Top 54 eCommerce Software (Mar 2023)

2023's Best 55 eCommerce Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Mar 01, 2023

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1. Shopify

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $29 per month
  • Mar 09, 2022
Compare Shopify Vs. Shopify

Shopify is a web-based eCommerce shopping platform that is fully customizable to suit any type of business needs. This hosted shopping cart application allows anyone to sell goods and services on the web. The program is easy to use and setting up of an online shop would only take a couple of minutes...


2. AmeriCommerce

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $49 per month
  • Apr 24, 2022
Compare AmeriCommerce Vs. Shopify

AmeriCommerce is a shopping cart and store builder solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such capabilities as SEO optimization, marketing management, designing, social engagement, and others. The software was developed and launched by AmeriCommerce LP headquartered in Texas...


3. Fleapay

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business
  • Price: starts at $9.95 per user/month
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare Fleapay Vs. Shopify

Fleapay is a trending cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Fleapay received a rating of 3.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


4. Weebly

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $5 per month
  • Mar 23, 2022
Compare Weebly Vs. Shopify

Weebly is a blog and website creation solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such services as website themes, photo galleries, multimedia support, free domain hosting, and others. The software was designed and launched by Weebly Inc headquartered in California, United States...


5. AbleCommerce

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $295 per 2 users/month
  • Mar 07, 2022
Compare AbleCommerce Vs. Shopify

AbleCommerce is a leading cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. AbleCommerce received a rating of 3.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


6. k-eCommerce

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $640 per month
  • Mar 01, 2023
Compare k-eCommerce Vs. Shopify

k-eCommerce is a fast growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. k-eCommerce received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


7. Lightspeed eCommerce

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $119 per month
  • May 20, 2022
Compare Lightspeed eCommerce Vs. Shopify

Lightspeed eCommerce is an on-premise and cloud-based eCommerce platform that allows users to analyze multi-channel sales data, manage online and in-store inventory, as well as view customer information.


8. Commerce Cloud

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4 per order
  • Apr 01, 2022
Compare Commerce Cloud Vs. Shopify

Salesforce Commerce Cloud, which was previously known as Demandware, is a cloud-based AI-powered eCommerce platform. The software helps users attract more customers, especially B2B customers.


9. ShopKeeper FMP

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $20 per month
  • Jul 06, 2022
Compare ShopKeeper FMP Vs. Shopify

ShopKeeper FMP is cloud-based e-commerce as well as a point of sale software that is designed for individuals and organizations in the sales industry that have an online presence. The software is quite flexible as it is able to handle a number of sales tasks from a single point.


10. B2B eCommerce solution

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 05, 2022
Compare B2B eCommerce solution Vs. Shopify

B2B eCommerce solution is a cloud-based e-commerce platform that helps distributors, wholesalers, and suppliers to reach their customers in an easy way. B2B eCommerce solution is suitable for businesses of all sizes that is small-sized businesses, medium-sized businesses, and large enterprises.


Pricing Guide - eCommerce Software:

Sales Software Price Ranges

Sales software products have different pricing based on their focus features and the target audience. However, companies looking for a sales software can expect to pay between the range of $30 to $100 per user, per month. This price range covers the basic offering of most vendors; hence, premium or enterprise offerings will be significantly higher. For instance, HubSpot Marketing Automation pricing starts from $50 per user monthly, SendinBlue from $25 per user monthly, while Pardot pricing sits around $1,200—although with more robust features and more user accounts.

The prices for Sales software also depend on the size of businesses. The price ranges for each business size are as follows:

  • Small Businesses can expect to pay between $15 to $25 for a sales software, plus some vendors make their low-end offerings free for tiny business sizes. For example, CleverTap, Moosend, and Bigmailer all have packages that are free for small businesses. Meanwhile, some premium Sales software for small businesses are ActiveCampaign, which starts from $15 per user per month, Campaigner from $19, and Remarkety pricing starts from $25 upwards.
  • Medium Businesses can expect an average price of $50 for a sales software. Most sales software offerings for medium businesses sit around this price range, although some other products can be as high as $150 per user per month. For example, FreshMarket, Integrated Sales Portal, and SalesNexus CRM & Automation cost around $50 each— all on a per user, per month basis. Meanwhile, Bazo and GreenRope cost $70 and $150, respectively.
  • Large Businesses can expect to pay prices which range from $400 to $1,500 per month for sales software, although many of the packages include 2 or more user accounts. Adding more users cost more, depending on the business’ size. For instance, Act-On pricing starts from 900 per month, Maropost costs from $500 monthly upward, and Pardot costs around $1,200 monthly.

