How much should startups spend on a CRM tool?

If you are thinking about this question, you really should try free and open source CRM tools. According to SalesNexeus, the typical cost to implement CRM for a 10 user team can be over $10,000.

Since the ROI of a CRM tool can only be realized in a long run, startups might think twice before actually purchase one. However, you can choose an open source CRM tool, or the more affordable one.

Cost of Popular CRM tools

SalesForce and MS Dynamics are not listed below, for it is obvious that they are too pricey for startups.

• HubSpot

  
  

Cost: Free

Reporting can be added for $200/month.

• Pipedrive

Annually: $62.50 per user, per month

Monthly: $75 per user, per month

• SugarCRM

Annually: $40 per user, per month; minimum annual subscription includes 10 user licenses and starts at $4,800/year.

• Zoho CRM

Annually: $35 per user, per month

Monthly: $45 per user, per month

• Agile CRM

Annually: $39.99 per user, per month

Monthly: $49.99 per user, per month

• Capsule

Cost: $12 per user, per month

• Pipeliner CRM

Annually: $85 per user, per month

• Vtiger CRM

Annually: $30 per user, per month

Monthly: $36 per user, per month

• Zdoo CRM

Cost: Free

One-time payment: $10 for the first 10 users, then $9.9 per user for Pro features.

Interdependency of CRM and other features

As you can tell from the tools listed above, the CRM is part of a more comprehensive tool, such as Vtiger, Pipeliner, Zoho, etc. If you choose one of them, it is inevitable the CRM feature might be intertwined with other features of that software. Then you get used to the system, and consequently, you have to purchase other features that the CRM is dependent on. The only exception is Zdoo. Zdoo CRM is open source and the pro pricing has already covered all features of the software. Therefore, you don't have to worry about the extra cost.

Reference

1. https://www.salesnexus.com/blog/crm-cost-how-much-does-crm-really-cost