Follow These Steps to Buy the Right Software for Your Business
![](https://blackfridayzone.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-linkedin-sales-navigator-2182973-660x400.jpg)
Business software is a broad category. It includes programs that help you run your small business, like CRMs, invoicing systems, and inventory management software. It also includes programs that help you run your team, like project management software. Additionally, it includes programs that simply make life easier for you and your staff, like time tracking software.
Pinpoint Your Problem
This will help you shortlist the type of software you need. Begin with a specific, business issue, such as:
- Our employees need to collaborate faster on projects.
- Out inventory at multiple store locations needs to be tracked more accurately.
- We need to improve on customer communication efforts.
Define the Software Requirements
These are some requirements you may want to consider:
Features – the tasks it needs to perform
No. of users – and whether you need separate accounts for each user
Ease of use – is it easy enough for your team to navigate?
Integrations – how it interacts with other software used
Growth potential – the software’s ability to meet future needs
Pricing – what you’re willing to spend
Identify and Shortlist Your Options
Create an exhaustive list of all the software options that meet your needs. Here are some questions you should keep in mind while making your list:
Is this solution user-friendly?
Does the software product support your business goals and solve your key problem?
Is the solution within your budget?
Does the software meet your feature requirements?
Does the software solution have good user reviews?
Does the new software integrate with the software you’re currently using?
Select Your Top Choice
To make a final selection from your exhaustive list, follow these tips:
Read online reviews and create a list of questions you may want to ask the vendors based on your concerns
Contact vendors, schedule demos, and ask as many questions as you want to.
Reach out to the vendors on your list to determine service levels and final pricing, along with onboarding and training materials. Talk to the vendor in advance about anything you require hands-on.
You should feel more confident about your selection after completing these checks.
Get a Team Buy-In
You need a buy-in from your team members before you purchase the new software. Include everyone who will be affected by the software change in discussions and presentations. This could include:
Those in charge of the software budget
Management who is responsible for driving the change
IT personnel who will implement the new software
Those who will use the new software
Executives who will sign off on the new software purchase
Purchase Your New Software Product
Even though this step is very direct, be aware of a few things before you make that official payment:
Ask about any discounts your business might qualify for (for instance, if you’re a non-profit organization).
Ensure that you’ve communicated with the vendor in advance about your contract terms.
Discuss payment plans and check for discounts to pay annually versus monthly.
Discuss what the software vendor will be responsible for after your purchase (lie customer service availability, onboarding and staff training, and access to future software updates).
Work with finance internally to ensure the budget is available when needed if you’re paying on a recurring or monthly schedule.