Choosing the right CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) software can make or break your business’s sales process. If you're wondering whether Apttus CPQ vs Salesforce CPQ is the better choice, you're not alone.
In fact, companies with a CPQ software see a 17% higher lead conversion rate (Source: CloudSense). This shows how important it is to pick the right tool for your team. Both Salesforce CPQ vs Apttus CPQ have their own strengths and features, but understanding the differences is key to making the best decision for your business.
By the end of this article, you’ll know which CPQ tool will streamline your sales, improve quoting, and boost productivity. Let's dive in!
CPQ stands for Configure, Price, and Quote, and it's a tool that helps businesses configure products, set prices, and generate quotes accurately. 83% of sales professionals are using some form of CPQ tool.
For businesses that offer complex products or services, CPQ software is essential for streamlining the sales process. Two of the most popular CPQ solutions are Salesforce CPQ and Apttus CPQ.
A CPQ stands for Configure, Price, Quote. It is a special tool that helps businesses sell products and services faster and more accurately. Using a CPQ can bring many benefits to a company. Let’s look at some of the most important benefits of using a CPQ system.
One of the biggest benefits of a CPQ is that it helps businesses make quotes faster. When a customer wants a price for a product or service, sales teams can use the CPQ tool to quickly create a quote. Without a CPQ, salespeople may need to spend a lot of time looking up prices, checking stock, and figuring out the best deal. With a CPQ, this process is much quicker and easier. This saves time and helps the sales team work faster.
Another great benefit of a CPQ is that it helps businesses offer accurate prices. Sometimes, if prices are not correct, businesses can lose money or disappoint customers. The CPQ system makes sure that prices are correct by following the company’s pricing rules. This way, there are fewer mistakes when creating quotes. It also helps avoid problems like giving customers the wrong discount or charging the wrong price.
Every customer is different. Some may want a special product or service. A CPQ helps businesses customize products to meet the customer’s needs. The CPQ tool lets sales teams configure different options, such as colors, sizes, or features. Hence, each customer gets exactly what they want. The CPQ also helps make sure that the customized product is still priced correctly.
When sales teams use a CPQ, customers have a better experience. Since quotes are created quickly and accurately, customers don’t have to wait long to get the prices they want. Also, when salespeople can customize products easily, they can give customers more choices. This makes customers feel valued and happy. A good experience can lead to more sales and repeat business.
Using a CPQ reduces the risk of errors. When businesses don’t have a CPQ, salespeople may make mistakes when calculating prices or creating quotes. A small mistake can cost the company money or hurt the customer relationship. The CPQ helps by following strict rules and making sure the right prices and discounts are applied every time. This reduces mistakes and makes the whole sales process smoother.
With a CPQ, getting approvals is easier. Many companies need approval before giving a big discount or making a special offer. A CPQ can make the approval process faster by automatically sending quotes for approval. This saves time and helps businesses close deals faster. The sales team doesn’t have to wait long for approvals, which keeps customers happy.
A CPQ system also helps businesses keep track of sales. It can collect data about which products are selling well, which discounts are working, and how long it takes to close deals. This information can help businesses make better decisions and improve sales strategies. Reports can also show if there are any problems with pricing or quotes, so businesses can fix them quickly.
Salesforce CPQ is a powerful, cloud-based solution designed to enhance the sales process for businesses using Salesforce CRM. It provides sales teams with an easy-to-use interface for generating quotes and managing product configurations. A key feature of Salesforce CPQ is its seamless integration with Salesforce CRM, making it a natural choice for businesses already using Salesforce.
The tool allows businesses to:
Additionally, the Salesforce CPQ platform allows for deep integration with other Salesforce applications, ensuring that all sales data is centralized and easily accessible.
Apttus CPQ, now known as Conga CPQ after its merger in 2020, is a robust solution used by businesses to configure products, set prices, and generate quotes. Moreover, Apttus CPQ excels in managing complex pricing models and can be customized for specific business requirements. The platform offers advanced functionalities such as:
Apttus CPQ also benefits from its AI capabilities, enabling it to make real-time pricing and product recommendations, enhancing the accuracy of quotes and accelerating the sales cycle.
Here’s a detailed comparison table that highlights the main differences between Apttus CPQ vs Salesforce CPQ:
Salesforce CPQ offers several pricing plans depending on the size of the business and the complexity of its needs. The pricing typically starts at $75 per user/month for the basic plan, with more advanced features available in higher-tier plans. These plans may include features like advanced order management, subscription billing, and more.
For larger enterprises, the cost can be significantly higher, especially when considering additional add-ons or customizations.
Apttus CPQ generally offers more tailored pricing depending on the business needs and usage. The basic pricing starts at $35 per user/month, but many businesses will need to contact Apttus for a customized quote based on their specific requirements. Apttus also offers demos where potential customers can explore the product’s features before making a commitment.
Here’s a detailed comparison table of the customer base and market share for Salesforce CPQ and Apttus. The table below clearly illustrates that Salesforce CPQ has a significantly larger customer base and higher market share than Apttus CPQ in the CPQ category.
The decision between Apttus CPQ vs Salesforce CPQ largely depends on the specific needs of your business.
When comparing Apttus CPQ to Salesforce CPQ, there are clear advantages to switching. Here are the reasons why Salesforce CPQ might be the better choice for your business:
Both Apttus CPQ vs Salesforce CPQ offer valuable features that can streamline your sales process. However, the right choice for your business depends on your specific needs.
At PixelConsulting, we specialize in helping businesses optimize their Salesforce ecosystem. If you choose Salesforce CPQ, our expert team can assist you in implementing and customizing the platform to fit your specific needs. Whether it's integrating Salesforce CPQ with your existing systems, training your sales team, or helping you leverage advanced reporting features, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you maximize the full potential of Salesforce CPQ for your business!
Apttus CPQ offers more complex configurations and advanced contract lifecycle management, while Salesforce CPQ is simpler and integrates seamlessly with Salesforce CRM, making it easier to use for companies already within the Salesforce ecosystem.
Apttus CPQ is a cloud-based solution that integrates with Salesforce CRM to streamline the quoting, pricing, and configuration processes. It provides advanced capabilities like pricing optimization and contract management, but with a more complex setup compared to Salesforce CPQ.
Yes, Apttus CPQ integrates directly with Salesforce CRM, allowing businesses to streamline their sales processes. The integration helps generate accurate quotes, configure complex products, and manage pricing seamlessly within the Salesforce platform.
No, Apttus is a separate company that offers CPQ solutions. While it integrates with Salesforce, Apttus CPQ is an independent solution and not a part of the Salesforce suite, though it works well alongside Salesforce CRM.
Salesforce CPQ is generally user-friendly, especially for Salesforce users. However, depending on your business needs, it may require some customization. For simpler setups, it's relatively easy to use, but more complex configurations might require expert assistance.
Apttus CPQ provides advanced contract lifecycle management (CLM), offering tools for creating, managing, and automating contracts. This feature helps businesses handle complex contract workflows. So, you have efficiency and compliance throughout the contract process.
Yes, Salesforce CPQ is suitable for small businesses, especially those already using Salesforce CRM. Basically, easy integration and scalable features make it ideal for small businesses looking to streamline their sales and quoting processes without heavy customization.
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