How to Choose an Effective Quoting/Proposal/CPQ Software

Tip 1: Pick a Hybrid CPQ Solution 

It is advised to invest in a hybrid CPQ solution as it comes with strong integration capabilities. Hybrid CPQ software can integrate with a wide range of software applications and their different versions. 

On the other hand, native CPQ solution has very limited integration capabilities for third-party applications. For instance, a native CPQ software many integrate with only a specific type of ERP or CRM systems. 

Different companies provide CRM or ERP systems. However, a native CPQ may connect with just one specific ERP, say - Oracle NetSuite but not Sage X3. Such restrictions capabilities can hamper your business growth. 

Tip 2: Invest in a Mobile Quoting App 

Want to create online quote? Then choose a sales quoting software that has a mobile quoting app. A mobile quoting app simplifies your quoting activity to a very great extent as you can use your mobile devices to generate and send quotes. 

For instance, you can view customer information, product catalog, etc., from your quoting app and create fabulous quotes in minutes. 

A mobile quoting app acts like an online quoting tool that you can access from your smartphones, tablets, etc., to create quotes on the go. It gives you the flexibility to handle your quoting process on the run. 

Tip 3: Invest in an Appropriate Quoting Software 

There are different types of CPQ software, each designed for a specific industry. If you are a value added reseller (VAR) involved in selling IT products, you simply cannot use software tools that are designed for the manufacturing sector. 

As a VAR, understand your needs and choose a business management software for VAR that best meets your quoting requirements. For instance, if you are not selling product configurations, avoid choosing a quoting software that comes with CPQ capabilities. 

Tip 4: Check Quoting Performance 

You don't want to choose a software application that hinders your sales process. Right? This is possible only if your software tool is easily scalable. 

If your team is mainly involved in creating large quotes and proposals, it doesn't make sense to choose a quoting software that slows down upon adding a high number of products (say 500) in the quote. 

There are quoting tools that show performance issues upon adding 50 products in the quote. Buying such quoting applications can have a severe impact on your team's productivity. 

The very purpose of using quoting software is defeated if its performance slows down while creating large quotes. 

Also, find out how many users can use the quoting software simultaneously to create quotes and proposals. Say your business grows and you require 5 sales reps to use the quoting tool at the same time. Check whether its performance slows down when multiple users are accessing it simultaneously.

 Keep in mind that you don't want to change your system to meet your evolving business needs. So ensure that your quoting solution is easily scalable as your quoting requirements grow. You shouldn't face any technical obstacles while scaling your software product.

Tip 5: Ability to Customize Templates of Quotes and Proposals 

Do you want complete control over the look and feel of your proposals and quotes? If yes, the templates must offer a high degree of customization. 

Many proposal software and quoting applications come with a range of built-in templates. Although these templates help you to easily create professional proposals and quotes, every template available must be highly customizable. 

There are software applications that simply do not allow users to customize the template. Some offer very limited functionality to change few aspects of the templates. However, you want to choose solutions that enable you to modify templates easily as per your needs. 

From changing design, company logos and fonts to defining new formulas for calculations, the software application should give you complete freedom in customizing the templates. When it comes to simplifying your ordering process, it is advised to choose appropriate eCommerce software. Similarly to streamline your quoting process, pick a quoting tool that best fits your business needs.