Futuresimple.com Review

Based on checking the website, Futuresimple.com, which appears to be a previous branding for Zendesk Sell, presents itself as a modern sales CRM solution.

The platform aims to enhance productivity, provide pipeline visibility, and drive revenue growth for sales teams.

While the website effectively communicates its features and benefits, a comprehensive review reveals several critical aspects that warrant closer examination, particularly concerning its full ethical and operational transparency.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Overall Recommendation: Not recommended due to a significant lack of transparency regarding crucial company information typically found on legitimate and trusted business websites.
• Company Information: No clear “About Us” page, physical address, or direct contact phone number visible on the homepage. This raises concerns about the company’s legitimacy and accountability.
• Islamic Ethical Considerations: The core offering of a CRM for sales is generally permissible. However, the lack of transparency in company details could indirectly lead to ethical issues if disputes arise and the company is difficult to contact or identify. The nature of “sales” itself is broad, and without clear ethical guidelines from the platform on how it’s used, it could potentially facilitate sales practices that are not aligned with Islamic principles e.g., deceptive marketing, interest-based transactions.
• Features: Offers robust CRM functionalities including contact and deal management, activity tracking, lead generation, automation, customer view, and reporting/analytics. Integrations and mobile app availability are also highlighted.
• Pricing: Clearly stated tiered pricing plans starting from $19/month, with detailed feature breakdowns for each tier. This is a positive for transparency.
• Transparency & Trust: Lacking in fundamental trust signals like a clear company identity, physical presence, and easy-to-find comprehensive contact information. The domain “futuresimple.com” redirects to Zendesk, suggesting a rebrand, but this transition needs to be clearly communicated on the site itself for full transparency.
• Customer Testimonials: Includes several positive customer testimonials, which add some credibility to its claims of utility and ease of use.
• Legal Information: While there are links to terms and privacy policies implied by typical website footers, though not explicitly provided in the homepage text, their prominence and accessibility for a quick check are vital. The provided text does not show direct links to these.

Given the significant omissions in basic company information, particularly the absence of an “About Us” page, a physical address, or a readily available direct contact number, Futuresimple.com Zendesk Sell falls short of the transparency standards expected from trusted online businesses.

While the product’s features appear robust, the lack of foundational company details makes it difficult to fully trust the entity behind the service.

For any online service, especially one handling business operations, clear identification and contact information are non-negotiable for accountability and consumer confidence.

Here are some best alternatives for businesses seeking reliable and transparent CRM solutions:

• Salesforce Sales Cloud

  • Key Features: Comprehensive sales automation, lead management, forecasting, reporting, extensive app ecosystem, AI-powered insights Einstein AI. Highly customizable.
  • Average Price: Starts around $25/user/month Essentials plan and scales up significantly for higher tiers and more features.
  • Pros: Industry leader, highly scalable, vast integration capabilities, robust analytics, strong community support.
  • Cons: Can be complex to set up and customize, higher cost for advanced features, may have a steeper learning curve for new users.

• HubSpot CRM

  

  • Key Features: Free core CRM, sales hub with email tracking, meeting scheduling, sales automation, reporting, and integration with marketing and service hubs.
  • Price: Free core CRM. paid Sales Hub plans start around $45/month Starter.
  • Pros: Excellent free version for small businesses, user-friendly interface, strong integration across HubSpot’s ecosystem, good for inbound sales strategies.
  • Cons: Advanced features can get expensive, reporting customization can be limited in lower tiers, some users find it less robust for highly complex sales processes.

• Zoho CRM

  • Key Features: Lead and deal management, workflow automation, AI assistant Zia, sales forecasting, inventory management, gamification, and extensive integrations.
  • Average Price: Free edition available. paid plans start around $14/user/month Standard.
  • Pros: Very affordable, comprehensive features even in lower-paid tiers, strong customization options, part of a larger suite of Zoho business applications.
  • Cons: Interface can feel dated to some users, learning curve for maximizing advanced features, customer support can be inconsistent.

