Cyber Monday – Is a good deal always the best deal?
27 Nov 2017![](https://opencrm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/JE-Deal-or-no-Deal.png)
As the chaos of Black Friday passes us by, the more tranquil but equally rewarding Cyber Monday is here to greet us. Heading online to get a pre-Christmas bargain has never been easier, with over £960m being spent by UK customers this time last year.
But when it comes to getting a bargain, how do you know if the deal you’re receiving is actually the best deal for you? With so many different products on the market, what do you need to know to ensure a certain product is right for you?
Well shopping for a CRM is no different. With many different players on the market, there is a lot to think about to ensure you don’t just get a good deal, but the best deal for you and your company.
Let’s take a look at some of the key points to consider…
The Perfect Fit
There is a common saying we use here at OpenCRM – Your CRM system should fit your business, not the other way around.
Ensure your CRM system matches the processes you have within your business. Getting a system that requires you to change is not only ineffective but will create frustration within your team.
Think of it this way….
Which would you rather? – A made to measure, tailored suit or your brother’s hand-me-down graduation suit?
Whilst a CRM provider may give you a good deal for their system, get the best deal with a system which fits your needs perfectly.
Key Point – Customisation
Speaking Your Language
With the wide range of software services on offer, it is highly likely you will already have measures in place to meet some of your needs – your CRM needs to communicate.
Whether it’s emails, accounts or marketing platforms, ensure your CRM speak the language of other software’s to share the information you need.
Failure to communicate can lead to doubling in your efforts – taking away from the benefits your new system may bring.
Alongside the software integrations themselves, ensure your platform has the technical support teams in place to give you the helping hand you need to get set up.
Key Point – Integration
For The Long Haul
Most organisations take on a CRM system to make them more efficient and productive – helping to reduce the current pain points in their processes.
Once you have got to grips with your CRM system and it has made you the lean machine you always dreamed you could be, what’s next?
Can your CRM system handle expansion? If your business grows, ensure your CRM can grow with you and is scalable through your progression. In that key time of taking on new team members, the last thing you need is to have to change systems.
Does your CRM system have the extra functionality you may come to need? You may only start at Contact Management but ensure your CRM can move into other areas. This may be Sales Management, Project Management or After Sales Support – whatever it is, ensure you futureproof yourself now with a fully featured package.
Key Point – Fully Featured Solution
Counting The Cost
The area which a business decision invariably comes down to more often than not? Cost. Every business, big or small, has to balance the books.
Having considered our 3 key points: Customisation, Integrations and a Fully Featured Solution; can the provider you’re talking with guarantee all three without breaking the bank?
As you move forward with a CRM product, you can often find yourself stuck in a cul-de-sac, wondering where to go next. Once the path forward has been lit, it can often come at a premium.
Don’t be left staring at the balance sheet and choose a product which doesn’t introduce paywalls when your needs evolve.
It’s easy to get caught up in the romance of a good deal – a salesman offering you a great rate for the ‘world’s best system.’ Sometimes taking a step back is key to ensuring the great deal on the table in front of you, is actually the best deal for your business, your wallet and your future.
Was asked (told) to put something engaging in here but apparently ‘Putting the elation in Customer Relations’ was too cheesy!? Soo…..
I’m a Business Development Manager at OpenCRM, working with new and existing customers to maximise their business through our bespoke CRM solution. Outside of the 9-5, I enjoy reading, film & TV and playing a range of sports.