QuoteWerks - Detailed Review
Sales Tools
QuoteWerks - Product Overview
Introduction to QuoteWerks
QuoteWerks is a powerful configure, price, quote (CPQ) software designed to streamline the sales process for various industries. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features.
Primary Function
QuoteWerks is a hybrid-cloud platform that automates the entire quote-to-cash process. It helps businesses create professional, branded quotes and proposals, manage contracts, and process payments efficiently. The software integrates sales quoting, proposal generation, contract management, and payment processing into a single cohesive system.
Target Audience
QuoteWerks is versatile and used by companies across nearly every industry, including manufacturers, distributors, value-added resellers (VARs), managed service providers (MSPs), and even HVAC professionals. It caters to businesses of all sizes, from small mom-and-pop shops to large Fortune 500 companies.
Key Features
Product/Service Information Management
Users can create detailed descriptions, pricing, and images for products and services. This includes segmenting items based on various identifiers and setting volume discounts and markup values.
Interactive Quote Builder
The software offers a step-by-step guide to create branded quotes and proposals quickly. It includes visual product lists and customizable quote templates to save time.
Customizable Pricing and Workflows
QuoteWerks allows for the creation of item lists, templates, and bundles to standardize product and service offerings. It also supports multiple pricing tiers and customizable discount structures.
Consumer Price Comparisons
The software can retrieve consumer pricing information from vendors like Amazon, CDW, Dell, and Staples, as well as from distributors, to ensure competitive pricing.
Contract Management and Payment Processing
QuoteWerks enables the routing of quotes for approval, sending them to buyers, and getting them signed seamlessly. It supports over 80 payment gateways for credit card and ACH payments.
Centralized Storage and Integrations
All sales documents and contracts are stored in a centralized, searchable location. The software integrates with over 115 CRM, PSA, accounting, distributor systems, shipping, leasing, and payment gateway systems to reduce manual data entry and enhance automation.
Mobile Access
With QuoteWerks Web and QuoteValet Mobile, users can create, modify, and send quotes from anywhere, facilitating field sales and remote work.
Reporting and Notifications
The software provides features for pre-sales and post-sales reporting, as well as customer activity notifications, to keep all parties informed and aid in strategic decision-making.
QuoteWerks is a comprehensive tool that simplifies and automates the sales process, making it an invaluable asset for businesses looking to streamline their quoting, proposal, and contract management activities.
QuoteWerks - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of QuoteWerks, a quoting and proposal management software, is generally described as functional and easy to use, although it may lack a modern aesthetic.Ease of Use
Users have reported that QuoteWerks is relatively easy to use, especially for creating and managing quotes. The software offers a simple interface that is intuitive, allowing users to quickly generate professional-looking quotes with minimal effort. Features like templates and rich text formatting make it easy to customize quotes to match the company’s branding and client expectations.Interface Features
The QuoteWerks interface includes several key features that enhance the user experience:- Quote Management: Users can create, edit, and view quotes from anywhere using the web version of QuoteWerks. This includes the ability to open documents, make changes, and save them while adhering to security restrictions.
- Integration: The software integrates well with various CRM and accounting systems, such as QuickBooks and Sage 50, which helps in automating tasks like creating purchase orders and invoices.
- Customization: Users can add new line items, set line item properties, and adjust other quote details easily. The F2lookup feature and drop-down lists for fields like DocStatus and SalesRep are also supported.
User Experience
Overall, the user experience with QuoteWerks is positive, with many users appreciating its ease of use and time-saving capabilities. Here are some key points:- Time Savings: Users have noted significant time savings due to the automation of quoting processes and the integration with other business systems.
- Professional Appearance: The software helps in creating professional-looking quotes, which enhances the company’s image and client satisfaction.
- Support: The customer support team is highly praised for being responsive and knowledgeable, helping to resolve any technical issues quickly.
Limitations
While the interface is functional, there are some drawbacks:- Visual Appearance: The GUI is not the most modern or visually appealing, which can be a minor drawback for some users.
