Choosing Your CRM Implementation Partner: The Pros and Cons of Integrators, Resellers, and Expert Contractors

by Shoaib Qureshi

Implementing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can be a game-changer for small businesses, enabling them to streamline their operations, enhance customer interactions, and drive growth. SME’s make up 65% of the CRM market. However, the success of a CRM implementation hinges greatly on choosing the right implementation partner. Selecting a reliable and skilled partner is vital as they can help navigate the complexities of CRM integration, tailor the solution to specific business needs, and ensure a smooth transition.

In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of three popular options for CRM implementation partners: Integrators, Resellers, and Expert Contractors. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each, small business leaders and CTOs can make an informed decision that aligns with their goals and maximises the potential of their CRM system.

3 CRM Implementation Options: Integrators, Resellers, and Expert Contractors

Let’s look at the three main options for CRM implementation support and determine their pros and cons so that you can make the right choice for your business:

1. Integrators

CRM integrators are service providers who help businesses implement and integrate CRM systems into their existing infrastructure. The average small business has over 100 technology applications in use outside of their primary CRM. So it’s important for integrators to customise and configure CRM solutions, ensuring seamless integration with other systems, data migration, and training for employees. They also provide end-to-end implementation support, leveraging their expertise to optimise CRM functionalities and maximise benefits for businesses.

However, integrators can be costly especially for small businesses, due to their high service fees. Their involvement in the implementation process may also lead to longer timelines, potentially delaying the benefits of a CRM implementation. Another drawback is the limited flexibility and customisation options they offer, as integrators often follow standardised procedures and may not cater to specific business needs.

Pros:

  • Extensive industry knowledge and experience
  • Ability to handle complex integrations
  • End-to-end implementation support

Cons:

  • High costs associated with their services
  • May have a longer timeline
  • Lack of flexibility and customisation options.

2. Resellers

CRM resellers are vendors who sell pre-built CRM software solutions to businesses. They typically partner with CRM software providers and offer their products to customers. Resellers focus on providing out-of-the-box CRM solutions tailored to specific industries or business needs. They handle the licensing, deployment, and They often collaborate with the CRM software provider for ongoing support, updates, and additional functionalities.

initial setup of the CRM system, making it quick and convenient for businesses to get started. While resellers may offer some customisation options, their main value lies in providing packaged CRM solutions that are ready to use. Which means their solutions may not be suitable for niche or unique requirements. Reliance on third-party vendors for support and updates can lead to potential delays and communication challenges and businesses may face vendor lock-in and lack scalability options when relying on reseller-provided CRM solutions.

Pros:

  • Access to pre-built CRM solutions tailored to specific industries
  • Lower upfront costs compared to integrators
  • Quick deployment and easy setup process

Cons:

  • Limited flexibility and customisation capabilities
  • Reliance on third-party vendors for support and updates
  • Potential vendor lock-in and lack of scalability

3. Expert Contractors

Expert contractors are highly skilled and specialised professionals who offer their services as independent consultants or freelancers for CRM implementations. They possess in-depth knowledge of various CRM platforms, technologies, and best practices and work closely with businesses to understand their unique requirements and tailor the CRM solution accordingly. They provide hands-on expertise in configuring, customising, and integrating CRM systems, ensuring a seamless fit with existing processes and technologies.

There are potential risks associated with contractor availability and reliability, which can impact project timelines and deliverables and a lack post-implementation support compared to integrators or resellers. Using expert contractors for CRM implementations may require more project management and input from the business side however their expertise and focus on customisation make them an excellent option for businesses seeking personalised CRM implementations.

Pros:

  • High level of expertise
  • Cost-effective compared to integrators and resellers
  • Flexibility to tailor solutions to specific business needs
  • Faster implementation timelines

Cons:

  • May require more project management and coordination
  • Potential risks of availability and reliability
  • Limited post-implementation support

When choosing a CRM partner, it is crucial for small businesses to consider their specific needs, budget constraints, and customisation requirements. While integrators offer extensive knowledge and support, their high costs may not be feasible for smaller budgets. Resellers, on the other hand, provide quick deployment but may lack flexibility and customisation options. However, expert contractors emerge as the ideal choice, striking a balance between cost, flexibility, and customisation.

Find reliable and skilled tech contractors for your CRM implementation with Hubbado

Hubbado connects businesses with a curated pool of highly qualified contractors, streamlining the process of finding the right CRM implementation partner. Our platform provides access to a diverse talent pool, ensuring you can find contractors with the necessary skills and expertise for successful CRM implementation.

Hubbado is a resource management platform that gives you access to a pre-vetted community of highly skilled consultants, so you always have access to the skills and expertise you need to take your business forward.

Members of our exclusive community are vetted by an expert in their job sector for their industry knowledge, certifications, communication skills & more. Meaning that whatever the technical scope of your project you can always find a consultant who understands your needs.

Connect a consultant today or book a call with one of our friendly sales team.