Sales software best of breeds and their respective price ranges are as follows:

  • Campaign Management Software The prices for most campaign management software in the market are set based on a per month basis, although there are others with yearly billings. However, businesses can expect to pay between the ranges of $10 to $50, $50 to $150, and $150 upwards monthly for a campaign management software. The prices are subjective to factors such as the number of user accounts, number of contacts, etc. For example, Asana costs around $11 per user monthly, PinPointe $42 per month, and Campaign Influence Analyzer $6,500 yearly for unlimited users and a number of other features.
  • Brand Management Software Most Brand management software pricing comes in various volatile pricing patterns; hence, some can be bought perpetually, while others are priced on a yearly or monthly basis. Given this, companies can expect prices that fall between $500 to $3,000 for sales software billed per month and between $5,000 to $40,000 for ones billed yearly. For example, AssetBank pricing starts from around $550 per month, BEAM costs up to about 2,500 per month, and Wedia pricing sits around $12,000 per year.
  • Content Sales Software Content sales software pricing usually falls between $10 to $50, depending on the tier or level of offering of each product. The prices are set on a per user, per month basis. For instance, AirTable pricing starts from $12 per user monthly, DropTrack costs from $19 per user monthly, while Topic pricing starts from $49 per user per month.
  • Sales Analytics Software For sales analysis software, users can expect to pay prices that range from $10 to $50 monthly for low-end offerings. On the other hand, standard or premium fall between $200 to $800 per month. For example, AgencyAnalytics pricing is priced at $49 per month, ClickData costs about $25 per month, and Singular pricing falls around $750 monthly.
  • Sales Research Software This is divided into tiers, with some considered standard and others premium. Businesses can expect prices that range from $15 to $50 on a per month basis for standard offerings on sales research software. Premium offerings cost between $200 to $700, depending on the robustness of the product’s features. For example, TypeForm costs $35 per month, Survio costs $29 monthly, and CYS pricing is around $290 monthly. There are also yearly pricing; for example, CheckMarket costs $1,000 per year, and Nifield pricing is at $2,000 per year.

11. SAP Integration for B2B eCommerce

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price:
  • Feb 27, 2023
Compare SAP Integration for B2B eCommerce Vs. Shopify

SAP Integration for B2B eCommerce is a trending cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support large size business. SAP Integration for B2B eCommerce received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their catego...


12. Gazelle

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $18 per feature/month
  • Apr 27, 2022
Compare Gazelle Vs. Shopify

The Gazelle software is a software solution that turns usable customer information into data that can help clients identify business opportunities for keeping their current customers and acquiring new customers. Most companies and clients don’t realize the true value of the information that they hav...


13. Nexternal

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $300 per user/month
  • Jun 17, 2022
Compare Nexternal Vs. Shopify

Nexternal is a shopping cart management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers customer management, inventory management, SEO and design, promotion and marketing, and a variety of other useful services. The software was designed and launched by Nexternal Solutions headquartered i...


14. SureDone

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $500 per month
  • Jun 18, 2022
Compare SureDone Vs. Shopify

SureDone is a multi-channel e-commerce solution for small and medium businesses. It also offers such capabilities as inventory management, bulk order processing, integrations, and others. The software was designed and launched by SureDone Inc headquartered in New York, United States.


15. Digital River e Commerce Solution

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jul 25, 2022
Compare Digital River e Commerce Solution Vs. Shopify

Digital River e Commerce Solution is a leading cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Digital River e Commerce Solution received a rating of 3.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other soluti...


16. BigCommerce

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $29.95 per user/month
  • Jul 25, 2022
Compare BigCommerce Vs. Shopify

BigCommerce is a shopping cart software solution for your online business. The software provides management, marketing and design solutions and services for your online store. It was designed and launched by BigCommerce Pty. Ltd., headquartered in Texas, United States. 