- Technical Issues: There have been occasional technical issues, such as the software crashing, but these are generally resolved quickly by the support team or through software updates.
Conclusion
In summary, QuoteWerks offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to use and highly functional, despite some minor visual and technical limitations. QuoteWerks - Key Features and Functionality
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QuoteWerks Overview
QuoteWerks is a comprehensive quoting and proposal software that offers a range of features to streamline the sales process, some of which are enhanced by AI integration. Here are the main features and their benefits:
CRM & PSA Integrations
QuoteWerks integrates with over 15 CRM systems, allowing you to retrieve customer information, automatically create and update sales opportunities, and schedule follow-up calls. This integration helps keep your sales data synchronized and up-to-date, reducing administrative tasks and improving sales efficiency.
Accounting Integrations
The software integrates with various accounting systems such as QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online, and Sage 50. This allows you to create purchase orders, invoices, estimates, and export line item details directly, ensuring seamless financial management and reducing errors.
Distributor Real-Time Pricing & Availability
QuoteWerks provides real-time pricing and availability from over 15 supported distributors, including a recent integration with BlueStar. This feature enables you to quote items with the most current pricing and inventory information, helping you make faster and more informed decisions related to customer orders and Requests for Proposals (RFQs).
Quote Creation and Management
Quick Quote Creation
You can quickly create quotes by linking to products and services, importing new ones, or copying and pasting items from outside sources. The configurator presents sales reps with a list of products to choose from step-by-step, reducing training costs.
Detailed Product Information
Products can include pictures, spreadsheets, URL information, and descriptions. You can also create kits and bundles of items commonly sold together and auto-populate essential items like labor.
Pricing Management
For each product, you can see what you’ve previously charged and adjust quote margins overall or by line item.
QuoteWerks Web
The web version of QuoteWerks allows you to create, edit, and view quotes from anywhere using a web browser. This includes opening documents, making changes to quote information, and applying security restrictions to ensure only authorized access. You can also add new line items, set line item properties, and change document types.
QuoteValet Add-On
QuoteValet enables the electronic delivery of interactive quotes. Customers can select options, electronically sign and accept quotes, and even make payments by credit card. You can track when quotes are viewed and accepted, streamlining the sales process and reducing back-and-forth communication.
AI Integration with OpenAI ChatGPT
Through the ConnectIt-Assist software, QuoteWerks integrates with OpenAI ChatGPT to enhance several aspects of the quoting process:
Faster Quote Production
ChatGPT can semi-automate the authoring of lengthy proposals, reducing the time spent on creating quotes.
Error Reduction
ChatGPT helps eliminate typos and mistakes in grammar and punctuation, ensuring higher quality quotes.
Customer-Friendly Quotes
ChatGPT can translate technical details into a language that non-technical customers can understand.
Data Entry Automation
Users can describe the products or services they need, and ChatGPT can fill out the QuoteWerks forms accordingly, reducing manual data entry.
24/7 Support
A ChatGPT-bot can provide round-the-clock support for basic questions regarding quotations, pricing, or product details.
Training and Onboarding
New users can interact with ChatGPT to understand the platform’s functionalities, speeding up the onboarding process.
Multi-language Support
ChatGPT can assist users in multiple languages, broadening the reach of the QuoteWerks platform to a global audience.
These features collectively help streamline the sales cycle, improve accuracy, and enhance customer interaction, making QuoteWerks a powerful tool for sales teams.
