✅ 1. Business Fit

• Aligns with your industry (B2B, B2C, service-based, etc.)

• Suitable for your current business size and team structure

• Scalable as your business grows

• Supports your specific sales process (e.g., consultation, quotation, follow-up)

• Localization options (e.g., currency, language, GST compliance)

• Compliance with data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, Indian IT Act)

✅ 2. Core Features

• Lead and contact management

• Sales pipeline / deal stage tracking

• Task, call, and meeting management

• Centralized activity history (emails, notes, calls)

• Built-in email integration (send, track, reply)

• Mobile app with full access to CRM data

• Custom fields and layouts per module

✅ 3. Automation & Intelligence

• Workflow automation (auto tasks, emails, alerts)

• Lead assignment rules and round-robin distribution

• Sales process control (Blueprint or stages)

• Lead scoring based on custom criteria

• AI assistant (e.g., Zia in Zoho CRM) for suggestions, alerts, and analytics

✅ 4. Integration Capabilities

• Email platforms (Zoho Mail, Gmail, Outlook)

• Telephony systems (MCube, Exotel, JustCall, Twilio)

• WhatsApp Business integration

• Marketing tools (Zoho Campaigns, Facebook, Google Ads)

• Finance and billing tools (Zoho Books, QuickBooks, Tally)

• APIs and webhooks for custom integration

• Integration with other Zoho apps (Desk, Projects, Analytics, Forms)

✅ 5. Reporting & Analytics

• Customizable dashboards for team or product

• Funnel reports and conversion metrics

• Activity-based reports (calls, tasks, emails)

• Revenue forecasting and deal value reporting

• Performance comparison by user, product, source

• Scheduled reports via email (daily/weekly)

✅ 6. Pricing & Licensing

• Cost per user per month/year

• Free vs paid features comparison

• Add-on modules or hidden costs (e.g., for analytics or advanced automation)

• Setup/implementation costs

• Upgrade/downgrade flexibility

• Free trial or pilot access before purchase

✅ 7. Security & User Access

• Role-based permissions and data visibility

• Field-level access control

• Audit logs for tracking activity

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)

• Data backup and restore options

• Compliance with security standards

✅ 8. Usability & Customization

• Clean and intuitive interface

• Low learning curve for new users

• Easy field and layout customization

• Custom views and filters

• Multi-device accessibility (desktop + mobile)

• Visual sales pipeline and Kanban-style boards

✅ 9. Support & Community

• Availability of customer support (chat, phone, email)

• Support hours (24×7, business hours, etc.)

• Onboarding and training resources

• Help documentation and video tutorials

• Partner ecosystem for local/advanced help

• Active user community or forums

✅ 10. Long-Term Fit & Vendor Credibility

• Product development roadmap and frequency of updates

• Financial stability and market reputation of vendor

• Ability to expand across other functions (HR, Finance, Projects)

• Trusted by businesses similar to yours

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