The least expensive way is to just have an old fashion
picture framers pricing chart and a footage chart and a worksheet for each job that can be created on spreadsheets. One the info on the job worksheet is inserted the total job will be calculated, including taxes.
An alternative is framing software from the UK that is 1/2 off ($200) for the PC or MAC that requires FILEMAKER (an APPLE product). It has £ vs $ showing; but, that can be easily modified.
https://www.theframersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15722
This isnt really directed at you, Jerry, but I replied to yours.
I think perhaps the biggest benefit of the pro ones is that they update the moulding, mat, and fabric prices weekly. (if not more often, perhaps daily for some) Instead of re pricing everything or changing things manually every 1-3 years, it gets done weekly so you aren't leaving money on the table that adds up fast more than the cost of about $1 per day. The time you would spend updating that so often and keeping in contact with all the vendors carried is probably worth a lot more than that dollar, IMO. You're also notified when something is discontinued, so you don't accidentally sell it and will also know to take the expired sample down. You're automatically building a mailing list with most packages, even the free ones, and you are not putting unnecessary part numbers or details on the customers copy. The invoice goes to them with the description, total, date due, tax, deposit, etc and the workorder prints for the framers use only, which has the measurements and part numbers. You'll be able to do quotes/estimates and keep them on file. You'll have a full order history to look back on in the future, instead of keeping boxes of paperwork, and can easily duplicate an old order with todays higher prices. Most programs will email customer when their order is ready, and put it on a production calendar that also prints a shopping/pick list of materials. It will have places to charge for the area of mat sold/cut (scaled by size), the # of openings, the fitting labor (scaled by size), the mounting types with prices for each (scaled by size of job), fabric treatments, Glazing (scaled by size and type), moulding (scaled by feet, including waste), etc. That was just the tip of the iceberg of reasons to consider a pro system. Jim Miller did a great article about this several years back, for one of the magazines, with a much larger list.
My point is that none of these companies are expensive, when you consider what you get, and the small investment. In just about any other industry it might be triple this amount. We are fortunate to have so many companies competing for our business.
I'm not making any specific recommendations, but suggest considering the pro systems too. I compiled a comparison list of all known vendors at
www.getthepictureframing.com/gfaq/ if interested.
Best regards
Mike