Would You Use a Free CRM Tool?

There are a lot of them, but Gene Marks isn’t a big fan. Of course, he points out that he makes his living selling CRM tools.

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SMALLBIZ TECH

Gene Marks says a spreadsheet might be better than a free CRM tool: “So you want to get a ‘free’ CRM application and you want to know what’s best? I get asked this question a lot. And my answer: none. Don’t get a free CRM application. I don’t like free CRM software applications and below are my reasons why. (Caveat: I make my living selling and providing services for a few paid CRM applications, so please take that fact into consideration as you keep reading.)”

• “There are plenty of lists of free CRMs when you search the web. Many of these lists simply include well-known subscription CRM platforms (i.e. Zoho, VTiger, Pipedrive) that are offering watered down versions of their paid products. If you search further you’ll find plenty of other free offerings from companies like Snov, Flowlu, EspoCRM, Raynet and eWay. Be careful. Snov and Espo are from Ukraine. Flowlu is Russian. Raynet and eQayj are Czech.”

• “This is not to say that all overseas companies are not secure. Zoho and VTiger are Indian based. Pipedrive is based in Estonia. These companies are well-established and I’m sure have good security. But for other free CRMs, how do you know who has access to your data and what it’s being used for?”

• “Free software doesn’t come with lots of support. They don’t have much of a community. They don’t do conferences. They offer zero training. They have no partners, integrators or consultants. Maybe you can find someone on Reddit or elsewhere who can help with questions, but good luck with that.”

• “Take Zoho CRM for example (which my company sells). Zoho’s free version only allows up to three users, has significantly less storage space, limited reporting and analytics and doesn’t offer any workflows, advanced customizations and integration features. It’s pretty much WYSIWYG. You’re almost better off with a spreadsheet.” READ MORE