FREE DECISION TOOL · CONSULTING FIRMS
CRM Evaluation Scorecard
Compare CRM software against the work your team must perform every week: lead capture, follow-up, pipeline visibility, proposals, contracts, and client handoff.
This scorecard does not produce a fake “best CRM” score. It helps your team document what is native, integration-based, or not verified before you start a trial or buy a plan.
1. Set your decision context
2. Score each CRM
Use 3 = strong fit, 2 = conditional fit, 1 = weak fit, 0 = not verified/not suitable. Weight each requirement from 1–5. Your total is a discussion prompt, not a recommendation.
| Requirement | Weight | HubSpot CRM score | Close score | Evidence / source note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capture leads from our main source | ||||
| Assign owner and next follow-up | ||||
| Connect email or meetings to the opportunity | ||||
| Run proposal, quote, or contract workflow | ||||
| Hand off a won deal to delivery | ||||
| Cost is predictable at our team size |
3. Use a 7-day trial plan
- Import five active or test leads.
- Assign owners, follow-up dates, and next actions.
- Log a sample email, meeting, or call.
- Move one opportunity to proposal stage.
- Test the document, contract, or integration step you actually need.
- Hand a won opportunity to another team member.
- Review your evidence notes and unresolved risks before buying.
Use the 7-Day CRM Trial Checklist
Related guides: CRM for consulting firms · Close vs HubSpot · Moving off spreadsheets
Use the CRM Trial Decision Record to keep evidence, risks, and the final choice after your trial.
Compare free vs paid CRM options for solo consultants before choosing a workflow that fits your sales volume.