QuoteWerks - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
QuoteWerks is highly regarded for its ability to streamline the sales process. Here are some performance highlights:Automation and Efficiency
The software automates every step of the quote-to-cash process, reducing manual data entry and increasing the speed of quote turnaround times. It integrates with over 115 CRM, accounting, and other systems, ensuring seamless data transfer and minimizing errors.Real-Time Pricing Updates
QuoteWerks provides real-time pricing updates, which helps in maintaining accurate and current product information. This feature is particularly useful for businesses dealing with multiple vendors and dynamic pricing.Centralized Storage
All sales documents and contracts are stored in a centralized, searchable location, making it easy to access and manage them.Accuracy
Accuracy is a critical component of QuoteWerks’ functionality:Peer and Management Approval
The software includes workflows for peer and management approval, ensuring that every document created is accurate and consistent. This reduces the likelihood of errors and misquotes.Standardized Pricing and Workflows
QuoteWerks allows companies to standardize their product and service offerings through item lists, templates, and bundles. This standardization helps in maintaining consistent pricing and margins.Automated Quote Tracking
The platform offers automated quote tracking, which helps in monitoring the status of quotes and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to close deals accurately.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While QuoteWerks offers substantial benefits, there are some areas to consider:Learning Curve
One of the notable limitations is the steep learning curve associated with using QuoteWerks. The software requires an investment in training, which can be challenging for smaller teams or those seeking quick implementation.User Interface
The interface of QuoteWerks is described as dated, which may not appeal to users who prioritize a sleek and intuitive user experience.Technical Proficiency
The software demands a certain level of technical proficiency from its users. Teams lacking in this area may find it difficult to fully utilize the features of QuoteWerks. In summary, QuoteWerks performs well in terms of automation, efficiency, and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for businesses with complex quoting needs. However, it requires a commitment to training and may not be the best fit for teams that are not technically proficient or prefer a more user-friendly interface. QuoteWerks - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Tiers
QuoteWerks Standard Edition
- Price: Starting at $15 per user per month.
- Features: This is the base package, suitable for smaller teams with simple quoting needs. It includes links to contact management software such as ACT!, GoldMine, Maximizer, Outlook, Outlook BCM, salesforce.com, SugarCRM, and ZohoCRM.
QuoteWerks Professional Edition
- Price: Starting at $21 per user per month.
- Features: In addition to the Standard Edition features, this tier includes the ability to link to external product data sources (e.g., MS SQL, MS Access, Oracle, Ingram Micro, SYNNEX, Tech Data, QuickBooks, and salesforce.com). It also includes accounting links to QuickBooks, Peachtree, and the Open Export Module, as well as quote synchronization functionality.
QuoteWerks Corporate Edition
- Price: Starting at $30 per user per month.
- Features: This tier includes all the features of the Standard and Professional Editions. It adds support for hosting data on a Microsoft SQL backend database and integrates with additional contact management software like ACT for Web, Autotask, ConnectWise, MS Dynamics CRM, and SalesLogix. It also includes the “Rollout” functionality for remote installations and quote synchronization.
Add-ons and Additional Features
QuoteValet Subscription
- Price: $28 per user per month.
- Features: This subscription provides an online quote delivery and acceptance system, including QuoteValet Mobile and QuoteValet Web. It can be used with all editions of QuoteWerks.
Real-time Pricing and Availability Module
- Price: $14 per user per month.
- Features: This module provides real-time pricing and availability information from vendors like Ingram Micro, Tech Data, and others.
Online Product Content (through Etilize)
- Price: $9 per user per month (requires the real-time pricing module).
- Features: Access to online product content to help in quoting.
Web Database Hosting for CPQ
- Price: $20 per user per month (requires the Corporate subscription tier).
- Features: Hosting services for web and database needs.
Free Options
- Free Trial: QuoteWerks offers a limited-time free trial for all its subscriptions and add-ons, allowing you to test the software before committing to a purchase.
