When you start wondering about the cost of a CRM solution, the real thing to determine is what you need it for. This is like figuring out the cost of property without knowing what a client is looking for: a small apartment or a penthouse with a helipad overlooking the Bosporus. 

Let’s break down everything you must know about CRM systems and how much it costs to implement them. We’ll start with ready-made and custom solutions.

Ready-made CRM systems – How much does this option cost?

You can go for CRM solutions that have already been built and are just waiting for you to click “Try for Free.” Is this convenient? You bet. Is this cheap? Relatively. However, if you want to add some new features to these solutions, issues may arise.

These systems are perfect for those whose processes aren’t too complex, have a reasonable number of employees, want to avoid messing with programming, and need to get started as soon as possible.

The cost of such a solution will depend on the required functionality and the number of users. Prices are determined on a subscription basis and can vary from several hundred hryvnia per month to 10,000+ UAH/month.

Custom CRM systems – How much does this option cost?

If your business is like a complex mechanical music box, where every little part moves and affects the others, a basic “out-of-the-box” CRM is likely to be like a cup without a handle: it will technically work but will be inconvenient. That’s when developing your system from the ground up may make more sense.

Developing a custom CRM involves many processes and specialists (software developers, testers, analysts, etc.). As a result of the project, you get everything tailored to your needs, from the color of the buttons to the most complex computing logic.

But how much does a CRM of such complexity cost? The cost of designing, developing, testing, and scaling this system for a specific business can exceed $10,000.

What does the price depend on?

Factors that influence the cost of a CRM system include:

  • Business complexity. Is there one manager and an Excel spreadsheet, or 20 departments dealing with different tasks?
  • Functionality. You should determine whether you are looking for a CRM simply for managing tasks and accounting or for market analysis, emails, and long-term client relationships.
  • Integration. Do you want your system to work alongside telephony, email, your website, accounting, and devices used within your organization? This will require additional costs.
  • Speed ​​of implementation or development. If you need your CRM as soon as possible, you will have to pay rush fees.
  • Training. People aren’t robots. You have to explain, demonstrate, and let them put a new system to the test. This calls for additional resources.

Don’t forget that CRM implementation isn’t like downloading and installing an app. The process comprises many steps to ensure that the software works properly and does not cause alignment issues with other programs you use. It takes time to figure out controls, rewrite processes, call in specialists, and learn.

The best advice when choosing a CRM solution

If you have chosen the right system that simplifies rather than complicates your processes, your business will start working faster and more efficiently. But instead of asking yourself which CRM option is best and how much it costs to develop or implement the necessary software, you’re better off determining what is wrong with your business now and what can be improved. Once you have the answers, it is worth considering whether you need a relatively inexpensive, ready-made solution or a multi-level system with custom functionality.

The pricing for each option is different. The key is that your CRM shouldn’t become another beautiful program that no one ever uses in the office.