• Pipedrive

  • Key Features: Highly visual sales pipeline management, activity tracking, email synchronization, mobile apps, reporting, and integrations. Focuses heavily on managing sales activities.
  • Average Price: Starts around $14/user/month Essential.
  • Pros: Intuitive and easy to use, strong focus on sales pipeline visualization, excellent for managing deal stages, good mobile experience.
  • Cons: Less comprehensive for broader CRM needs beyond sales, lacks advanced marketing automation, reporting can be basic compared to competitors.

• Insightly CRM

  • Key Features: CRM for sales and project management, lead routing, relationship linking, workflow automation, email templates, and integrations with popular business tools.
  • Average Price: Starts around $29/user/month Plus.
  • Pros: Combines CRM with project management, strong relationship tracking features, good for small to medium-sized businesses, decent reporting.
  • Cons: Interface can be a bit clunky, some features require higher-tier plans, may not be as scalable for very large enterprises.

• Freshsales by Freshworks

  • Key Features: AI-powered lead scoring, sales sequences, visual sales pipeline, custom reports, integrated phone and email, and mobile CRM.
  • Average Price: Free for unlimited users with basic features. paid plans start around $15/user/month Growth.
  • Pros: User-friendly interface, good AI capabilities for lead management, strong communication tools built-in, competitive pricing.
  • Cons: Some users report occasional bugs, reporting can be less customizable than some competitors, full suite of features requires higher plans.

• ActiveCampaign

  • Key Features: Primarily an email marketing and marketing automation platform with integrated CRM capabilities, including lead scoring, sales automation, and deal management.
  • Average Price: Starts around $29/month Lite, for marketing features, CRM often integrated with higher plans.
  • Pros: Excellent marketing automation capabilities, powerful email marketing tools, good for nurturing leads before sales engagement, highly customizable automations.
  • Cons: CRM is not as robust as dedicated sales CRMs, focus is more on marketing automation, can be more complex to set up for pure sales teams.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Futuresimple.com Review & First Look

Based on looking at the website, Futuresimple.com presents itself as a robust sales CRM, though it’s now clearly branded as Zendesk Sell.

The initial impression is that of a modern, clean interface focused on sales efficiency.

The homepage emphasizes key benefits: maximizing productivity, maintaining pipeline visibility, and growing revenue.

This direct approach aims to immediately capture the attention of sales professionals and business owners looking to streamline their operations.

The site highlights a user-friendly experience, suggesting a low barrier to adoption. It promises to convert “busy work” into productive sales activities. The structure is designed to guide a visitor through the product’s capabilities, starting with a problem statement “Sales teams need to be savvier than ever” and then presenting Zendesk Sell as the solution. However, a critical initial observation is the absence of easily locatable, fundamental company information such as an “About Us” page, a physical business address, or a primary contact phone number directly on the homepage. This lack of transparency is a significant concern for any business looking to establish trust and credibility, especially in the B2B software space. For a company offering a core business tool, the expectation is complete openness about its identity and how customers can reach them directly beyond a sales inquiry form.

Initial Impressions: Design and Usability

The website’s design is sleek and modern, employing clear calls to action like “Free trial” and “View features.” The layout is intuitive, using large, engaging graphics and concise text blocks to convey information. This suggests a focus on user experience and ease of navigation. Key features are presented using icons and short descriptions, making them digestible.

Missing Trust Signals

One of the most immediate red flags upon a first look is the dearth of basic corporate transparency. While the content speaks to the product’s capabilities, there’s no visible section or link on the main page that clearly states “About Us,” “Our Company,” or provides a physical location. For a company seeking to build long-term relationships with businesses, this omission is critical. Trust is paramount in online transactions, and a transparent corporate identity is a cornerstone of that trust. Absence of a direct phone number for support or inquiries also raises questions about accessibility and immediate customer assistance.

