I would highly recommend being able to do an actual 'test drive' of the systems you are considering. "Hypothetical" is totally different, of course, from how a system actually functions for your shop. You should be able to load actual data and play with the system to see how your information flows entirely through, from start to finish. Reports should provide usable information for your business, running the system should save you time to use on framing and selling, etc.
I recommend being able to generate your own reports, and not just look at mock-ups of report formats. You'll learn so much by entering a framing order in all the ways you design and build custom orders, tracking the cost/retail, ordering/receiving your materials, tracking the order progress until completion, following up with the client when ready, etc. You need to see your own data flow through reports and to any interfaces that a packages offers. Is the data accurate? Relevant?
I am being careful to not favor one system over another (I have run more than one in my shop), but as a former retail software systems developer, I highly recommend basing your decision on an actual test drive of the system (like buying a car). Don't buy because the salesperson is nice or your neighbor loves it or it looks pretty. Here's my advice: Just remember that YOU run the business, not your software system. If you find one that functions in a way that feels comfortable to your store operations, and can be used by you as a tool of your trade, that's a good choice.
Finally, you may be able to modify current store operations slightly to find a good fit for you shop with a particular package. Don't be afraid to scrutinize 'how you've always done things' and modify for efficiency as needed when you implement your new software.
All of these vendors are investing a lot into getting the best package out that they can deliver. They should have names of clients they work closely with: Ask for several of those names of people who have run the software for a couple of years, and call them (hurry, before the fall/holiday rush!) and ask specific questions after you've test-driven the system. good luck!
It's not for every customer, but it sure does help close sales with wider mats, v-grooves, multi-openings, etc. There have been a whole series of threads about this topic, in the archives, with some great opinions.
