What Sales Leaders Need to Know About Conga CPQ vs Salesforce CPQ

Tired of Slow Quotes? Our Conga and Salesforce CPQ Comparison Shows You the Faster Path Forward.
Fatima
August 4, 2025
Conga CPQ vs Salesforce CPQ

Is your CPQ system hold you back? You’re trying to close a big deal, but your quoting system keeps getting in the way. The rep is on the call, the client is excited, yet the quote gets stuck waiting for approvals, hidden price rules, or too many clicks. That quick momentum disappears, confidence shrinks, and sometimes the deal just wanders away.

That frustration is why sales teams continue to ask about Conga CPQ and Salesforce CPQ. Both tools promise a faster, cleaner, and more automatic quoting process. Yet, not every CPQ works the same way, and picking the wrong one can disrupt your entire rhythm.

By 2025, selling really boils down to speed and accuracy. According to the CPQ statistics report of 2024, most reps spend only 34% of their day talking to customers; the rest vanishes into setting up quotes, double-checking prices, and chasing signatures. Without a solid CPQ, quoting takes 73% longer, and that extra delay costs deals. Worst of all, if you aren’t the first to send a quote, you give rivals room to swoop in-teams that quote first close 50% more often.

This blog goes beyond the marketing hype to show you what actually matters. We’ll line up Conga vs Salesforce CPQ side by side. Moreover, you’ll get a clear breakdown of pricing, key features, the right fit for your business, and the mess that can come from a mismatched choice. Let’s look at which option helps your team to close the deal.

Which CPQ System is a Perfect Fit for the Sales Team - Conga CPQ vs Salesforce CPQ?

Not every CPQ tool fits every kind of company. Some teams want raw power because their offers are tricky, while others settle for speed. Let’s take a quick look at what you get with each option.

Conga CPQ: Built for Complexity

Conga CPQ scales when a business has tangled products, multi-layer prices, and contracts that change from deal to deal. If your sales steps are anything but simple, this system stretches to meet every twist and turn. It scores top marks for:

  • Managing huge catalogues and tricky configuration rules
  • Supporting tiers, bundles, or usage rates found in some industries.
  • Linking smoothly with Conga CLM and billing for full quote-to-cash flow

That's why manufacturers, telecoms, and large service firms pick Conga. They can’t waste time or risk errors when putting together a quote.

Salesforce CPQ: Seamless and Scalable

Salesforce CPQ is ideal for businesses that already run all their customer work through Salesforce. Because it lives inside that world, you avoid messy add-ons or switching screens. Everything feels smooth, fast, and ready to keep pace with the deal that’s about to close. Salesforce CPQ stands out by:

  • Plugging straight into the data and steps you already use in Salesforce.
  • Walking reps through each step so quotes land quickly and accurately.
  • Letting fast-growing teams crank out more quotes without adding confusion.

That's why SaaS firms, B2B tech squads, and mid-size sales crews lean on it-it gives solid results without a mountain of setup time.

How Much Does Each CPQ Cost and What’s Hidden Beneath?

Pricing a configure-price-quote (CPQ) tool isn’t always as simple as the sales page claims. What seems cheap at first can end up pricey after you add extra features, spend hours on setup, and keep it running over the years.

To clear up the confusion, here's a quick side-by-side look at how much Conga CPQ vs Salesforce CPQ could cost your business:

Cost Area Conga CPQ Salesforce CPQ
Per user Cost $35 - $45/user/month $75 - $100/user/month
Add-ons CLM, Billing, and Digital Commerce extras Billing, CLM, and Revenue Cloud extras
Integration Costs Needs separate setup with Salesforce CRM Works out of the box, no extra fee
Implementation Moderate to high, depending on your setup Highly certified consultants are usually needed
Long-term ownership Tends to be cheaper as you scale It can get pricey if you customize a lot.

At first glance, Conga CPQ looks cheaper because its price is listed per user. The trade-off is that getting it to play nicely with your CRM takes extra work, especially if your company isn’t fully on Salesforce yet. For teams that create complex quotes or bundles on a large scale, that upfront effort is often worth it, and the tool winds up costing less over time.

Salesforce CPQ, in contrast, costs more up front but plugs directly into the Salesforce CRM you already use. Because of that tight bond, data moves across the system smoothly right out of the gate. The downside is that turning the standard package into a tool that guides sellers or enforces custom pricing can chew up many consulting hours and, yes, more dollars.

