Decoded: How to Buy Software Well: The Digital Commerce Software Conundrum
Future Commerce · with Boris Lokschin · June 28, 2022 · 25 min
Summary
This episode cuts through the noise of enterprise software procurement, particularly in digital commerce. It challenges the common pitfall of "keeping up with the Joneses" when buying software and powerfully advocates for a problem-first, user-centric approach. Listeners will learn how to avoid costly mistakes by prioritizing practical evaluation over traditional, often ineffective, RFP processes.
Key takeaways
Involve end-users (marketers, developers, content managers) directly in the software buying process, as the buyer is rarely the user in B2B, leading to irrational decisions and poor adoption.
Instead of lengthy RFPs, focus on Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) or Proofs of Concept (POCs) to truly evaluate software capabilities and user experience. An MVP should realistically be implementable within 100 days.
Clearly define the specific business problem you are trying to solve (e.g., reduce costs, increase conversion) before looking at solutions. Avoid generic requirements copied from competitors or templates.
Aim for a "try before you buy" approach to ensure long-term compatibility and build sustainable processes with chosen software.
Recognize that 'scalability' is not a universal concept; understand the vendor's approach to scalability and whether it aligns with your specific needs, rather than assuming all enterprise software scales identically.
Keeping up with the Jonses isn’t just for your neighbors next door, it’s everywhere in eCommerce businesses. Companies buy software based on what they see others in their industry purchasing. Formal RFP processes create a lengthy and expensive buying process, so eCommerce companies are more open today than ever before to the idea of composable commerce. In Episode 5 of Decoded, Phillip & Boris discuss how to purchase digital software well and some key considerations in decision making. Listen Now!
What does this episode say about shopify & ecommerce platforms?
Involve end-users (marketers, developers, content managers) directly in the software buying process, as the buyer is rarely the user in B2B, leading to irrational decisions and poor adoption.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Instead of lengthy RFPs, focus on Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) or Proofs of Concept (POCs) to truly evaluate software capabilities and user experience. An MVP should realistically be implementable within 100 days.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Clearly define the specific business problem you are trying to solve (e.g., reduce costs, increase conversion) before looking at solutions. Avoid generic requirements copied from competitors or templates.
What does this episode say about shopify & ecommerce platforms?
Aim for a "try before you buy" approach to ensure long-term compatibility and build sustainable processes with chosen software.
What does this episode say about shopify & ecommerce platforms?
Recognize that 'scalability' is not a universal concept; understand the vendor's approach to scalability and whether it aligns with your specific needs, rather than assuming all enterprise software scales identically.