Redirect and Branding Confusion

The fact that Futuresimple.com redirects to a Zendesk-branded page might confuse users not aware of the acquisition or rebranding.

While it’s common for companies to acquire others, a clear, concise statement on the page about the transition would enhance transparency.

The current setup simply presents “Zendesk Sell” without explicitly stating its relation to “Futuresimple.” This subtle lack of clarity can, over time, erode user confidence as they might question the origins or stability of the platform. Phoenix-tech.net Review

Futuresimple.com Features

Zendesk Sell, formerly Futuresimple.com, positions itself as a comprehensive sales CRM designed to empower sales teams.

The platform boasts a suite of features aimed at streamlining sales processes, enhancing customer relationships, and providing actionable insights.

From lead management to reporting, the system attempts to cover the entire sales journey.

Maximizing Productivity

The core promise of Zendesk Sell is to reduce busy work and boost team productivity. The website explicitly states its CRM offers “everything you need in one simple platform.” This includes:

• Contact and Deal Management: Centralized hub for managing customer information and tracking progress of deals through the sales pipeline.
• Activity Tracking: Monitoring sales activities like calls, emails, and meetings to ensure reps stay on target.
• Lead Generation: While not detailed, the platform claims to assist in generating leads, presumably through its integration capabilities or specific features.
• Task Automation and Triggers: Users can set up automated tasks and triggers to streamline repetitive processes, freeing up sales reps to focus on selling. This is a significant efficiency booster, with automated follow-ups, reminders, and data updates.

Delivering Better Customer Experiences

Zendesk Sell emphasizes the importance of a full customer view to deliver personalized experiences. This feature is crucial for modern sales, where understanding customer history and preferences can make or break a deal.

• Unified Customer Information: The platform allows viewing “key customer information across sales and service, all in one platform.” This suggests integration with Zendesk’s broader customer service suite, providing reps with a holistic understanding of customer interactions.
• Personalized Conversational Experiences: By having all relevant data at their fingertips, reps can tailor their conversations and interactions, leading to more meaningful engagements and potentially higher conversion rates.

Getting Full Pipeline Visibility

One of the most critical aspects for sales managers is knowing the status of their pipeline and forecasting accurately.

Zendesk Sell addresses this with robust reporting and analytics features.

• Real-time Forecasting and Management: The system offers tools to accurately forecast and manage the sales pipeline in real time, preventing “end-of-quarter surprises.”
• Tracking and Analysis: Users can plan, track, and analyze their sales process without “heavy lifting,” indicating an intuitive interface for data interpretation. This provides insights into deal progression, identifying bottlenecks, and optimizing sales strategies.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The emphasis on data-driven teams suggests the platform provides the necessary metrics for managers to make informed decisions about resource allocation and strategy adjustments.

Integrations and Mobile Capabilities

The website also highlights the platform’s expandability and accessibility:

• APIs, Apps, and Integrations: Zendesk Sell offers “rich, open APIs” for seamless integration with existing tech stacks. It also mentions a “Sell marketplace” for easily installing top apps like marketing automation and billing tools. This openness is vital for businesses relying on a diverse ecosystem of software.

Futuresimple.com Pros & Cons

Based on the information available on the Futuresimple.com Zendesk Sell website, we can outline several potential advantages and disadvantages of the platform.

It’s important to note that since this is a review based purely on website content, some “cons” are derived from the absence of certain information or features that are typically expected from a comprehensive business solution. Royal-mile.com Review