After months of hands-on use, most teams sum it up like this: Salesforce CPQ scales as long as you have the time and budget to set it up for your specific process.

So, when you weigh Conga against Salesforce, don-t stop at the per-user sticker price. Dig deeper and calculate how much each option will really cost to get it running the way your people need it.

Still not sure which option fits your team best? Let PixelConsulting’s certified CPQ experts walk you through your quote-to-cash process on a free strategy call.

Which One Plays Nicer with Salesforce (and the Rest of Your Stack)?

When you pick a configure-price-quote (CPQ) tool for your team, the way it hooks up to your other apps can make or break the project.

Salesforce CPQ is built right inside the Salesforce platform. Because it shares the same objects, records, and workflows, everything flows through one data stream. You skip extra connectors, wait for nightly syncs, and manage fewer moving parts. 

For teams that already spend their days in Salesforce, the system feels natural from day one. The downside is that deep lock-in can limit really wild customizations; anyone wanting big changes outside the standard boxes may hit a wall.

Conga CPQ sits on top of Salesforce rather than inside it. That means its own data model, objects, and triggers run side by side with the CRM. The separation gives you more control over complex quoting rules, advanced approvals, or unique pricing scenarios. 

On the other side, clean integration usually calls for more hands-on setup, testing, and documentation help from a developer who knows both worlds.

Which Tool Is Easier to Learn and Manage Long-Term?

Choosing a configure-price-quote tool isn’t just about its flashiest features; it’s also about how smoothly your team can run it every day. A system that dazzles on paper but bogs down your admins with upkeep can kill momentum fast. Let’s break down how easy each option is to use and what it really costs in maintenance time.

  • Conga CPQ offers deep control and almost endless tweaks. You can build twisted pricing logic, write advanced rules, and craft quotes for almost any sales situation. All that firepower, however, comes with a learning curve. Admins usually need serious hours-and sometimes outside coaching get comfortable. For that reason, Conga scales in organizations with veteran Salesforce admins or a dedicated ops team on hand.
  • Salesforce CPQ, on the other hand, is quicker to pick up if your team already lives in Salesforce. Basic quoting, approvals, and guided-selling flows pop into place with drag-and-drop ease. Yet as orders get bigger and quirks pile up, things can get unwieldy fast. Stuff like custom bundles, special discount grids, or fresh automation still can be added, but usually demands a certified consultant.

One user summed it up perfectly on Reddit: Salesforce CPQ isn’t perfect, it’s complicated, some parts feel old, and it's overkill if you only need simple quotes or work with tons of small deals.

Yet for tricky configurations, product bundles, and deeply customised items, nothing else comes close. Cheaper tools often require costly upgrades later, and handle subscriptions well, but still can’t beat Salesforce CPQ's depth and flexibility in complex sales.

So, what’s the trade-off? Conga CPQ gives you greater power but demands more setup and fine-tuning. Salesforce CPQ offers a friendlier launch, yet hits its limits sooner when your business grows.  

What are Real Users Saying about Salesforce CPQ?

Marketing websites always show the bright side, but chats with admins and sales reps reveal a mess of real-life ups and downs. Below is what everyday users say about Salesforce CPQ wins and the headaches.

What Users Love about Salesforce CPQ

“The CPQ needs to pull data from databases to calculate prices… we use Salesforce CPQ and are decently happy with it.” –  Reddit user

What Frustrates Admins About Salesforce CPQ

“It works well for simple deals, but once you start customizing, it feels like you’re constantly fighting the system.” – Reddit user

Salesforce CPQ can make quoting much smoother, but you won't be up and running overnight. Getting it set up takes patience, tweaking the rules usually needs a pro, and plenty of companies call in outside help to keep things moving. Reading what real users say about their wins and bumps along the way can show you if the tool is a good match or just another project that eats time.

What are the Strengths and Weaknesses of Salesforce CPQ vs Conga CPQ?

If you are trying to pick between Conga CPQ vs Salesforce CPQ, this quick side-by-side look shares the main facts-speed, cost, and future flexibility-that most buyers care about.

Criteria Conga CPQ Salesforce CPQ
Speed Optimized for large, complex quotes (Turbo Pricing) Fast and reliable for simple to moderate quotes.
Complexity Powerful but requires more admin/developer involvement to configure deeply. Easier for Salesforce users, but becomes complex with advanced use cases.
Pricing Typically, lower license costs, but may require extra implementation effort. Higher licensing and consulting costs, especially for custom needs.
Flexibility Strong configuration rules, contract lifecycle, and billing features. Seamless if you're fully on Salesforce, but less flexible outside that scope.
Support Mixed feedback on support, documentation can lag. Strong ecosystem, but support is often routed through partners.

