Guide · 7 min read

How to choose a CRM: a 10-point checklist

Most CRM projects fail because the team doesn't use it, not because a feature was missing. This checklist keeps you focused on what matters.

Updated 12 October 2026 · By the SuperForge team

01The checklist

  1. Write down your daily workflow first. Where do leads come from, who follows up, and what happens after the sale?
  2. Count the people who'll use it and price the plan for them for two years, not just this month.
  3. Check the currency and payment methods. Paying in rupees by UPI avoids exchange-rate surprises.
  4. Make sure support is included if the same team handles sales and service.
  5. Look for GST invoicing if you bill Indian customers, so quotes and invoices come from the same records.
  6. Test the import. Bring in a real CSV of your contacts and see how duplicates are handled.
  7. Try the AI on your own data. Does it save time, and are its limits clear?
  8. Check security basics: sign-in options, roles and how data is isolated between customers.
  9. Check you can leave: can you export everything as CSV?
  10. Run a two-week trial with your real pipeline. If the team isn't using it by day 10, it's the wrong CRM.

02Common mistakes

  • Buying the biggest suite and using 10% of it.
  • Picking on price per seat without counting add-ons.
  • Skipping data clean-up before import.
  • Not naming one person responsible for the rollout.

03Next step

Compare options in our best CRM software in India guide, or try SuperForge free: up to 5 users, no card.

04Questions

What should I look for in a CRM?

Ease of use for your team, predictable pricing, easy data import and export, support and invoicing if you need them, useful AI and solid security.

How long should a CRM trial be?

Two weeks with your real pipeline is usually enough to see whether your team will use it.

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