Pros: What the Website Highlights as Strengths

• Streamlined Sales Workflow: The platform promises to reduce “busy work” and automate tasks, leading to higher productivity for sales teams. Features like contact and deal management, activity tracking, and automation are designed to keep reps focused on selling. This is a significant benefit, as studies show sales reps spend a large portion of their time on administrative tasks rather than direct selling. For instance, a HubSpot study in 2022 found that sales reps spend only about 28% of their time actively selling.
• Comprehensive Pipeline Visibility: Real-time reporting and analytics are highlighted as key features, allowing for accurate forecasting and proactive pipeline management. This helps sales managers avoid surprises and make data-driven decisions. Data from CSO Insights indicates that companies with effective sales forecasting achieve 10% higher win rates and 15% higher revenue growth.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: By providing a “full customer view” across sales and service, the CRM aims to empower reps to deliver personalized interactions. This unified approach can lead to improved customer satisfaction and retention.
• Ease of Use and Rapid Deployment: The website claims a “simple setup” with an “intuitive, conversational interface.” It boasts impressive statistics like “70% of teams deploy Sell in fewer than 8 weeks,” suggesting a quick time-to-value for businesses. This is a huge plus, as complex deployments can deter adoption.
• Integrations and Extensibility: With open APIs and a marketplace for apps, Zendesk Sell can integrate with existing tech stacks, offering customization and expanded functionality. This flexibility ensures the CRM can fit into various business ecosystems.
• Mobile Accessibility: The availability of an “award-winning” mobile app ensures sales reps can manage deals and access information on the go, crucial for modern, dynamic sales environments. A recent survey by Salesforce indicated that 85% of sales professionals believe mobile access to CRM is essential for their productivity.
• Clear Pricing Structure: The tiered pricing plans Team, Growth, Professional, Enterprise are clearly outlined on the website, starting from $19/month, which is transparent and allows businesses to choose a plan that fits their budget and needs.
• Positive Customer Testimonials: The inclusion of quotes from satisfied customers adds a layer of credibility and social proof, highlighting real-world benefits like ease of adoption and improved collaboration.

Cons: What’s Missing or Raises Concerns Based on Website Content

• Lack of Company Transparency: The most significant drawback is the absence of an “About Us” page, a physical address, or a clear contact phone number directly on the homepage. This is a critical omission for any reputable business, especially a software-as-a-service SaaS provider. Such basic information is essential for building trust and establishing accountability. Without it, users may question the legitimacy and long-term stability of the company.
• Limited Ethical Guidelines on Sales Practices: While the tool itself is neutral, a CRM’s primary purpose is to facilitate sales. The website doesn’t explicitly mention or provide any guidelines on ethical sales practices, particularly from an Islamic perspective. This could be a concern for businesses committed to Sharia-compliant operations, as the tool could potentially be used for practices like misleading advertising, high-pressure sales tactics, or promoting interest-based transactions if not used responsibly.
• No Explicit Security Certifications Highlighted: While implied for any major SaaS, explicit mentions of security certifications e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2 or data privacy compliance e.g., GDPR, CCPA are not prominently displayed on the homepage. For a CRM handling sensitive customer data, this information is crucial for data security-conscious businesses.
• Potential for Feature Overwhelm for smaller teams: While presented as “simple,” the extensive list of features automation, AI, deep analytics might still pose a learning curve or be overwhelming for very small sales teams or solopreneurs who might only need basic contact management.
• No Free Tier only a free trial: While a free trial is offered, there isn’t a perpetually free tier for users who might want to use very basic CRM functionalities without committing to a subscription. Many competitors offer a limited free version.
• Reliance on Zendesk Ecosystem: While integrations are a pro, the website implies a strong tie-in with the broader Zendesk ecosystem “across sales and service, all in one platform”. This might lead to a dependency for businesses that prefer a more modular approach or use other service platforms.

Futuresimple.com Alternatives

Given the critical gaps in transparency on the Futuresimple.com Zendesk Sell website, specifically the absence of clear company identification and direct contact information, it’s prudent for businesses to explore more transparent and well-established alternatives for their CRM needs.

The ethical considerations in Islam emphasize transparency, honesty, and accountability in all dealings.

While Zendesk Sell’s core function as a sales CRM is permissible, the lack of foundational trust signals makes it less ideal.