What Should You Know Before Implementing a CPQ Tool?

Rolling out a CPQ system isn’t just about buying software; it’s about getting your sales engine ready to spin faster and smarter. If you skip key steps, though, you end up with delays, frustrated reps, and a rollout that feels rockier than refreshing. Here’s what the smartest teams do before implementation:

Prepping Your Data

Messy product catalogues or outdated pricing rules can jam the new system fast. Tidy up SKUs, sync your pricing logic, and map product relationships the right way before day one. 

Planning Your Quote Templates

Think beyond the software. What should a finished quote look like? Line up sales, legal, and finance on format, terms, and approval paths early in the journey. 

Training Your Teams

Even the best tool flops without real user buy-in. Run walkthroughs, make quick cheat sheets, and show everyone how CPQ cuts busy work and small errors from their day.

Why the Right CPQ Partner Matters?

CPQ tools such as Conga or Salesforce are impressive, yet they won't work well right out of the box. Setting up rules, product bundles, discount plans, and approval steps still needs solid CPQ know-how linked tightly with your CRM. 

That's where PixelConsulting steps in. Our certified CPQ professionals work with you to speed up the setup, steer clear of common traps, and build workflows that fit your day-to-day. From design to go-live, so, you can guide teams in many fields, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Final Insights

So, which configure-price-quote tool will help you close business faster? In a fast-moving sales environment, today’s CPQ application has moved from the back office to the front line, acting as a primary deal accelerator. Pick the right one and you cut cycle times, minimize errors, and embed your revenue strategy in every quote.

Here’s a quick recap:

  • Conga CPQ suits large enterprises with dense quoting requirements- think manufacturing, telecom, or any sector that bundles offerings, manages contracts over time, and applies intricate pricing logic at scale.
  • Salesforce CPQ hits the mark for organizations already planted in the Salesforce cloud who want quick deployment and a native guided-selling experience.

Why does the choice matter? The platform you select ultimately determines how fast reps create quotes, how confidently they negotiate terms, and how cleanly a deal travels from proposal to cash. In short, the right CPQ is not merely a technical upgrade; it is a deliberate investment in growth itself.

Let’s Build Your Salesforce Sales Engine Right!

Is your team fighting to make Salesforce CPQ fit the way you sell? When the tool isn’t tuned right, many groups lose time to delays, mix-ups, and low adoption.

PixelConsulting certified CPQ professionals map and build quoting steps that speed sales and polish deals without hassle.

Ready for a smarter CPQ setup? Schedule your free strategy session now and let us turn your Salesforce into the sales engine you always wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Conga CPQ vs  Salesforce CPQ?

Conga CPQ scales when products are complicated, pricing rules multiply, or businesses want extra quote-to-cash tools like billing and contract management. On the other hand, Salesforce CPQ is friendly and present right inside the Salesforce app, and suits teams eager to set up fast using guided-selling screens.

What is Conga in Salesforce?

Conga plugs into Salesforce as an add-on tool, making life easier by automating quotes, pricing, contracts, and document creation. Many organizations lean on it when they crave deeper customization than the standard Salesforce CPQ can deliver.

Which is more expensive: Conga CPQ or Salesforce CPQ?

Salesforce CPQ usually starts with a steeper license price and often demands extra consulting hours to fine-tune. Conga CPQ may look less costly at the start, yet it can require developer help later, depending on how intricate the setup becomes. In the end, the real cost varies by company size, specific use cases, and must-have features.

Can Conga CPQ work with Salesforce?

Definitely. Conga CPQ lives inside Salesforce, using separate objects and settings, so set-up and admin work can take a bit longer than with Salesforce's own CPQ.  

Which CPQ tool scales with complicated pricing? 

Conga usually edges ahead when pricing gets tricky- think volume tiers, stacked discounts, or product bundles. On the other hand, Salesforce CPQ can handle it all, but Conga's deeper options often suit big companies best.


Read Also: Salesforce Implementation Timeline

Author Insights:
Fatima
Hi! I’m an SEO Content Writer and Brand Copywriter who turns complex ideas into engaging and easy-to-understand content. Lately, I’ve been simplifying Salesforce, helping businesses navigate their CRM systems with confidence. My goal? To make tech and marketing feel simple, clear, and impactful.
August 4, 2025

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