Choosing a new CRM system can feel overwhelming. Demos often showcase flashy features, but the real decision goes far deeper. Especially for manufacturers and distributors, the right choice is about more than price or interface.
The true value of a CRM software platform lies in how well it supports your business long term. That means looking closely at onboarding, adaptability, support, and industry fit.
Here are five questions every company should ask before selecting a CRM.
1. What Does Onboarding Really Look Like?
The implementation process sets the tone for long-term success. Will your vendor walk you step by step through setup, or simply hand you a manual?
A successful rollout requires more than installation. Businesses need help configuring the CRM management software to align with existing sales workflows, from sales lead tracking to sales activities and approvals.
At SalesNOW, onboarding is hands-on. Every client receives free assistance with setup, data migration, and customization to ensure the platform fits existing processes.
2. When Changes Are Needed, Who Does the Work?
No system stays static. Businesses evolve, and so should the CRM workflow. The question is: when updates are needed, who makes them?
Some vendors leave changes entirely to your IT team, while others outsource updates to third parties. This adds cost and delays.
SalesNOW gives administrators the ability to make customizations directly while also providing free support from our team if help is needed. This flexibility ensures the CRM tools keep pace with the business without unnecessary barriers.
3. How is Support Handled?
Support can make or break adoption. If there is an issue, will you have to wait days for an email response, or can you talk to someone directly?
Timely, accessible support is critical to keep the sales pipeline moving. SalesNOW offers phone and email support at no extra charge, ensuring help is available when it matters most.
4. Do We Get Ongoing Guidance Once We Are Live?
A CRM is not a one-time project. It should grow alongside the business. The best vendors continue to provide guidance after implementation, helping refine processes and uncover new efficiencies.
At SalesNOW, clients receive not only free training sessions but also recorded resources and ongoing access to experts. This ensures the customer relationship management CRM evolves as your business does, supporting both immediate adoption and long-term growth.
5. Do You Understand Manufacturing and Distribution Workflows?
Every industry has unique challenges. For manufacturers and distributors, this often includes approvals, quoting, proposals, and contract execution. A CRM that does not account for these realities risks slowing teams down.
SalesNOW was designed with complex business processes in mind. From structured approval workflows to sales call logs, log meetings, and integration with ERP systems, the platform supports the needs of industries where accuracy, speed, and compliance are essential.
Final Thoughts
Asking these five questions helps separate a CRM that slows the business down from one that drives growth. The right CRM system should be a partner, not just a tool—helping automate processes, improve visibility, and support expansion into new markets.
If you are evaluating platforms and want a perspective grounded in what works best for manufacturers and distributors, the team at SalesNOW is here to help.
Is your CRM working for today, or is it ready to grow with you tomorrow? Connect with SalesNOW to discover why our best CRM software is trusted to streamline workflows, protect profitability, and drive smarter growth.