Software for your start-up business? Starting a new business is exciting, but at the same time daunting. Generally, there seems to be a lot going out in terms of financial spend and not a lot coming in. You know you should be using some of the software that’s out there. The spiel reports that it is designed to make everyday tasks easier and actually speed things up. It’s available on a monthly or yearly subscription, but it does come at a cost and that will impact on your budget. You could say it’s a proverbial minefield! In this article from Relativity, the business technology specialists based in Uckfield, East Sussex, we give you our 3 top tips for avoiding some of those potential mines.
3 top tips for making a decision on the software for your start-up business
- What specific capabilities are you looking for – ‘Must Haves’ and ‘Nice to Haves’?
- Is a Free Trial available?
- What after sales service is offered?
1. What capabilities are you looking for?
As with many things, a good sales person can sell you anything. Here, it’s key not to be dazzled by everything that the software can do. Try to be objective and look through the glitz to determine that it actually has the capability to do everything you need. Prepare well beforehand and know what you ‘must have’ in terms of functionality and things that would be ‘nice to have’, but not essential. Ask searching questions. Don’t be sold something that doesn’t do the job you want it to! However, if you are convinced that it does have everything that you want, pause! This is where you will need to try it first hand, and preferably without any outlay.
2. Is a FREE TRIAL available?
Check if a FREE Trial is available. If it is, this is the preferable option when deciding on the software for your start-up business. However, before you rush to check it out, determine how many features are available in the trial and how long this lasts for. Make a note of when it starts so you can cancel in time. Often, the trial will start as soon as the software is downloaded. This is fine as long as you are in a position to test it. Try before you buy could be very helpful. If you find the software isn’t working for you, simply cancel, but if after trying, you like it, our next piece of advice is to try to avoid being drawn into a long contract. Sales personnel are very good at discounting if you sign up for a longer period of time.
3. What is the after-sales like?
You are going to need support down the line if you run into problems. You can probably think of countless things you have purchased after being convinced of how suitable and perfect they are for you. And then, when something goes wrong, the salesperson isn’t available and nobody will answer your call or return your email. After sales support is an area that can be distinctively lacking, so it’s worth reading those reviews about customer support and the company’s reputation before you sign on the dotted line. Look for a company where you speak to a real person and not just a chatbot – and one that will action things quickly.
Other considerations when deciding on software for your start-up business
- Features – are they scalable as your business grows?
- Is the software easy to use?
- Are tutorials readily available?
- Pricing – is it transparent?
When considering pricing, this not only includes your initial budget but recurring costs. You should look for value and potential for upgrades as your business expands.
How can Relativity help you chose the right software solution for your start-up?
By choosing the wrong software solution, you’ll find that it will slow the progress of your start-up business. To learn more about Zoho products and bundles, get in touch with the business technology experts at Relativity based in Uckfield, East Sussex. We’ll be able to advise you if a Zoho app or suite of apps will streamline your start-up business and make it more effective and efficient. Call us on 01825 280123 or email info@relativity.co.uk We can also help with Zoho Workplace, Remotely, CRM Plus, Creator Plus and Finance Plus.
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