Free vs Paid CRMs: Is it worth paying?
Organizations of all kinds are increasingly aware of the benefits they can get out of a customer relationship management solution. Multiple CRM solutions are available now to meet demand. A simple search will return dozens of paid and free CRM options. Are paid options even worth considering when free CRMs are at your disposal? Here are a few factors to consider before making your choice.
What does a free CRM offer?
Most free CRMs offer basic functionality, designed to meet the needs of as many businesses as possible. They generally let you manage your contacts and sales, and offer some marketing and customer service features. This may be all your organization needs for the time being! But if you have any specific needs, it may be harder to find a free solution that will meet them. As for any implementation, we recommend having a long-term vision of your objectives. As advanced features are generally paid, expect having to pay eventually for marketing automation or business intelligence tools, for example.
Free CRMs not that free after all
If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably the case. In the long run, you may find yourself paying just as much, if not more, for limited functionality. Indeed, you may feel the constraints of a free CRM sooner than you think. Try to determine what you may need in the long term based on your growth predictions. Also keep in mind that postponing the implementation of additional features may increase costs related to change management, configurations, and data migration.
So, is it worth paying for your CRM?
The implementation of a new solution is an important investment both in time and money. Change management and delays or interruptions of your regular operations can also increase costs. It may be a good idea to opt for the solution that best meets your long-term needs rather than having to replace a free option in a few years. Paid CRMs are versatile and often offer plans that will meet different needs and budgets. A CRM expert can help you find the option that will best meet your needs among all the various products available.
Trust the expertise of a CRM expert
We recommend teaming up with a partner specialized in your industry for the implementation of your CRM solution. They will already be familiar with your specific processes and realities and will be able to make recommendations tailored to your needs. A CRM solution such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers various modules and rates depending on your vision, budget, and specific realities. You will have an affordable CRM solution that can meet your actual and future needs from the start.
Read our articles to learn how professional services firms can optimize their sales with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or how you can save money by building your own reports in Microsoft Dynamics 365. Thinking about implementing a new CRM solution within your organization? Contact JOVACO.