Solution Explorers Blog

One problem with software buying is that many professionals underestimate the resource investment required to complete even the basic steps – needs analysis, document system requirements, research software options and prices, review short list systems, and negotiate purchase terms and final pricing. Unfortunately, many buyers today try to start with a plan but quickly get impatient with the process and overwhelmed with past due tasks piling up and therefore settle for “good enough.” This often results in choosing a system based on price and sacrificing services.

Below is an article I came across that does a nice job of both addressing the value in quality, timely support services but also illustrating when buying low cost (or free) makes sense and when it doesn’t. For instance, buying a low cost flashlight on the night that you need it may meet your need, but what about that free or low cost accounting system to track your business records? Some things are meant to be a commodity and others not – like business software! Check out the article…

http://www.businesspundit.com/poor-customer-support-the-hidden-cost-of-free-software/

I think it’s also worth considering WHY business professionals wimp out and go the cheap route when it comes to tracking business activity and reporting. Experience has taught me that some folks just dislike talking with salespeople – it’s too much hassle. It could also be that they have too much on their plate and they just don’t want to take the necessary steps to work through the research process of finding the right software – it’s too much time. Of course, who wants to sort through the abundance of software options available for consideration? So many systems look the same in relation to functionality, and sometimes even price. Worse, a buyer starts looking and quickly realizes they don’t know where to begin – there’s an endless maze of options. It doesn’t take long before the water gets muddy and frustration sets in. It’s easy to get impatient, but not wise.

Consider the following related quotes (source unknown):

• “If you buy cheap-you buy twice!”
• “It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little.”
• “When you pay too much, you lose a little money-that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.”

Here’s the deal…if you buy cheap, you get cheap. Free is free for a reason folks! Did you really think that “free” accounting or project management software system would provide quality, reliable support services when you needed it? Come on! Professionals engaging in practices like this – or recovering from them – need to wake up and smell the coffee. What’s the conclusion? Businesses should treat the process of finding the right software system for their needs just like they want their clients to treat their own services – with appreciation for value and in the mindset of a long-term, sound investment.

Summary – don’t buy cheap…you’re worth more than that! Do the necessary steps or bring in someone that can and will. In the end, you’re business will save time, money, and headaches later.

Let me know if you have a “lesson learned” you’re willing to share.

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