17. Expedite Commerce

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30 per license
  • Jul 30, 2022
Compare Expedite Commerce Vs. Shopify

Expedite commerce is an inventory management software that capitalizes on focusing on your customers. The software system revolves around how you can convert your existing customers to recurring revenue.


18. iAPPS Commerce

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,250 per month
  • Jan 24, 2022
Compare iAPPS Commerce Vs. Shopify

The iAPPS Commerce is a user-friendly eCommerce environment platform that is designed to help users with online business to become successful with remarkable simplicity and global reach.


19. CS-Cart

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $1,450 per license
  • Aug 01, 2022
Compare CS-Cart Vs. Shopify

CS-Cart is a growing cloud-based Sales software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. CS-Cart received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


20. PunchOut CX

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Aug 01, 2022
Compare PunchOut CX Vs. Shopify

PunchOut CX is a leading cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. PunchOut CX received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.2/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


21. AbanteCart

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Oct 01, 2022
Compare AbanteCart Vs. Shopify

AbanteCart is a leading cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. AbanteCart received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


22. SaaSy

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $6 per user/month
  • Oct 04, 2022
Compare SaaSy Vs. Shopify

SaaSy is an award-winning cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. SaaSy received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


23. Sana Commerce

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10,000 per year
  • Jan 26, 2023
Compare Sana Commerce Vs. Shopify

Sana Commerce is classified as a business-to-business/B2B ecommerce software helping users with their wholesaling, manufacturing and distributing to maximize their online customer experience, streamlining of their sales processes and increasing online sales volumes.


24. Salsify

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 11, 2022
Compare Salsify Vs. Shopify

Salsify is a fast growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Salsify received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


25. Vendio Ecommerce

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $29.95 per month
  • Feb 04, 2022
Compare Vendio Ecommerce Vs. Shopify

Vendio Ecommerce is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Vendio Ecommerce received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


26. TurnTo

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Feb 08, 2022
Compare TurnTo Vs. Shopify

TurnTo is a fast growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. TurnTo received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


27. WebStudio

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10,000 per license
  • Feb 17, 2022
Compare WebStudio Vs. Shopify

WebStudio is a feature-rich, versatile eCommerce software that provides users with business-to-business/B2B and business-to-consumer/B2C solutions and with the ability to quickly deploy a catalogue or a web store.


28. 24Seven Channel

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Feb 26, 2022
Compare 24Seven Channel Vs. Shopify

24Seven Channel is a growing cloud-based CRM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. 24Seven Channel received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


29. SuiteCommerce

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $40,000 per license
  • Mar 03, 2022
Compare SuiteCommerce Vs. Shopify

NetSuite SuiteCommerce is a software solution that is offered as a Commerce as a Service or CaaS. The software is the first commerce solution that was designed with the purpose of providing an e-commerce service that is not only a standalone solution, but also as a software solution that is accessib...


30. Volusion e Commerce Solution

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $29 per month
  • Mar 08, 2022
Compare Volusion e Commerce Solution Vs. Shopify

Volusion e Commerce Solution is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Volusion e Commerce Solution received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solutio...


31. Oracle ATG Web Commerce

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 23, 2022
Compare Oracle ATG Web Commerce Vs. Shopify

Oracle ATG Web Commerce is a web commerce and enterprise resource planning solution for large businesses. It also offers various accounting, business intelligence, and management services. The software was developed and launched by Oracle Corporation headquartered in California, United States.


32. Envato

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $14.50 per member/month
  • Mar 28, 2022
Compare Envato Vs. Shopify

Envato is an e-commerce and online marketplace management solution for small and medium businesses. It facilitates the exchange of digital goods and offers creative solutions for ecosystems of sites. The software was developed and launched by Envato headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.


33. Browser Push Notifications

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19 per month
  • Mar 30, 2022
Compare Browser Push Notifications Vs. Shopify

Browser Push Notifications is a ecommerce software allowing users with retail market websites to communicate flash sales or discounts to their customers directly on their desktop or mobile browsers.


34. Pronto Xi Sales & Marketing

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 31, 2022
Compare Pronto Xi Sales & Marketing Vs. Shopify

Pronto Xi Sales-Marketing is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Pronto Xi Sales-Marketing received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


35. Magento

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,988 per month
  • Nov 03, 2022
Compare Magento Vs. Shopify

Adobe Commerce is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Adobe Commerce received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


36. LemonStand

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $11 per month
  • Nov 08, 2022
Compare LemonStand Vs. Shopify

Lemonstand is a cloud-based e-commerce solution designed for growing retail brand and subscription businesses that are doing up to $20m annually.


