As a business, expansion, and diversification is always a goal. To achieve this, you need to make several changes including adopting new technology to make work easier and increase efficiency. Since you may be in the tech space, your best bet is to find a value-added reseller.
These are businesses that can sell, install and provide after-sales support for software products. Speaking of software sales, if you're looking for a coupon code on software products, check out couponbuffer for the best deals.
You may know of these VARs but do you know what constitutes a good VAR? With this article, you'll know where to start looking.
1. The All under One Roof Lie
In the quest to market their products and expertise, a VAR may claim to be the one-stop shop for all your problems. For example, they may claim to be pros in hardware, networking, accounting, CRM, custom programming, after-sales support and a host of other technologies.
Note that this isn't a problem since many VARs offer several solutions. Nevertheless, if you come across a VAR claiming to be the solution to all your problems, then this is a red flag and you must tread with caution when dealing with them.
2. Staffing
When choosing a VAR, you want to know whether they have the necessary expertise to handle your problems or any project for that matter. In addition to the expertise, the VAR must have enough personnel on their team to ensure they can respond to your query within the shortest time possible.
Often, these VARs will reserve their best employees for their top clients. Therefore, for the best services, it's in your best interest to get the top employees in your team. Even if you'll it means digging deeper into your pocket. At least, you'll be sure of top-notch services.
3. Ask for References
In such a business, it's important to get advice from previous and existing clients on the quality of the VAR's services. in fact, you won't have to look for these references yourself if the company prides itself in the services they offer.
To get the best reviews, look for at least 4 people or companies using the same software you intend on using. In your sample, make sure you include those already established and those who may be within the first stages of implementation.
When mining for information from the references, ask them about project completion. Did the VAR complete the project on time? What were the costs incurred? How does the system work? Does it solve their problems?
4. Certifications
If you don't check anything else in the VAR, check for certification in the area of expertise. While many of the VARs in the game will display their certifications in order to prove their worth, some will try and evade this subject.
As such, it's crucial to ask for their credentials and certifications in order to prove their credibility. In addition, it'll build trust in the VAR knowing you hired a qualified company to handle your project especially if the approval comes from leading industry players such as Microsoft.
5. The Relationship
While you may invest in the best employees the VAR has to offer, it's also important to invest in a solid personal relationship with them. You see, your project's success not only depends on the software used but also how the people in the team associate with it.
Do they have the passion and will to see your project succeed? If they're invested emotionally, then you have a greater chance at succeeding with bigger margins. Furthermore, you'll form a long-lasting working relationship with the top management. Show them you more interested in becoming their flagship customer.
6. Consider a Prototype
Your business is important to you and it must come first. Therefore, before you can make a final decision on the type of software to use, consider exploring the prototype route. This way, you have a chance of seeing how the software works including the flaws associated with it. The bigger picture while doing this is to find out whether it works for your business.
However, keep in mind this is a paid service which means you'll have to pay for the prototype to be installed. Also, as you acquire the prototype, make sure its installation is done before signing any contract, especially before ordering and licensing the software.
Going down the prototype route may seem costly at first, but look at it as a screening method to prevent you from losing more money first by buying software that doesn't work for you and the losses associated with the software usage.
7. Time to Implementation
After presenting your case to the VAR, they'll take their time to learn everything about your business. In fact, this is the most time-consuming stage of the entire process. With that said, you must be able to let them understand your business since creating and selling software is an overwhelming process.
However, as much as this process takes time, there's a limit to the time the reseller can take to learn about your business. There's a workaround to this caveat. By showing them you're equally invested in coming up with the solution to your problem. This way, you not only create a solid relationship but also tip the scales in your favor when it comes to sales.
With a business to run, it's important to let the pros handle other aspects of your business such as technology. A good VAR on your side means you can be sure of success but that will depend on whether you can find a good one. The tips outlined in this article will ensure you do.