Google Free CRM Trial and you get more than two million hits. If you want a CRM trial version, you've got that option, but should you use it?
Free CRM trials are a great way to familiarize yourself with a product before purchasing it. You'll be able to have a true "day in the life" experience and gain a better understanding of the functionality. Think of the benefits of test driving a car versus reading brochures and seeing a commercial. You want to know how it really works and the only way is to drive it. Free trials become problematic when you use them too soon, which is often the case. They can be a good thing, provided you follow these two pieces of advice.
1.) Know what you want before testing. Smart car buyers don't begin by test driving a car. They first list their main concerns such as budget and type of automobile. Then they'll do some basic research to determine a couple of the models that fit their profile. This is the same process you should take when purchasing CRM. Evaluate your needs first, then perform research, then finally begin actually going out to look. Be a smart CRM buyer.
2.) Have someone knowledgeable ride shotgun. Similar to a car test drive you should have a knowledgeable sales consultant accompany you. If you go without one in a car you could miss how the navigation, cruise control, or seat warmers work. I think you'll agree that CRM is alot more complicated. Don't navigate it alone. Work with someone who can provide you with a good overview and then let you explore. When you have questions (you will) it's never safe to assume anything. With someone knowledgeable to guide you, you'll have a good experience on which to base your decision.
Keeping in mind the two above pieces of advice you just read, here are three of the better CRM trials out there for hosted CRM:
SageCRM.com Free CRM Trial -- 30 day trial. If you want to continue using the product after the trial period is over you can elect to subscribe and maintain all the data from the initial trial.
NetSuite CRM Trial -- Limited trial and has to be scheduled in advance. Data will not come over. You must participate in a demonstration before you can get the trial version.
Salesforce.com CRM Trial -- 30 day trial. Don't worry about finding a knowledgeable person to ride shotgun, they'll call you within ten minutes of hitting submit on this form. The sales team can be overwhelming and pressuring, but their product is solid.
Free trials can be dangerous if you just dive in. Identify your needs, do some good research, and have someone knowledgeable to explain. That way you'll get the right information out of the trial to make the right decision for the long term.
Great blog and post about three free CRM trial sites.
You should also check out http://www.crmblogger.com for some other good CRM information!
Posted by: David | March 18, 2007 at 10:52 PM
I like to use CRM version if is suitable for me
Posted by: Recardo | June 03, 2007 at 03:36 AM
dear sir/madam
we are a company that is bussy with car suplly and distribution spare parts and also we are responssible to give after sale service to our gratest car manufacturer in our country which named IRAN KHODRO . the company who has contraction with peojeut in IRAN.
we need to have a good and useable CRM program if available.
we will be very glad if we can have your best possible offer.
thanks and best regards
Posted by: keivan khoshhesab | January 22, 2008 at 01:48 PM
You may also want to checkout http://www.tactilecrm.com/signup there is a 30 day free trial on paid plans but also a free version for up to two users.
Posted by: Jake Stride | February 28, 2008 at 02:01 AM
Definitely take advantage of free trials, but you may also want to look into some sites that are offering on-demand CRM for free, period. One good site is www.octopuscity.com; not only do they have a great contact management and CRM system, but it's also integrated with Web 2.0 features and other free business services like free teleconferencing.
Posted by: Nicole | June 16, 2008 at 02:34 PM