37. ShopSite

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business
  • Price: starts at $6 per month
  • May 30, 2022
Compare ShopSite Vs. Shopify

ShopSite is an award-winning cloud-based Sales software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. ShopSite received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


38. Amadesa Customer Experience

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $200 per month
  • May 31, 2022
Compare Amadesa Customer Experience Vs. Shopify

Amadesa Customer Experience is a fast growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Amadesa Customer Experience received a rating of 3.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in ...


39. Handshake Direct

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $39.95 per user/month
  • Oct 29, 2019
Compare Handshake Direct Vs. Shopify

Handshake Direct is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Handshake Direct received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


40. Ability SmartSite

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • May 27, 2022
Compare Ability SmartSite Vs. Shopify

Ability SmartSite is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Ability SmartSite received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


41. osCommerce

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $89 per user/month
  • Jun 02, 2022
Compare osCommerce Vs. Shopify

osCommerce is a growing cloud-based Sales software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. osCommerce received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


42. OpenCart

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $25 per license
  • Jun 02, 2022
Compare OpenCart Vs. Shopify

OpenCart is a growing cloud-based Sales software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. OpenCart received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.2/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


43. AppGyver Composer

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $299 per user/month
  • Aug 30, 2019
Compare AppGyver Composer Vs. Shopify

AppGyver Composer is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. AppGyver Composer received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


44. X-Cart

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $165 per month
  • Jun 02, 2022
Compare X-Cart Vs. Shopify

X-Cart is a fast growing cloud-based Sales software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. X-Cart received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


45. Rainmaker E-Commerce

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $249 per license
  • Nov 28, 2022
Compare Rainmaker E-Commerce Vs. Shopify

Rainmaker E-Commerce is a B2B commerce technology solution for businesses of all sizes. It features various delivery, enablement, and e-commerce capabilities. The software was designed and launched by Rainmaker Systems Inc headquartered in California, United States.


46. Localvore

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $9.95 per month
  • May 31, 2022
Compare Localvore Vs. Shopify

Localvore is an award-winning cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Localvore received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


47. N2One Portal

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • May 23, 2022
Compare N2One Portal Vs. Shopify

N2One Portal is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. N2One Portal received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


48. SAP Business Suite Training System

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $110 per user/month
  • Nov 14, 2022
Compare SAP Business Suite Training System Vs. Shopify

SAP Business Suite Training System is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. SAP Business Suite Training System received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solu...


49. ProductCart

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $59.95 per month
  • Jul 13, 2022
Compare ProductCart Vs. Shopify

ProductCart is a shopping cart integration solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers a wide range of marketing, customer management, inventory management, and reporting and analytics services. The software was designed and launched by NetSource Commerce Inc headquartered in United ...


50. Evision E-Commerce

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30,000 per license
  • Jul 18, 2022
Compare Evision E-Commerce Vs. Shopify

Evision E-Commerce is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Evision E-Commerce received a rating of 3.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


51. Pramati

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 21, 2022
Compare Pramati Vs. Shopify

Pramati is an award-winning cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Pramati received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.2/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


52. TRACT Billing

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 30, 2022
Compare TRACT Billing Vs. Shopify

TRACT Billing is a growing cloud-based eCommerce software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. TRACT Billing received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


53. Acobot

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $9 per month
  • Jun 02, 2022
Compare Acobot Vs. Shopify

Acobot is a growing cloud-based Help Desk software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Acobot received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


54. Cxerp

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare Cxerp Vs. Shopify

CxERP is an enterprise resource planning and electronic point of sale solution that can help users to automate end-to-end business processes. The solution offers a combination of user-friendly interface and rich functionality and is highly configurable. Callippus Solutions, the company b...



A Buyer's Guide to Business Software Solutions

How to Evaluate and Buy Business Software
 
If you’re somehow puzzled if this article is only for a specific size of business, no, it’s not. This is for you SMEs, MNEs and start-ups software buyers. Also, we’re not talking about a specific software solution here. Whether the software solution that you’re planning to buy is for Accounting, Business Intelligence, ERP, CRM, Help Desk, Maintenance Management or other types of application, one thing is for sure; with the help of this article, you will be able to know the right process in evaluating and buying a business software solution.
 
