Why Price Shouldn't Be Your Only Consideration When Choosing a Custom CRM Developer

If you're a business owner who's been juggling a swag of Excel spreadsheets in an attempt to keep track of your customers, sales and stock, you probably should be considering a Customer Relationship Management program. The only thing is not all CRMs are going to suit. Maybe your business has outgrown off-the-shelf solutions, or perhaps you need something tailored to your unique processes and workflow. Whatever the reason, it's an important decision, and this article goes into the truth about why value and cost are different, like apples and oranges, and about why fixating on the price tag alone might not be the smartest move.

Not everything in the bargain bin is good value

From one business owner to another, I get it. At the end of the day every penny counts and therefore it's tempting to go for the cheapest option when you're looking at custom CRM developers. But from our many, many years in the software industry: our team has seen countless businesses rush into low-cost development, only to end up spending way more in the long run.

Here's the hard truth: cheap upfront costs often lead to expensive headaches down the road. We've seen the implications of buggy software, systems that can't scale as your business grows, and developers who disappear when you need support. It's not good and the "bargain" you thought you were getting might just turn into a money pit faster than you can say "customer data."

What you should really be looking for in a developer:

So, if price isn't the only determining factor, what should you focus on?

1. Experience and expertise
   You wouldn't hire a plumber to fix your car, right? The same concept holds true for CRM development. Look for developers who've got a track record of solid results and happy clients. Ideally, they should be able to walk you through similar projects they've done in the past.
2. Technical skill
   Your CRM is going to be the backbone of your customer interactions, so you'll want to work with someone who knows their stuff technically. Your chosen development team should be up-to-date with the current programming languages, frameworks, and integration capabilities.
   Don't be shy to ask about their tech stack and any plans for future-proofing your system.
3. Communication is key
   Ever played charades? That's what poor communication with your developer can feel like. You need someone who can translate what your business needs into technical solutions and then explain this to you without the technojargon.
   You'll need a developer who asks wide questions about your business processes and explains what could be some pretty complex concepts in plain English. Having great communication from the start will save you endless headaches as your project progresses.
4. Planning ahead: scalability and future-proofing
   Your business isn't static, and neither should your CRM be. A developer shouldn't just build for today; they should factor in capacity for your future growth. Ask them how the system would be able to scale and adapt as your business evolves.
   Check they have a process for handling updates and new feature integrations. You'll know when they start talking about modular design and API-first approaches, you're probably on the right track.
5. After the honeymoon: ongoing support and maintenance
   The relationship with your CRM developer doesn't end when they hand over the keys to your shiny new system. In fact, that's when the real test begins. You'll likely need ongoing support, bug fixes, and sometimes, feature updates. So, be certain the developer will stick around for it.
   Make sure you're crystal clear on what kind of support you'll get post-launch. A developer who offers robust maintenance packages is showing they're in it for the long haul, not just a quick payday.

The real ROI of a tailored CRM

It's probably time to talk about money – but in the right context. A well-developed custom CRM isn't a cost; it's an investment. It has the capacity to streamline your processes, boost productivity, and help you provide knockout customer service.

In fact, the right custom CRM can transform a business - sales can be closed faster, issues resolved more easily and at your fingertips have insight into data you may not have even known you needed.

How to choose the right developer for your project

Now it's clear that cheap isn't always cheerful, how do you sift through the many providers to find the right developer to build your custom CRM? Here are some questions to ask:

1. Can you walk me through a similar project you've completed?
2. How do you handle change requests during development?
3. What's your approach to data security and compliance?
4. How will you train our team to use the new CRM?
5. What does your support package include?

Red flags to watch out for?
Developers who promise the moon on a shoestring budget, can't provide references, or seem vague about their process. Trust your gut – if something feels off, it probably is.

Megabits ticks the boxes

We know investing in custom software is a big step, and price is just one piece of the puzzle. Here at Megabits, we've been in the software game for a long time and will bring expertise, technical skill, great communication, and a long-term perspective to the table.

Remember, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in a tool that could revolutionise how you do business. So call us and let's have a jargon-free conversation to chat about what your business needs in a CRM, and how we can bring it to life!