Here is a 6-step guide to buying the right business software.
Identify the Problem
The first step is to identify the business’s problems and needs. This will help you shortlist the kind of software you require. Discuss with your team what issues you’re facing with the current software, and what you wish to accomplish with the new software (improve the communication with your customers, track your inventory at multiple store locations more accurately, or the like).
Define Your Software Requirements
There are several software products available to solve your problem. To narrow down your list, be specific about your business’s requirements. Check the features, ease of use, growth potential, integrations, number of users allowed, and pricing of the products you are considering. Also, involve your team members by asking them what their exact requirements are.
Shortlist Your Options
You’re likely to have an exhaustive list of solutions. To further cut down your list with realistic options (ideally, 3-7 options), compare the products based on your requirements mentioned in the previous step.
Does the product have all the features you need? Is it user-friendly? Does it fulfill your business’s needs? Can you integrate it with your current software? Is it within your budget? You can reduce the number of options after answering these questions.
You can also use websites that have filter tools and check the products’ reviews.
Select Your Top Choice
Before making the final selection, read user reviews of the software vendors by current customers who have needs similar to yours, contact the vendors and schedule demos, and ask the vendors your doubts and question them about the final pricing.
After doing so, you’ll feel more confident.
Team Buy-In
The next step is to communicate the information you’ve collected to your team. Include everyone who will be affected by the software (those who will use the product, those responsible for the software budget, IT personnel who will implement the software, and the like).
Share your research and get feedback. Once everyone is on the same page, move to the final step.
Purchase the New Software
Before you make the payment, be clear about the terms, the discounts available (if any), the final price, the vendor’s post-purchase responsibilities, and your finances to make regular payments (if it’s a recurrent payment).
Finally, purchase the new business software!