We’ve been into the software business for years and we’re seeing a lot of nitty-gritty things that often bring confusions and hesitations to many companies looking for better software solutions. Some companies can’t afford to let go their legacy systems while a few is encountering technological snags once the new system is in place. While this is the underlying truth behind software acquisition and implementation, what’s exciting about buying a business software solution is that there is a clear and obvious proof that thousands of companies and corporations today are happy with the benefits this technology is bringing into their respective businesses.  There is a significant increase in their revenue and the growth is on-going. And it’s easy to say; many from the Fortune 500 companies are making a lot of money because of their smartly-acquired business software.
 
So, let’s get straight to the point. What should you do in order to acquire that business software that could make your organization achieve its goals? The answer to this is pretty straightforward: evaluate and buy that right business software. Yes, that’s what you need to do and here’s the best manual from ITQlick.com that could certainly help you in doing that strategically.
 
Consider the Needs of Your Organization
Let’s assume that at this point, the entire management team agreed that you are ready to invest on a certain software application. The budget has been compromised and the key persons who will be involved in the acquisition process were already identified. Therefore, it’s time to approach things the project management way.
 
Define the Project
Every business software solution is categorized base on application type, features, deployment model, market size and pricing model. Remember that our objective here is to evaluate and buy a business software product that will fit into the size and present needs of your business. So what the project management team should try to deal with first is to define the real requirements of your business exactly base on the categories set by the software industry. Moreover, by doing this activity, you are already narrowing down your search for the right solution. Now, consider bringing this list of FAQs to the project management and aim to come up with clear-cut answers.
 
  1. What type of software is needed? Is it Integrated-Suite, Best-of-Breed or Industry-Specific? Ask your CEO’s main agenda and find the perfect match from these available options.
  2. What are the core and secondary features? Are you looking for basic, advanced or hi-end features? List down the specific features per category and allow the department managers and supervisors to give their insights on this list.
  3. How are you going to deploy the system? Would it be on-premise, cloud-based, hosted, or mobile-based? Weigh these options with the help of your CIO.
  4. Are you going for Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 vendors? Their offered solutions are base on the size of their target market - SMEs, MNEs or start-ups. Seek your CFO’s advice as it is important to match your financial capacity against the cost of the solution that the providers have for you.
  5. Are you willing to pay for the perpetuity software license or a subscription-based solution is way better? How many users are there and what would be their roles in using the system? Solicit feedbacks from future end users for they know better what challenges and risks might possibly come along their way when they’re using the system.
 
Finalize the BOM or List of Requirements
After providing definite answers on the above questions, we can say that the project has already been defined. Your procurement team is now ready to do their role in the acquisition process of this solution. However, in order for them to execute their job properly, they must have the complete list of requirements - features, specifications, hardware, and the software product. In other words, the Bill-of-Materials (BOM) that is final, complete and well-prepared must be handed over to the procurement director. Needless to say, it is very important that everybody is following the company purchasing and procurement protocols at all times.  
 
Request for Proposal (RFP)
The RFP process will bring everything into formality. Since you’re more likely in a line of business that doesn’t regularly buy software products, it is of critical importance that your RFP is well-structured before you send it to your prospect solution providers.
 
Draft the RFP
An RFP that contains all the relevant information as discussed during the project management meetings will enable the providers to return back to you their proposal that is complete and substantial. Therefore, your RFP should basically contain the following:
 
Brief Introduction
  • Company Name
  • Mission and Goals
  • Purpose of the RFP (or the need for software solution)
Business Background
  • Organizational Structure
  • Current Situation (IT infrastructure, system currently in-use, system issues and desired solutions, etc.)
  • Major Objectives of the Software Purchase
Request for Specific Requirements
  • Solution Functionality
  • System Specifications
  • Vendor Company Information
  • Price Model, Service Plans, Package Options
Other Important Inquiries (if necessary)
 
Send the RFP
Well-structured RFP will bring a lot of advantages especially when the proposals from various providers are received and then subjected for review and analysis. Send your RFP to at least three to five providers (or prospects which you have already shortlisted during the project definition phase). Depending on the complexity of the solution, most vendors will send their proposal in a matter of time, which could be around 4 to 6 weeks for Integrated-Suite solution.
 
