Selecting a CRM software for your manufacturing or distribution business can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. How do you know which one is the best fit for your business and why?
To simplify the decision-making process, we’re doing a value comparison of two popular CRM systems: Zoho vs. Salesforce.
Whether you’re looking for user-friendly functionality or robust, enterprise-level features, this guide will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Ease of use
Zoho:
Zoho CRM is known for its clean, intuitive, and low-code interface making it easy to customize and navigate.
A standout feature of Zoho CRM is its AI assistant, Zia. Integrated directly into the CRM, Zia can:
- Answer questions about the application
- Analyze metrics to find anomalies
- Generate content on request.
- Retrieves real-time data
Zoho is the CRM software for those who don’t know CRM. With additional tools like a mobile app that allows sales reps to manage their leads on the go, Zoho was made for ease and convenience.
Salesforce:
Salesforce is renowned as highly comprehensive features. However, this functionality comes with its challenges. Altering the interface or making customizations often requires skilled assistance.
Salesforce is tailored towards large businesses Smaller businesses with a tighter budget may feel left behind when in need of assistance.
When Salesforce is properly set-up, its wealth of features and applications make anything possible. However, some have argued it’s too complex for companies looking for a simple CRM. According to Destination CRM, the usability of CRM is now more relevant than the functionality of it.
With Salesforce still taking a functional approach to CRM, for the first time in a decade, they have fallen behind the competition.
Winner: Zoho CRM
Pricing
Zoho:
Zoho is known to be a key player in the industry due to its affordable pricing. To start, Zoho provides a 30 day trial with any of its plans. Additionally, for small businesses, Zoho offers a fully free option of CRM. The free version includes a starter pack of various features for up to 3 users.
When considering their premium memberships, the options are cost effective and flexible. Starting at $19/month (billed annually) or $25/month (pay as you go). With no obligation to yearly contracts, and the option to cancel, downgrade, or upgrade, Zoho CRM is affordable for any business..
This means businesses who are ready to commit can save money with an annual billing option, and smaller businesses can have the comfort of low pricing with no commitment..
Salesforce:
Salesforce has positioned itself as a premium offering. With no free option, their lowest package, the “Starter Suite”, is priced at $25/month/ user, and this price can increase as your business grows in size. For larger businesses, the “Einstein 1 Sales” package can go all the way up to $500/month/.
Salesforce allows you to add many of the features available on Einstein 1 Sales to the Starter Suite for a monthly price, but bundling just a few of these features quickly launches you close to the $500/month/user price.
For many of its tiers, Salesforce does offer a 30 day free trial. However, it is worth noting that with the extended time it takes to set up Salesforce, most of your 30 days will be devoted to get it up and running. After the 30 day trial is complete, Salesforce only offers yearlong contracts for its services, reducing flexibility if you want to change or cancel a plan.
Winner: Zoho CRM
Features
Zoho:
Zoho is an all-in-one business operating system that includes CRM/ERP, financial software, internal company communications, task management, and more crucial business functions. With over 50 unique applications available (many within the Enterprise CRM package), Zoho offers a similar level of capability as Salesforce.
Salesforce:
For larger businesses in need for maximum customization on their CRM, Salesforce is often the go-to solution. Salesforce also is compatible with more integrations than Zoho. However, the extra features come at an extra cost and a complex implementation.
Winner: Zoho CRM
Target Market
Zoho:
Previously known as the CRM for small businesses, in recent years, Zoho has completely rebranded. Now offering comprehensive products for large enterprises, Zoho still shines in the small and medium sized business sector, while improving their offerings for larger businesses.
Salesforce:
Salesforce is often regarded as the solution for larger businesses. With its higher tier options, larger selection of features, and faster customer service response times, Salesforce has positioned itself as a premium CRM system.
Winner: Depends on your business’s budget for CRM
Service and Support
Zoho:
Zoho is a top provider in customer service and support, with a variety of free features in its help toolkit. All levels of users can access online forums for Zoho help, a self service portal, 45 days of onboarding assistance, and live phone, email and chat support during business hours. For between 20–25% of your monthly fee, support hours increase, and response time decreases.
Salesforce:
Salesforce lags behind Zoho in service and support, offering only live chat, email support and online learning tools. For an additional cost, Salesforce offers phone support, onboarding, and coaching. Salesforce’s paid support is priced at 30% of your monthly fee.
Winner: Zoho CRM
Summary
When comparing Zoho vs. Salesforce, it’s clear that Salesforce offers more capabilities for large enterprises within its CRM application. However, when evaluating factors such as ease-of-use, cost-effectiveness, and functionality, Zoho CRM delivers greater value for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution. With its user-friendly interface, seamless integrations, and robust features, Zoho CRM stands out as the ideal choice for companies aiming to optimize their CRM processes.
Are you looking to implement Zoho CRM for your business? Contact a trusted Zoho Authorized Partner to ensure a smooth and efficient transition.
