Choosing business software as an local SME
Most SME software evaluations focus on features and price, and are undone by implementation fees, per-entity charges, renewal increases and adoption failure. This guide provides a structured framework covering the questions that actually determine whether a purchase works.
Ask for the renewal price in writing before you sign the first year. The answer tells you most of what you need to know.
Overview
Most SME software evaluations focus on features and price, and are undone by implementation fees, per-entity charges, renewal increases and adoption failure. This guide provides a structured framework covering the questions that actually determine whether a purchase works.
You'll learn how to
Uncover the fees that do not appear in the quoted price
Test statutory depth for payroll, GST and multi-entity accounting
Assess adoption risk before signing rather than after
Negotiate exit terms and data portability up front
Key takeaways
- 1
Setup fees and per-tax registration charges often exceed the licence cost.
- 2
Renewal increases of 10-30% are common and rarely disclosed.
- 3
Free data export on exit is a reasonable thing to require.
Ask for the renewal price in writing before you sign the first year. The answer tells you most of what you need to know.