After what can sometimes be months of research and evaluation, there will come a time where you are ready to request a demo of a much-needed ecommerce software solution.
Between coordinating meeting times, understanding various virtual meeting tools, and connecting with a total stranger to figure out how your business benefits from using a robust ecommerce platform—software demos can be a stressful process.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be this way. To help you out, we’re sharing everything you need to know to prepare for an ecommerce software demo.
What you can do to prepare for the demo.
You want to make sure you get the most out of your time with the sales rep. So you should make sure to narrow your potential ecommerce solutions down to between three and five companies. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself with choices, and you likely don’t have more than a couple of hours to spare during your work week to chat with salespeople.
Next, you will want to accurately communicate with each rep what your business’ pain points are, what you are looking for in an ecommerce solution, and what your goals are for the near and distant future. This information will help guide the sales rep as they build a demo that is tailored specifically to you.
The last thing you want to do to prepare for your demo is to review any available resources from the company’s website. The goal here is to make yourself as familiar as possible with their ecommerce solutions, how their platform works, and how they can support your business. These resources will help you come up with a list of questions to ask when you’re live with the sales rep.
What you will experience during the demo.
So the big day is finally here. You’re ready to join the conference call to get a personalized demo of the ecommerce platform you are interested in. Here’s a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your demo experience:
- Find a quiet spot for the call. Open office plans are great—until you need to make a phone call. Try to find a free conference room or quieter corner of the office so you can be free from distraction.
- Bring paper and a pen. There are plenty of of studies that showcase the benefits of handwriting over typing up notes. Make sure to bring the necessary supplies so you are ready to write notes and keep a running list of questions for the salesperson.
- Be prepared to talk. The best demos are more of a conversation rather than a lecture. You’ll get more out of the demo when you provide the salesperson with the information they need to provide the optimal experience that will help you make a decision about your ecommerce needs.
What will happen after the demo.
After your demo comes to a close, your salesperson will follow up with the appropriate action items. But your work doesn’t end here. After participating in the three to five demos you committed to, you need to evaluate what is the best solution for your business. Next, you will have to communicate your findings to all necessary stakeholders, and make sure you are prepared to make a final decision. Remember, you can reach out to the salesperson who walked you through the demo with any questions. They are there to help!
Now that you know what to expect during your next software demo, are you ready to get the most out of it by asking the right questions? Take a look at the 5 questions you should ask during your software demo.