QuoteWerks - Integration and Compatibility
QuoteWerks Overview
QuoteWerks, a comprehensive sales quoting and proposal software, integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools and is compatible across several platforms, making it a versatile solution for businesses.CRM and PSA Integrations
QuoteWerks integrates with over 15 different CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and PSA (Professional Services Automation) systems. This integration allows you to retrieve customer information, create and update sales opportunities, schedule follow-up calls, and record emails sent to customers directly within your CRM or PSA software. This automation ensures that your sales opportunities are always up-to-date, leveraging the full capabilities of your CRM or PSA without the need for manual data entry.Accounting Integrations
QuoteWerks also integrates with various accounting software such as QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online, and Sage 50. This integration enables you to create purchase orders, invoices, and estimates, and export line item details directly into your accounting system. When quotes become orders, you no longer need to re-enter the data, which saves time and reduces errors.Other Integrations
In addition to CRM and accounting software, QuoteWerks offers over 115 integrations, including those with vendors, distributors, shipping providers, leasing companies, and payment gateways. For example, it integrates with Tech Data, Ingram Micro, and SYNNEX to provide real-time pricing and warehouse availability. This extensive integration network helps streamline your sales process and reduce manual work.Platform Compatibility
QuoteWerks is primarily a Windows-based application but offers several options for use on other platforms:Windows Compatibility
QuoteWerks is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, with no known issues in the respective supported versions.Mac Compatibility
While QuoteWerks Desktop is a native Windows application, it can run on a Mac using virtual environments like Virtual PC, Parallels, or VMWare. Alternatively, you can use the web version of QuoteWerks, which does not require any local installation and can be accessed through a web browser.Web Version
The web version of QuoteWerks allows sales reps to create, edit, and view quotes from anywhere using a web browser. This makes it accessible on any device with internet access, providing flexibility and convenience for remote or mobile sales teams.Conclusion
In summary, QuoteWerks offers extensive integration capabilities with CRM, PSA, and accounting software, as well as other business tools, and is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows and Mac through different deployment options. This makes it a highly adaptable and efficient solution for managing sales quotes and proposals. QuoteWerks - Customer Support and Resources
QuoteWerks Customer Support
QuoteWerks offers a comprehensive array of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively utilize their sales quoting and proposal software.
Support Options
When you purchase QuoteWerks, you are provided with several support avenues:
- Email Support: Available as part of your initial purchase, allowing you to reach out to the support team via email.
- Phone Support: Your initial purchase includes a package of 45 minutes of phone support. These minutes are deducted each time you call in for support and do not expire. Once these minutes are depleted, you can opt for Pay-per-Minute support at $1.00 per minute, payable by credit card.
Additional Support Resources
In addition to direct support, QuoteWerks provides several resources to help users get the most out of the software:
- Help Documentation: This includes a Quick Start Guide, Fast-track Overview, and comprehensive Help Documentation available on the website.
- Online Videos: Free video tutorials are available to help users learn the software at their own pace.
- Monthly Webinars: Regular webinars are offered free of charge to keep users updated and informed about the software’s features and best practices.
Professional Services
QuoteWerks also offers various professional services that go beyond standard technical support:
- Implementation Services: To help you set up and integrate the software into your existing systems.
- Proficiency Boosters: Training sessions to improve your proficiency with the software.
- Sales Rep Trainings: Specific training for sales representatives to maximize the use of QuoteWerks.
- Professional Services: Additional consulting services for more complex needs that are not covered under standard technical support.
Update and Maintenance Programs
After your standard warranty support expires, you can purchase an Update Maintenance Program to receive additional product updates and upgrades. However, this program does not include additional phone support minutes.
Accessibility
Support is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST, and you can contact the support team via phone, fax, or email. There are also contact options available for users in Canada and the United Kingdom.
By providing these diverse support options and resources, QuoteWerks ensures that users have the help they need to effectively create professional quotes and proposals, manage their sales pipeline, and integrate the software with other business systems.
QuoteWerks - Pros and Cons
Advantages of QuoteWerks
QuoteWerks offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool in the sales quoting and proposal process:
Efficient Quoting Process
QuoteWerks simplifies the sales process by automating the quote to cash workflow, reducing errors, and improving close rates. It allows sales reps to create, deliver, and track customer interactions efficiently.
Integration with Other Software
The software integrates seamlessly with over 15 CRM systems, accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage 50, and other tools such as Autotask and Connectwise. This integration helps in keeping sales opportunities up to date and transferring data accurately between systems.
