is especially helpful for mobile framers and galleries. Images can be imported from any digital file or catalog.
3. Is there a limit to the size and resolution of the images you can store in FrameReady? No. We recommend that you insert them as a stored reference. This will prevent your files from becoming massively large.
4. Does FrameReady handle retail inventory? Yes. Any number of retail items may be entered into the program: art, limited editions, sculpture, art materials, giftware, cameras, needlework products and home decor.
5. Can the program track product thresholds? Yes.
6. Does FrameReady handle art editions? Yes. A selected range of editions may be added easily without re-entering all of the common information.
7. Does FrameReady handle ready-made and closed corner frames? Yes. You may use a join price formula or transfer a catalog of ready-mades into FrameReady. If a customer chooses an in stock ready-made, you may enter it into a work order. See our online video for a demonstration, available to Subscription Members Only.
8. Can I create PO’s in the program? Yes. FrameReady automatically creates Purchase Orders for moulding, matboard and supplies and allows you to choose individual companies to order on different days. It also creates art and product PO’s. Special orders can be created.
9. Can the program handle art from our inventory which we have consigned out? Yes. FrameReady will tell you which artwork is not on location; track its sale and restocking. This is applicable for auctions, off site art shows, interior designers having art on consultation. It also tracks consigned products you are selling in retail inventory.
10. Will FrameReady track discontinued moulding and matboard? Yes. When you update your vendor pricing using our internet service, you will be alerted to discontinued products. At that time you may decide whether or not to delete these items from your database.
11. Can I price my glass and mirrors by the square inch and fixed price? Yes.
12. Can I round up my formulas for moulding to the nearest dollar? Yes.
13. Can I enter all the different sizes of glazing which we stock? Yes.
1. Can I email directly from FrameReady? Yes. Click a button and the program will automatically address an email to your customer with a defaulted message telling them their order is ready to be picked up. No need to type anything. Just click Send. Identify group emailing and notify customers of upcoming events. Communicate with your artists by email. Send PDFs of statements to clients and reports to your accountant.
2. Is there a mailing list function? You may create any number of specific mailing lists using the Keywords. When compiling mailings you may be as specific or as general as needed, using the powerful Find feature, click here for a video demonstration. Filter your list by any parameter and omit groups you don’t want to send to. Use this function to create lists for invitations, announcements, thank you referrals, ad campaigns for direct mail and any other correspondence.
3. Can we export a mailing list to a third party? Yes. You may find, sort and export your contact list. See our online video for a demonstration, available to Subscription Members Only.
4. Can I create Artist Biographies / CVs in the program? Yes. FrameReady will create, save and print a document with text and image.
5. Does the program track what particular interests a customer may have? Yes. It automatically tracks the name of any artist they purchase or have framed. You may track which types of art they collect and which hobbies may pertain to your marketing plans. You define the categories that you wish to track.
6. Can I track customer’s birthdays? Yes. And lots of other pertinent information, such as spouse’s name, pets, etc., which you will be able to use to set yourself apart from your competition.
7. Will FrameReady generate Gift Certificates? Yes. It will print three different styles, in three different languages; English, Spanish or French, track redeemed certificates and store credits.
8. Can it track tax exemptions? Yes. Two separate retail tax exemption fields are provided.
Accounting Questions
1. Does the program link to Accounting Software? No. FrameReady will handle your accounts receivable and generate financial reports. The information cannot be exported directly to any accounting program. It is recommended that you use FrameReady alongside your accounting software of choice. FrameReady will generate the reports you need and you can manually enter the totals for each day into your accounting software. (E.g. 04/16/06 - Daily Sales - categories - amounts - taxes - totals, etc.)
2. How does the program handle discounts? You may apply discounts directly to all components of the work order or to the total either as a percentage or a dollar value. Or you may directly link a set (yet over-ride-able) discount to a particular customer. Discounts may be applied to price code items. Invoice discounts may pertain to the entire invoice or for selected items.
3. Can the system track how much to pay consignment artists? Yes. A report may be generated for specific artists based on a date range. The report lists both the retail and wholesale price.
4. Does FrameReady do payroll? No.
5. Can I process more than one order at a time? Yes. If you are in the middle of taking an order and get interrupted or need to process another order or invoice, simply move to the necessary screen. Come back to the first one when you are ready. All information is saved automatically.
6. Can store credits be issued? Yes. A store credit can be automatically issued when an item is returned. When a customer with a credit makes a purchase the credit will be flagged and may be used towards the purchase. If a balance remains on the credit a new store credit will be issued.
7. Does FrameReady allow for separate retail sales tax tracking? Yes. Two fields are available.
8. Does FrameReady support a cash drawer and receipt printer? Yes. We recommend a receipt printer only if you have numerous retail items to process. Otherwise, it is not a necessary investment.
Reports Questions
1. Can we create reports in FrameReady? Yes. You can print reports for all your business needs including inventory reports, sales performance reports, payment reports, daily summaries, Accounts Receivable reports, daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales reports, consignment/consignee reports.
2. Can we export my reports and statements? Yes. All printouts can be exported to Excel or sent as a PDF file.
3. Can FrameReady tell me which of my employees my best sellers are? Yes. If you provide a commission to staff based on their sales or invoice totals FrameReady will track it.
4. Will FrameReady create work flow schedules? Yes. A number of back room tools are available in the program to help with work flow, such as cut lists, scheduling, incomplete lists, materials lists, etc. It will let you tell a customer immediately what status their order is.
5. Can I produce a Cost of Goods report? Yes. A report provides a breakdown of the wholesale cost of all items in a custom order for either one order or a group.
6. Will FrameReady tell me who my best customers are? Yes. The ranking feature allows you to see instantly who are your top customers for any user defined time period. Rank your customers easily for any given time period. Then use this ranking for your sales and promotion. For example, find all customers who spent over $500 in the last 6 months, or who are my top 10 overall.