3) Not Trying it Before You Buy

What is the safest way to make sure you get the software you need with all the features your business demands? Download a demo BEFORE you buy! Nearly all software can be tried before you make a decision to purchase. If you don’t see a clear way to download a demo from their website, give them a call and request one. If they don’t offer one, ask them why and, unless they have a really good excuse, pick up the search again for your software. Demos are great for a lot of reasons. First, you can make sure that the data is compatible with your other programs (i.e. payroll with time tracking). Second, this gives you a chance to test it on your network and operating system to ensure full capability. Third, you can test their support when you encounter issues. If they are unwilling to help you get the demo running, this may be a sign of “monetary myopia” where they only help you once you have given them money. Not only does this show a sign a poor customer service but it shows a lack of confidence in their product.

1) Not Seeing the Future

Small business software can be tricky when it comes to buying different licenses. As your company grows, your software needs to be able to grow right along with it. Take a customer database for example. At first you have just a few clients, easily manageable with a small, free piece of software or even a spreadsheet. Suddenly, you have hundreds of clients with vital data to store regarding each one. Your software is overloaded and your spreadsheet looks like a bowl of Japanese alphabet soup. When you are choosing the software for your company, choose a software that is designed not just for small businesses, but mid sized businesses as well. Make sure that if it designed to hold employee data, that it can hold an unlimited number of employees without having to buy extra licenses. Also, if there are different levels of licenses available, don’t restrict yourself with a lower license just to save a few bucks, buy a license that will give you room to expand a little without breaking your budget.