Real-Time Pricing and Availability
QuoteWerks provides real-time pricing and availability from over 15 supported vendors, making it easier to quote items accurately.
Customizable and Professional Quotes
Users can create branded, professional quotes and proposals using customizable templates. This includes the ability to format quotes as desired and include important sales documents like SOWs, terms and conditions, and contracts.
Notification and Tracking
The software notifies users when customers view quotes, select options, have questions, or electronically sign and make payments. This feature helps in timely follow-ups and improves engagement.
Cost-Effective and Time-Saving
QuoteWerks is praised for its affordability and the time it saves by automating many manual processes, such as creating quotes and managing paperwork.
Strong Customer Support
Users have consistently praised the support team for being knowledgeable and quick to resolve technical issues.
Disadvantages of QuoteWerks
While QuoteWerks has many benefits, there are some areas where it falls short:
User Interface
Many users have noted that the user interface is not very modern and can be somewhat outdated. This can make it difficult for new users to get accustomed to the system, although it is generally functional and intuitive.
Learning Curve
There is a small learning curve, especially for users who are not familiar with the software. However, once learned, it becomes very powerful.
Limited Dashboard Notifications
The dashboard notification options are limited to just a few integration programs and do not cover overall quoted work or service operations automation.
Technical Issues
Some users have experienced technical issues, but these are usually resolved quickly by the support team or through software updates.
Importing Proposals
Some users have difficulty importing proposals from certain vendors, such as Dell, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Feature Limitations
Some features require upgrading to a higher-level package, which might not be necessary or desirable for all users.
Overall, QuoteWerks is a powerful tool for managing quotes and proposals, offering significant benefits in efficiency, integration, and customization, but it also has some areas for improvement, particularly in its user interface and certain feature limitations.
QuoteWerks - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing QuoteWerks to its competitors in the Configure Price Quote (CPQ) category, several key points and unique features stand out.
Unique Features of QuoteWerks
- Integration: QuoteWerks integrates seamlessly with various CRM and accounting solutions, automating the sales process by creating quotes and proposals efficiently.
- Real-time Tracking: It allows users to know when quotes are viewed, enhancing the sales follow-up process.
- Comprehensive Automation: QuoteWerks automates many aspects of the sales process, including quote and proposal generation, which can significantly reduce manual effort.
Top Competitors and Their Features
Salesforce CPQ
- Market Share: 17.10% in the CPQ category.
- Features: Salesforce CPQ is part of the Salesforce ecosystem, offering AI-powered insights through Salesforce Einstein. It integrates well with Salesforce CRM, providing tools for managing pipelines, identifying leads, and predicting sales outcomes. It also automates sales content generation and summarizes sales calls.
- Comparison: While Salesforce CPQ has strong AI capabilities and deep integration with Salesforce CRM, QuoteWerks may offer better integration with a broader range of accounting solutions.
ConnectWise Sell (formerly ConnectWise CPQ)
- Market Share: 9.11% in the CPQ category.
- Features: ConnectWise Sell is known for its integration with IT service management tools and is particularly popular among IT service providers. It offers automated quoting and proposal generation, similar to QuoteWerks.
- Comparison: QuoteWerks is often highlighted as a faster and better-supported alternative to ConnectWise Sell, with potentially lower costs.
Cosential
- Market Share: 8.61% in the CPQ category.
- Features: Cosential is geared more towards architecture, engineering, and construction firms. It offers advanced proposal and quote management, along with CRM and project management tools.
- Comparison: While Cosential has industry-specific features, QuoteWerks provides a more general solution that can be adapted to various industries.
Other Notable Alternatives
PandaDoc
- Features: PandaDoc is known for its electronic signatures, collaboration tools, customizable templates, and analytics. It is more focused on proposal creation and management.
- Comparison: QuoteWerks offers a more integrated solution that includes both quoting and proposal management, potentially at a lower cost than PandaDoc.