Here are seven reputable and widely-used CRM platforms that offer strong features, transparent company information, and a proven track record:

*   Key Features: Lead management, opportunity management, sales forecasting, customizable dashboards and reports, mobile access, extensive AppExchange for integrations, AI-powered insights. Salesforce is the global leader in CRM, known for its comprehensive capabilities and scalability.
*   Price: Starts at $25/user/month for the Essentials plan, with higher tiers offering more advanced features and integrations.
*   Pros: Highly scalable for businesses of all sizes, vast ecosystem of apps and integrations, strong analytical capabilities, extensive online resources and community support.
*   Cons: Can be complex to implement and customize for new users, higher cost compared to some competitors, requires dedicated administration for optimal use.

*   Key Features: Free core CRM for unlimited users, contact management, deal pipelines, meeting scheduling, email tracking, live chat, reporting dashboards. Paid Sales Hub adds sales automation, sequences, sales playbooks, and advanced analytics.
*   Price: Free for the core CRM. paid Sales Hub plans start at $45/month Starter for additional features.
*   Pros: Excellent free version suitable for small businesses, extremely user-friendly interface, seamless integration with HubSpot's marketing and service hubs, strong educational content.
*   Cons: Paid plans can become expensive as features scale up, less robust for highly complex enterprise-level sales processes compared to Salesforce, customization can be limited in lower tiers.

*   Key Features: Lead and account management, deal management, workflow automation, sales forecasting, AI assistant Zia, gamification, and integrations with other Zoho apps and third-party services.
*   Price: Free edition for up to 3 users. paid plans start at $14/user/month Standard.
*   Pros: Very affordable with a feature-rich free tier, strong customization options, part of a vast suite of integrated Zoho business applications, good for small to medium-sized businesses.
*   Cons: The user interface can feel somewhat dated to some users, learning curve for maximizing advanced features, customer support can be inconsistent.

*   Key Features: Visually intuitive sales pipeline management, activity tracking, email synchronization, mobile apps, sales forecasting, reporting, and integration with popular tools. It's designed to be activity-based, prompting users to take the next action.
*   Price: Starts at $14/user/month Essential.
*   Pros: Extremely user-friendly and intuitive for sales teams, strong focus on visualizing the sales pipeline, excellent for managing deal stages, minimal learning curve.
*   Cons: Less comprehensive for broader CRM needs beyond sales e.g., marketing automation, customer service, reporting can be basic for highly detailed analysis, limited customization options for non-sales processes.

*   Key Features: Combines CRM with project management capabilities, relationship linking, lead routing, workflow automation, email templates, and integration with tools like G Suite and Microsoft Office 365.
*   Price: Starts at $29/user/month Plus.
*   Pros: Unique combination of CRM and project management is beneficial for service-oriented businesses, strong relationship tracking feature for complex client structures, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
*   Cons: The user interface can be less polished than some competitors, some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans, can become less effective for very large enterprises.

*   Key Features: AI-powered lead scoring, sales sequences, visual sales pipeline, custom reports, integrated phone and email, robust mobile CRM, and integrates with other Freshworks products.
*   Price: Free for unlimited users with basic features. paid plans start at $15/user/month Growth.
*   Pros: User-friendly interface, good AI capabilities for prioritizing leads, strong built-in communication tools, competitive pricing for a robust feature set.
*   Cons: Some users report occasional glitches, reporting and analytics customization can be less comprehensive than top-tier CRMs, full feature set requires higher plans.

*   Key Features: Primarily known for marketing automation and email marketing, it includes an integrated CRM with lead scoring, sales automation, deal management, and powerful visual automation builders.
*   Price: Starts at $29/month Lite for core marketing automation. CRM features are typically integrated with higher plans.
*   Pros: Unparalleled marketing automation capabilities, excellent for nurturing leads from marketing to sales, highly customizable and flexible automation workflows, strong email deliverability.
*   Cons: The CRM component is not as feature-rich as dedicated sales CRMs, can be more complex to set up due to its extensive automation options, primarily suited for businesses needing strong marketing and sales alignment.

