How to find the right CRM partner [+ vendor overview]

Are you looking for a CRM system? Or have you already found a suitable package? 

In both cases, during your search you will have to deal with so-called CRM suppliers. In this article we call these parties "CRM partners". After all, in most instances you will enter into a long and close cooperation with these parties.  

These vendors/partners are not always the same party as the developer of your system. Sometimes, the developers of CRM systems (think HubSpot and Salesforce) use so-called partners/suppliers.

In this situation, the developer does not implement the software itself, but they outsource the implementation to partners. So it is very important to choose a good partner in addition to a good system! 

In this article we explain why your vendor choice is essential. We also help you find the most suitable partner. 

On this page you will find:

• An overview of interesting suppliers; 
• Tips on how to find a suitable supplier. 

Do you want to find a suitable supplier? Then fill out our comparison tool and get a list of matching providers in about 5 minutes:

Difference between CRM developer and CRM vendor

Sometimes the developer of the CRM package decides to deliver and implement the software as well. In this case, very no partners/suppliers are used in the implementation of the package. The developer takes care of this process from A-Z. Here's an example: you select Salesforce's CRM. Salesforce also implements the system within your organization. No outside party besides Salesforce are involved in this case. 

In other instances, the creator of the software is not involved with the implementation, but they deploy partners/suppliers. So in this situation, you are dealing with a different company than the software developer. An example: HubSpot is the creator of your system. However, party X is responsible for implementation, support, and other help. This company, company X, does not develop software, but specializes in the implementation process and gives you support.

You can also choose not to make use of an implementation partner. This is what we call plug-and-play. After buying the software you are the one responsible for making sure it functions properly.

Why is finding the right CRM partner so important? 

Here are some reasons to take finding the right suppliers seriously: 

• The end-user (you) <> supplier relationship often lasts for years; 
• You depend on your supplier for problems and questions; 
• The supplier will be implementing the system. 

As you can see above, choosing a good supplier is at least as essential as choosing the right system.

List of Dutch CRM vendors

Below are some examples of companies specializing in Customer Relationship Management. You can also see per vendor which system they offer and what makes the partner unique.

The above parties are on our comparison platform. Hence, we can tell you perfectly what makes these CRM partners unique. 

On the contrary, do you want to see a list of CRM systems? Check it out on our page containing 11 examples of CRM systems.

Here's how to engage the right CRM partner for your project

Use the tips below and find the right company for your CRM project. 

1. Look at the human aspect

According to Joep, our software vendor specialist, it is important not to make your choice too "business-like". He advises you to also look at the human aspect. The cooperation, if everything goes well, will last for several years. 

So see if you have a good click with your supplier. Mutual communication is also crucial. Joep is constantly in contact with both software developers and partners. He therefore knows really well how you can pick a suitable CRM partner!

Need to choose a suitable CRM system first? Click the button below and find out: 

2. Look at your CRM partner's historical implementation performance

As far as we're concerned, it's especially influential to look at a vendor's past implementations. After all, CRM implementations are complicated and go wrong 50% of the time, according to this source. So it is very critical to know whether the company is capable of good software implementations. 

In doing so, also check what sector the implementations were for. For example, has your prospective CRM partner been successful in performing implementations at similar companies? If so, this will give you a better idea of the quality of your possible future partner. 

For example, also look for contact with real customers and ex-customers. This will give you a more honest picture than what you get from looking at the website of your potential CRM software vendor.

3. Involve multiple departments in the selection process

It is important to involve several people with different roles in your selection process. After all, you want your future supplier to get along well with the various departments within your organization. 

After all, does your partner understand what the Sales department thinks is important? And does your supplier understand the challenges of the marketing staff? 

So it is very important to find a supplier who understands the unique needs and challenges of the different types of people/roles within your organization. 

For example, a marketing employee wants the CRM system to work well when it comes to content creation, social media and creating workflows. It's nice if your CRM partner understands what these things mean! 

In our opinion, these are the four most important roles to be involved in your process:

• Sales
• Marketing
• Customer Service
• Finance

So make sure you find a CRM partner that understands the challenges of the above four departments. This will ensure that your vendor also knows how to answer the more difficult questions from marketers, salespeople, customer service representatives and finance people alike.

Conclusion on how to find the right vendor

In the search for appropriate software, the choice of CRM vendor is crucial. 

Our article offers insights and tips on how to select the perfect partner, in the field of CRM. Here we emphasize that this relationship often lasts for years and is the key to a smooth implementation.

But where do you start? Check out our overview of providers and make smart use of our tips. 

Would you like to be matched with suitable CRM providers without any obligation? Fill out our comparison tool and receive personalized matches that seamlessly match your unique needs.