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I'm researching CRM systems and I would like to get some relative pricing so I can do a cost comparison. Is there any way I can do this without speaking to the vendors?
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6 Answers
You can find the list price of many CRM systems by downloading Focus CRM comparison guides. However, what you ultimately end up paying for a system depends upon a variety of factors, and the list price seldom reflects the true cost of the software. Talking with vendors is the best way to get an idea of how much the software costs, because you can discuss your unique needs. As an added bonus, it provides you an opportunity to negotiate and likely pay less than the list price.
Pamela,
Please remember that the software cost is only part of the cost of the CRM implementation, maybe 35%. You have to have it configured, documented, installed and then you have to train your people to use it. Not to mention any the integrations costs and maintenance.
So be sure and look at all costs as well as the ROI before you sign on the dotted line.
Jim Arnold
All the answers provided are helpful but seem to be oriented toward on premise solutions which are typically very expensive for a variety of reasons like those described in the posts here. On the other hand, hosted CRM solutions are usually priced on a flat per user per month basis and there are typically no hidden costs associated with configuration, integration, or maintenance. This is the beauty of hosted CRM; there is nothing to down load, nothing to install, and nothing to maintain. All you need is a browser and access to the Internet. Pricing is usually straightforward as well. Most hosted CRM vendors do clearly display their pricing models on their web site and usually do not negotiate pricing. Vendors who do not post their pricing on their web site are usually interested in getting you on the phone so they can up sell, cross sell and over sell you on their solution, and they should be the last ones you call. Here is a great source for CRM vendor and pricing comparisons:
http://www.business-software.com/
In particular the Top 40 CRM Vendors, Top 10 Small Business CRM Vendors, and Top 10 Hosted CRM Vendors reports are very good.
Pamela,
One of the first things you will find as you research CRM (or any other software for that matter) is that almost none of the vendor websites will give you pricing information. Fortunately, there are some 3rd party resources out there that will assist you. Start by accessing some of the CRM comparison guides right here on the Focus website. I would also recommend looking at www.insidecrm.com for additional comparison guides and useful information. The research material on both websites is free to access and very helpful.
Pamela,
Great question.
I am not in the business of selling CRM solutions. I recommend them to my clients when asked. More often that not, especially for small businesses, I suggest looking at SugarCRM. It is open source so there are a lot of people working on the development. You have access to all data through the API, not so on many others. Your costs will be implementation, maintenance and hosting. It is pretty scalable and you won't need to talk to a sales representative unless you want one.
SugarCRM may not be the perfect solution for you , but it will allow you to make the changes you need as you grow and not tie you to a contract or need to purchase upgrade modules.
Regards,
Ben
You can easily track down the list price of CRM applications by going to the vendors web site. Keep in mind that there are additional costs depending on the add ons, the edition, the integration costs, the SI/system integrators pieces etc.
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