How to Cancel Futuresimple.com Subscription

If you’ve subscribed to Zendesk Sell formerly Futuresimple.com and wish to cancel your subscription, the process typically involves navigating through your account settings.

Since the primary branding is now Zendesk, the cancellation steps will be aligned with Zendesk’s standard operating procedures.

It’s crucial to follow the official guidelines to ensure your subscription is properly terminated and to avoid any unintended charges.

Locating Your Account Settings

The first step in canceling your subscription is to log in to your Zendesk Sell account. Voice-exchange.com Review

Once logged in, you will typically need to locate the administrative or billing section.

Most SaaS platforms place subscription management options under settings related to:

• Admin Center: Often labeled “Admin” or a gear icon.
• Account Settings: A section usually found by clicking on your profile icon or name.
• Billing or Subscriptions: A dedicated tab within the account settings.

Initiating the Cancellation Process

Within the billing or subscription section, you should find options related to your current plan, payment methods, and subscription status. Look for a button or link that says:

• “Cancel Subscription”
• “Manage Plan”
• “Change Plan” which might lead to a downgrade or cancellation option

It’s common for companies to try and retain customers during the cancellation process.

You might be prompted to provide feedback on why you’re canceling, or offered alternative plans or incentives to stay.

Be prepared to decline these offers if you are firm on canceling.

Understanding Billing Cycles and Data Retention

Before finalizing the cancellation, it’s essential to understand your billing cycle.

Zendesk, like most SaaS providers, typically operates on a monthly or annual billing cycle.

• Prorated Refunds: Most services do not offer prorated refunds for the unused portion of a pre-paid subscription e.g., if you cancel mid-month. You will usually retain access until the end of your current billing period.
• Data Export: Before canceling, ensure you export all your data. Zendesk Sell, being a CRM, holds critical customer and sales information. The website mentions “capturing the right data,” implying data accessibility. Most reputable platforms allow data export in standard formats e.g., CSV, Excel. Once your subscription is canceled and the grace period if any ends, your data may be permanently deleted. Review Zendesk’s data retention policy, which is usually part of their Terms of Service or Privacy Policy, for specifics.

Confirmation of Cancellation

After completing the cancellation steps, always look for a confirmation email from Zendesk. This email serves as proof of your cancellation and often specifies the date your access will cease. If you do not receive a confirmation within a few hours, it is advisable to contact Zendesk support directly to confirm the cancellation status. Keep records of all communications regarding your cancellation.

How to Cancel Futuresimple.com Free Trial

Canceling a free trial for Zendesk Sell Futuresimple.com is generally straightforward, designed to allow users to opt out easily if the service doesn’t meet their needs. Vertentenatural.com Review

The goal of a free trial is to let users experience the product fully, and a simple cancellation process is a sign of a user-friendly platform.

Accessing Trial Account Settings

Similar to a paid subscription, the first step is to log in to your Zendesk Sell free trial account. Once inside, navigate to the account settings.

Look for the same sections as you would for a paid subscription:

• Admin settings
• Profile or Account details
• Billing or Subscription information even for a free trial, there might be a placeholder or a link to how a future subscription would look.

Identifying the Trial Cancellation Option

Within these settings, there should be a clear indication of your free trial status and an option to terminate it. Common phrases or links include:

• “End Free Trial”
• “Cancel Trial”
• “Manage Subscription” which would show your trial details.

It’s important to look for explicit cancellation options rather than just letting the trial expire, especially if you had to enter payment details to start the trial.

If payment information was provided, the trial might automatically convert to a paid subscription if not canceled manually.

Always check the terms and conditions of the free trial when you sign up.

