7, September, 2024
At BestCRMSoftware.com, we prioritize transparency and honesty in all our content. In order to maintain the quality of our reviews and to keep providing valuable information to our audience at no cost, We earn commissions through clicks and affiliate purchases from select links in our articles.
Our commitment to unbiased content remains unwavering, despite our use of affiliate links. These links do not influence the opinions or recommendations provided by our editorial team. We prioritize integrity and objectivity in every piece of content we produce, ensuring that our readers receive unbiased and reliable information to inform their decisions effectively.
How to Reduce CRM Costs
Biography
Anna Rodriguez is a CRM consultant with 4 years of experience in helping businesses across various industries select, implement, and manage their CRM systems. She is skilled in CRM system customization, data migration, and user adoption strategies. Anna is passionate about helping businesses unlock the full potential of their CRM systems and fostering a customer-centric culture within organizations. She constantly keeps on top of the newest industry trends and holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology.
View Author Profile
Biography
David Lee brings over 3 years of CRM experience to the table, with a proven track record of success in helping businesses leverage technology to achieve their customer relationship goals. He is a data-driven CRM strategist with a keen understanding of how to utilize CRM systems to gain actionable customer insights and personalize customer interactions. David is a regular contributor to industry publications and frequently speaks at CRM conferences, sharing his knowledge and best practices with the CRM community. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Marketing.
View Author Profile
Latest Update:
Sep 8, 2024, 6:47 pm
Using a CRM system can help businesses work more efficiently and keep customers happy. However, CRM systems can be expensive if companies don’t manage their costs well. This guide will show you simple ways to reduce CRM costs and save money for your business.
Is the CRM Good for Your Company?
Before anything else, it’s important to ask if the CRM you are using is good for your company. Does it help your business work better, or are you paying for features you don’t need? If the CRM isn’t making your company more effective, it might be time to rethink it. A CRM should ultimately help you reduce costs, rather than adding expenses to your company.
Step 1: Evaluate the Features You’re Paying For
Does your company really need all the features your CRM offers? Many CRMs come with lots of extras that sound nice but may not be necessary for your business. This can be a hidden source of high costs.
Identify Unused Features
Go through the features you’re paying for and ask yourself: Do we use this? If there are features you aren’t using, consider switching to a plan with fewer features. By removing unused features, you can cut down on the cost of the CRM.
Choose a Plan That Fits Your Needs
Different CRM systems offer different plans based on the features they include. By selecting a plan that matches what you need, you can avoid paying extra for things your business doesn’t use. This will reduce costs and help you manage your budget better.
Step 2: Review the Number of Users
One way to reduce CRM costs is by reviewing the number of users. Does every employee really need their own CRM membership? Many businesses pay for more users than they actually need, which leads to higher costs. Ask yourself if all your employees need access, or if only certain teams should use the CRM.
Save Money by Limiting Users
By limiting the number of users, you can reduce the overall costs. Not everyone in the company may need access to the CRM system. For example, some employees may rarely use it, so you can save by sharing accounts where possible.
Consider Free or Lower-Cost Options
Some CRM systems offer free or lower-cost options for small teams or limited users. By downgrading the number of users or choosing a lighter plan, you can easily reduce costs without losing the CRM’s effectiveness.
Step 3: Check If the CRM Replaces Other Tools
A CRM can help reduce costs in other ways too. Some CRM systems are so effective that they can replace other tools or subscriptions your business is paying for. For example, if your CRM includes features like email marketing or customer service tools, you might not need to pay for separate software anymore.
Reduce Overall Costs by Using One Tool
By using a CRM that has multiple features, you can cut down on other subscriptions. This will help reduce your overall business costs. Instead of paying for five different tools, you could use just one CRM to do it all.
Increase Efficiency and Save Money
A good CRM system helps your business become more efficient. When things run smoothly, it saves time and resources, which lowers costs. This improved efficiency can have a positive impact on your company’s bottom line.
Top 3 Cheapest CRM Solutions
Starts at $16 per user per month
We’ve thoroughly examined Pipedrive, a robust CRM solution that offers an enticing starting price of $16 per user per month. While it lacks a free plan, the availability of a free trial allows us to delve into its features and evaluate its compatibility with our business requirements before committing. Pipedrive’s affordability renders it an attractive option for businesses seeking to enhance their sales processes without incurring substantial costs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ease of Use
- Mobile App
- Telephony features
Cons
- Customization
- Customer support
- Email features not in Essential plan
Starts at $7 per user per month
We were intrigued by Bigin by Zoho CRM for its straightforward approach to CRM, tailored specifically for small businesses. With a starting price of just $7 per user per month and a free trial available, it’s an accessible option for those just starting out or looking to streamline their sales processes without the complexity often associated with more comprehensive CRM systems.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good Mobile CRM
- Affordable
- Ease of Use
Cons
- Limited Zoho integrations
- Limited Analytics
- Limited customization
Starts at $15 per user per month
We’ve explored Less Annoying CRM and found it to be a refreshing option in the CRM landscape. Starting at just $15 per user per month, it offers an affordable solution for businesses seeking to streamline their customer relationship management processes. While it doesn’t provide a free plan, the availability of a free trial allows businesses to test its features before committing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ease of Use
- Pricing
- Mobile use
Cons
- Integrations
- Reporting tools
- Amount of Features
The Benefits of CRM for Cost Savings
CRM systems can help reduce overall costs by making your company more effective. Better customer management and smoother processes mean fewer mistakes and faster work. As a result, you save money in the long run. With the right CRM, you not only improve customer relationships but also reduce the total costs of running your business.
Conclusion: Simple Ways to Reduce CRM Costs
To reduce CRM costs, start by reviewing the number of users and checking if everyone needs access. Next, evaluate the features you’re paying for, and cut back on those you don’t use. Finally, see if your CRM can replace other tools to save money.
Does your CRM feature has messaging features? Get rid of your Slack subscription. Does your CRM have online document signing capabilities? If so, you can cancel your DocuSign subscription.
By managing these areas, you can save on CRM costs and still get the benefits of better efficiency and customer management. A well-evaluated CRM can help your company grow without breaking the bank. Reducing CRM costs is much more than just looking for the cheapest CRM.
