Most companies start with an off-the-shelf CRM. Some reach a point where it starts getting in the way.
How do you know if that's your case? Here I'll tell you how I think about this choice.
What off-the-shelf gives you
Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive. You're up and running in days or weeks, there's an integration for almost everything, a community, support and a predictable monthly fee.
The bill shows up later. Customization is limited, licenses get pricier as the team grows and you depend on the vendor for everything. And there's a detail few people notice: it's your process that adapts to the software, not the other way around.
What about custom?
It's built for your process, exactly the way it is. It talks to any system, legacy ones included. The intellectual property is yours, and the cost is fixed, with no per-user license.
But it takes longer to get ready, weeks or months. It calls for a technical partner you can trust, and maintenance and evolution become your responsibility.
When I'd go custom
When your sales process is unique and it's exactly what sets you apart. When you need to integrate with a legacy ERP. When the licenses got too expensive, or the customization stopped paying off.
So, which one is yours?
If your process is standard, use off-the-shelf. If it's your edge, custom is worth the investment.
So, is your sales process standard, or is it the reason customers choose you?