Oracle CPQ and SAP CPQ
- Features: Both Oracle CPQ and SAP CPQ are part of larger enterprise software suites, offering comprehensive CPQ solutions integrated with their respective ERP systems. Oracle CPQ has a 7.02% market share, and SAP CPQ has a 4.42% market share.
- Comparison: These solutions are often more expensive and complex, making QuoteWerks a more accessible option for smaller to medium-sized businesses.
Conclusion
QuoteWerks stands out for its broad integration capabilities, real-time tracking, and comprehensive automation features. While competitors like Salesforce CPQ, ConnectWise Sell, and Cosential offer strong solutions within their respective niches, QuoteWerks provides a versatile and cost-effective alternative that can be adapted to various business needs. If you are looking for a solution that integrates well with multiple CRM and accounting systems and offers a user-friendly interface, QuoteWerks could be an excellent choice.
QuoteWerks - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different pricing plans available for QuoteWerks?
QuoteWerks offers three main pricing plans: the Standard Edition, Professional Edition, and Corporate Edition. The prices start at $15 per month for the Standard Edition, $21 per month for the Professional Edition, and $30 per month for the Corporate Edition. Each plan has different features, with the Corporate Edition including the most advanced integrations and functionalities.
What features are included in each pricing plan of QuoteWerks?
- Standard Edition: This is the base package that includes links to contact management software such as ACT!, GoldMine, Maximizer, Outlook, and salesforce.com. It is suitable for most industries and provides basic quoting and proposal tools.
- Professional Edition: This edition adds the ability to link to external product data sources like Ingram Micro, SYNNEX, and Tech Data, as well as accounting links to QuickBooks and Peachtree. It also includes quote synchronization functionality.
- Corporate Edition: This includes all the features of the Standard and Professional Editions, plus support for hosting data on a Microsoft SQL backend database. It also integrates with additional CRM systems like Autotask, ConnectWise, and MS Dynamics CRM.
How does QuoteWerks integrate with CRM and PSA systems?
QuoteWerks integrates with over 15 CRM systems, including salesforce.com, ACT!, Autotask, ConnectWise, and MS Dynamics CRM. These integrations allow for seamless data transfer between QuoteWerks and your CRM or PSA system, enabling features like creating and updating contacts, products, and sales opportunities directly within QuoteWerks.
What accounting integrations does QuoteWerks offer?
QuoteWerks integrates with various accounting systems such as QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online, Sage 50, and Peachtree. These integrations enable the creation of Purchase Orders, Invoices, and Estimates, and allow for the export of line item details to these accounting systems.
How does QuoteWerks handle real-time pricing and availability from distributors?
QuoteWerks supports real-time pricing and availability from over 15 distributors. This feature allows you to quote items with up-to-the-minute pricing and availability, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in your quoting process.
Can I track when customers view or interact with quotes?
Yes, QuoteWerks provides a feature that allows you to know when your customer views the quote, selects options, has questions, and when they electronically sign and make payment. This helps in tracking customer engagement and follow-up activities.
Is there a web version of QuoteWerks available?
Yes, QuoteWerks offers a web version called QuoteWerks Web. This allows you to create, edit, and view quotes from anywhere using a web browser, providing flexibility and accessibility.
What is QuoteValet and how does it work with QuoteWerks?
QuoteValet is an online quote delivery and acceptance tool that works with QuoteWerks. It provides a more robust way to deliver quotes to customers and prospects, including features like quote acceptance emails and text notifications. QuoteValet Mobile and QuoteValet Web are included free with the QuoteValet Subscription.
Are there any volume pricing discounts available for QuoteWerks?
Yes, QuoteWerks offers volume pricing discounts for both the Professional and Corporate Editions. Additionally, there are options for one-time, up-front purchasing with minor annual maintenance fees, which can be more cost-effective for some businesses.
Is a free trial available for QuoteWerks?
Yes, a free trial of QuoteWerks is available, allowing you to test the software before committing to a purchase.