Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can be a valuable asset to any distribution business. CRM software is designed to help manage customer relationships, track customer interactions, and automate key business processes.

However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which CRM is right for your business. Below are five questions you should ask before buying CRM software.

1. What are your business needs?

Before purchasing CRM software, you should identify your business needs. Ask yourself what specific features you require and what your business goals are. Determine what areas of your business will benefit from the software, such as sales or customer service.

For example, if you’re a distributor you have very specific needs, being a B2B, rather than a B2C company. Lots of CRM software is built with B2C mainly in mind, so look for a CRM with the right tools. (Psst! SupplyMover is the only distribution-specific CRM!)

2. Is the software customizable?

Every business is unique, and your CRM software should reflect that. It is essential to choose software that is customizable to meet your specific business needs. Customizable CRM software allows you to tailor the software to your business processes and workflows, ensuring that it is efficient and effective for your business.

(P.S. While most SaaS CRMs won’t allow for much, if any, customization, SupplyMover does!)

3. What is the pricing structure?

CRM software can be expensive, so of course you need to consider the pricing structure before making a purchase. Determine what the upfront costs are, such as licensing fees, and what ongoing costs, such as maintenance and support, are required. Additionally, consider if there are any hidden costs, such as upgrades or add-ons, that may be required in the future.

While a getting custom-built software might sound like a smart one-time investment, it is almost always both a more expensive startup cost and long-term investment. This is due to ongoing maintenance being substantially more costly when you need to hire out for it each time or have an on-staff developer, rather than it being included in the price model.

SaaS will often do the maintenance and upgrades for you, included in the monthly fee (but you also need to beware companies that won’t do so much, so take note as you shop around).

4. How user-friendly is the software?

The success of your CRM software depends on how well your team can use it. It is crucial to choose software that is user-friendly and easy to navigate. If the software is difficult to use, your team may resist using it, and the software may not be as effective as it could be. Consider demoing the software and asking for feedback from your team to ensure that it is user-friendly.

A lot of software looks straight out of the 90s or has an overly complicated layout. With a modern, simple layout that’s intuitive and familiar to anyone who’s used basically any sort of recent digital platform, familiarizing your team with the tech should have no learning curve – they can just hop straight in.

(SupplyMover goes a step further by bringing everything your team needs into one platform, and even providing suggestions that help sales reps know what to do next!)

5. What is the level of customer support?

Finally, consider the level of customer support the CRM software provider will offer. If your team experiences issues or has questions, it is essential to have access to quality customer support. Consider the level of support provided, such as phone, email, or chat, and what the response times are.

So, CRM software can be a valuable asset to any business, but it is essential to ask the right questions before making a purchase. If you’re looking for a CRM, here are some more useful articles to help you know what to look for:

Why Distributors are Switching to a Cloud-Based CRM

How To Get the Most Value Out of a CRM

SupplyMover is an all-in-one sales enablement, CRM, and e-commerce platform, in one simple, easy-to-use interface.  And it’s the only one built specifically for distributors. To see if it’s a fit for you, schedule a demo below!