Off the shelf CRM vs bespoke CRM.
Clients often ask me to explain the benefits of an Off the shelf CRM vs bespoke CRM. The answer is fairly simple, it is down to two factors, budget and requirements. This is a question I am faced with on multiple occasions.
An existing customer contacted me recently looking advice and guidance on possibly migrating away from our platform onto a bespoke solution. At face value the bespoke system looked brilliant, however on further investigation a number of items become apparent.
Factors to consider when reviewing Off the shelf CRM vs bespoke CRM.
- The ‘bespoke solution’ was only on the market for approx. 2 years. As a result it was immature both in terms of features and functionality
- Pricing was ‘very competitive’. However, when the client investigated further, the list price was not a true reflection of the cost. When the client factored in training costs, setup and configuration by a specialist developer the price argument wasn’t so attractive. In addition to this the timescales for core feature enhancements left the ‘bespoke solution’ wanting in terms of adding real value to the customer.
- As a micro business, dependant on a key staff member to develop, deliver and support a business critical application, my client considered the ‘bespoke solution’ to high risk.
New entrants are a constant feature on the CRM marketplace. There are 100’s of CRM’s in the marketplace, so look at specific vertical markets, some are more successful is specific geographies, all offering unique value propositions. This is however only a fraction of what you will find from a google search. This does not take into account all the immature ‘new entrants’ that are constantly appearing. In addition to this, there are companies proposing to business bespoke CRM for you, from scratch.
Off the shelf CRM vs bespoke CRM. How real value is created
ProAptivity are a licensed reseller for Maximizer CRM. Maximizer CRM was established in 1987, and today boasts over 1 Million users globally. Consider for one moment the time that Maximizer have put into to developing the application on a global basis ever since. Consider the depth of knowledge that Maximizer CRM have in implementing best practice from the business partners throughout the globe over this time period.
Not dis-similar to Microsoft Word or Excel, every Maximizer client only uses a fraction of the functionality that exists with the application. However, almost every client uses a different percentage of the application.
Following due consideration, the client re-engaged with ProAptivity to look again at how Maximizer CRM could fulfil their changing business requirements. As I expected, Maximizer CRM offered all the key functionality out of the box without any additional development costs.
So what is the lesson my client has learnt in evaluating Off the shelf CRM vs bespoke CRM . The price of a ‘bespoke Solution’ does not always reflect the actual cost of the solution. Working with an established application like Maximizer that has put the millions of development hours into a product is going to provide a more cost effective solution out of the box than a bespoke solution ever will.
ProAptivity Can Help!
ProAptivity are an independent CRM solutions provider. We focus on the implementation, training, and support of highly customised CRM software solutions. Our CRM software supported by our sales training provide customers with the tools needed to deliver successful sales process management.
Fundamentally, we help organisations embed CRM best practice throughout their organisation. This helps organisations become more competitive, customer focused and ultimately more profitable.
If you need help in understanding why my business needs CRM, maybe some of our eBooks could help! Alternatively visit Maximizer CRM for more information. Contact us today in Belfast on 028 9099 6388 or at our Bedford office on 01234 214004. Alternatively email us on info@proaptivity.com. Contact us today for a free CRM consultation that will assess if your business is CRM ready.