Why still send RFP?
Is there really a need for RFP if your preferred solution (like cloud-based) and the service plans or packages are already displayed on the vendor’s website? Well, yes, you still need to undergo the RFP process. For most sales people, they certainly know that those figures appearing in the vendor’s website are usually the “list price” and not the “actual price”. More importantly, the vendor’s proposal (response to RFP) will serve as your main basis for the negotiation. Therefore, sending an RFP is a strict requirement.
 
Follow up questions relevant to RFP
More often than not, questions and concerns will be raised by the vendors to whom you send the RFP. You have to entertain them with utmost professionalism. Solution providers who are seeking further clarifications relevant to the RFP are consisting of professional software experts who wants to help your organization as much as they can. Entertain them but at the same time, always be cautious when providing additional information which you know is confidential or proprietary.
 
Evaluate the Proposals
Always refer to your finalized BOM when tabulating the contents of each proposal. Part of this process is to check the features that are available from this certain vendor and to cross out those that are not. While using spreadsheet aids the tabulation process, laying down the document proposals on the table and allowing your project management team to review them one by one should always be conducted. Evaluating the proposals in full force can help strengthen your decision-making process. Have another round of brain-storming session and come with the name of your preferred solution provider.
 
When selecting the final vendor, always promote the best interest of your organization. Consider answering these questions with full sincerity.
 
  1. Which vendor can provide the long-term benefits to your organization?
  2. Which vendor can provide the best and honest service from acquisition to full implementation?
  3. Which vendor is willing to devote most of its time in better serving its client?
 
Contact this solution provider and in your own strategic approach, try to get the answers to those three important questions above. In most cases, vendor who really wants to prove its craft will offer product demos on a higher level. Others will even invite you to check their already deployed and working systems. Feel free to connect with this type of vendor. Conduct simulation and testing, be it a cloud-based or on-premise solution. Examine all aspects and angles especially those that your project management team want to really know in-depth. For as long as it could help you arrive at a better decision, consider doing all the options available – for the interest of the organization.
 
Enter the Negotiation Process
Most solutions providers can be flexible in terms of pricing. Although the final say is oftentimes on the mouth of the sales person from the vendor’s side, a good negotiation process can always deliver a win-win situation to both parties involve. While negotiation sometimes cannot be settled in one sitting session, always be honest with your intentions whenever negotiating with your provider. If it’s about your budget, justify it with clarity. If it’s about their service plans, tell them what’s lacking or missing on their solution. At the end of the day, the most important event that should happen is that both of you are shaking hands because of a well done negotiation process.
 
Seal the Contract
So what are you going to do on a contract that involves a significant amount of investment? There are three project management approaches for this.
 
  1. Pass the ball to you legal team. They know what to do and more or less they will tell you if there is something wrong with the contract. Give them enough time to review before they affix their signature and then finally seal the contract.
  2. Hire a consultant base on the technical aspect that you want to clarify in the contract. If it’s the Scope of Work (SOW), a software implementation expert is the right person. If it is related to complex legal terms and conditions, a lawyer can help. If it has something to do with money, invite an accountant to conduct a thorough review and computation if necessary.
  3. Always consider consulting your project management team. Remember that the CIO, CFO and CEO are all team members. They will be the signatories and they know what’s best for the interest of the company when signing a contract agreement.
 
From evaluation to buying stage, it is important that the project manager must take full responsibility of monitoring all the works identified and distributed among team members. This is why delegating the right project manager is also an important consideration when buying a business software solution. And again, ITQlick.com wants to emphasize that whatever the size of your company is, using the project management approach will always lead you into a better outcome – that is getting what you paid for the right business software solution. 

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Auditor - Shlomi Lavi

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Shlomi Lavi is an entrepreneur and founder of ITQlick.com. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Information Systems Engineering from Ben Gurion University in Israel. Shlomi brings 17 years of global IT and IS management experience as a consultant and implementation expert for small, medium and large-sized (global) companies. Shlomi’s goal is to share the best knowledge and news about information systems so you can make smarter buying decisions for your business.