When it comes to choosing a customer relationship management (CRM) platform for your business, two of the most popular options are HubSpot and Salesforce. While both platforms offer a wide range of features and benefits, it's important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) of each platform before making a decision. In this post, we'll compare HubSpot and Salesforce from a TCO perspective and help you make an informed decision for your business.
According to a recent analysis by Aptitude 8, a company that specializes in custom HubSpot solutions, HubSpot's total cost of ownership is typically lower than that of Salesforce. In their study, which analyzed data from 250 companies, Aptitude 8 found that businesses switching to HubSpot can expect to save an average of 40% on upfront costs and 70% on implementation costs when compared to Salesforce. Additionally, HubSpot users tend to require less ongoing training and support, resulting in additional cost savings over time.
Upfront Costs
One of the most significant factors to consider when comparing HubSpot and Salesforce is the upfront cost. According to a report by G2, the starting price for Salesforce is $25 per user per month, while HubSpot offers a free version, and pricing for its CRM product starts at $45 per month.
Salesforce tends to have higher upfront costs due to its complex and customizable features. On the other hand, HubSpot has a lower upfront cost, but its features may not be as customizable as Salesforce. Depending on your business's needs and budget, one option may be more attractive than the other.
Implementation Costs
In addition to the upfront costs, it's important to consider the implementation costs of each platform. According to a study by Software Advice, the average implementation cost for Salesforce is $14,595, while the average implementation cost for HubSpot is $2,945.
Salesforce typically requires more time and resources to implement, which can result in higher implementation costs. On the other hand, HubSpot's implementation process is typically quicker and easier, resulting in lower implementation costs. Again, depending on your business's needs and budget, one option may be more attractive than the other.
Training and Support
Another important factor to consider is the training and support required for each platform. According to a study by Salesforce, companies that use Salesforce require an average of 18 hours of training per user, with an average cost of $2,510 per user.
Salesforce has more complex features and functionalities, which may require more extensive training and support for users. HubSpot's simpler platform may require less training and support, resulting in lower costs. This is an important consideration, as ongoing training and support can add up over time.
Customization
Customization is another important factor to consider when comparing HubSpot and Salesforce. According to a report by SelectHub, Salesforce has a customization score of 9.2 out of 10, while HubSpot has a score of 8.1 out of 10.
Salesforce offers more customization options, which can lead to higher costs. HubSpot has fewer customization options, which may result in lower costs. Depending on your business's needs, you may prioritize customization or cost savings.
Integration
Finally, it's important to consider the integration options for each platform. According to a report by G2, Salesforce has over 3,000 app integrations, while HubSpot has over 500 app integrations.
Salesforce offers more integration options, which can result in higher costs. HubSpot has fewer integration options, which may result in lower costs. If your business relies heavily on integrations with other tools, this may be an important factor to consider.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between HubSpot and Salesforce, there are many factors to consider, including upfront costs, implementation costs, training and support, customization, and integration. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your business's specific needs and budget.
At Scholes Marketing, we are a HubSpot Solutions provider and have extensive experience with HubSpot implementations. Over the past 13 years, we have successfully implemented hundreds of HubSpot instances for our clients. We can help you get started with HubSpot and ensure a smooth transition to the platform.
Additionally, if you require both Salesforce and HubSpot for your business, we can help with a custom integration between the two platforms. Our team has the expertise to make the integration seamless, allowing your teams to work effectively on both platforms.
If you are searching for HubSpot Salesforce integrations or HubSpot implementation services, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss your business's specific needs and help you make the best choice for your business.