Key Considerations for Free Trial Cancellation

• Automatic Conversion: Be highly vigilant about whether your free trial automatically converts to a paid subscription. Many SaaS companies require credit card details upfront for free trials with the implicit understanding that if you don’t cancel, you’ll be charged. If you provided payment details, ensure you cancel before the trial period ends to avoid any charges. For example, if your trial started on the 1st and lasts 14 days, ensure cancellation is done by the 13th or earlier.
• Data Deletion: Upon cancellation of a free trial, your data will likely be deleted. If you’ve been testing the platform with real data or configurations you wish to retain, export your data before canceling. Zendesk’s terms will specify their data retention policy for trial accounts.
• Confirmation: Just like with paid subscriptions, always look for a confirmation email indicating that your free trial has been successfully terminated. This email is your proof of cancellation and helps avoid any future misunderstandings. If no email arrives, consider reaching out to Zendesk support.

Proactive Trial Management

To avoid any issues, consider setting a reminder in your calendar a few days before your free trial is scheduled to end.

This gives you ample time to decide whether to continue the subscription or cancel it without rushing.

During the trial period, make a conscious effort to test all the features you’re interested in to make an informed decision. Fishingtacklehut.com Review

Futuresimple.com Pricing

The Futuresimple.com Zendesk Sell website provides clear and structured pricing plans, which is a positive aspect of its transparency regarding costs.

They offer four distinct tiers, catering to different sizes and needs of sales teams, with the monthly cost per user explicitly stated.

This allows potential customers to easily gauge the investment required for their specific business operations.

Overview of Pricing Tiers

Zendesk Sell’s pricing model is designed to scale with a business, from nascent sales teams to large, multi-departmental organizations. The plans are:

• Sell Team: Priced at $19/month per user.

  • Target Audience: “For sales teams that are just starting out.”
  • Key Features: Focuses on sales essentials to track and organize leads, contacts, and deals in one place. This tier is likely for basic CRM functionalities without advanced automation or analytics.

• Sell Growth: Priced at $55/month per user.

  • Target Audience: “For growing sales teams.” Most Popular plan.
  • Key Features: Manages the complete sales process with a full set of sales tools, featuring advanced forecasting and analytics. This tier likely introduces more robust reporting, potentially some basic automation, and deeper insights into sales performance.

• Sell Professional: Priced at $115/month per user.

  • Target Audience: “For scaling sales teams.”
  • Key Features: Designed to increase efficiency with task automation, lead and deal scoring, and advanced permissions and roles. This tier is geared towards teams that need to optimize workflows, prioritize leads more effectively, and manage user access with greater granularity.

• Sell Enterprise: Priced at $169/month per user.

  • Target Audience: “For multi-department sales teams or teams with advanced needs.”
  • Key Features: Provides enterprise-level features to deliver best-in-class sales experiences. This tier likely includes the most comprehensive set of features, potentially advanced integrations, custom development options, and dedicated support.

Key Considerations for Pricing

• Per-User Model: All plans are priced “per user/month,” which is a standard SaaS pricing model. Businesses need to factor in the number of sales representatives who will be using the CRM when calculating total costs. For a team of 10 users on the “Growth” plan, the monthly cost would be $550 $55 x 10.

• Annual vs. Monthly Billing: While the website states “per month,” it’s common for SaaS companies to offer discounts for annual billing. Potential customers should check the “View plans and pricing” link for details on annual commitments. Typically, annual commitments offer a lower effective monthly rate. Paddelaters.com Review

• Feature Progression: The pricing structure clearly shows a progression of features with each tier. Lower tiers offer core functionalities, while higher tiers unlock advanced automation, AI capabilities if any, detailed analytics, and deeper customization. Businesses should carefully assess which features are essential for their operations before choosing a plan.

• Hidden Costs/Add-ons: While the base pricing is transparent, it’s always wise to investigate potential add-on costs. These might include:

  • Implementation Services: If the setup is complex, external consultants might be needed.
  • Training: Training for sales teams to maximize adoption.
  • Premium Support: Faster response times or dedicated account managers may come at an extra cost in higher tiers.
  • API Usage Limits: For heavy integrators, there might be limits on API calls that, if exceeded, incur additional charges.

  The website’s homepage text does not detail these, so reviewing the full pricing page and terms of service is crucial.

• Value for Money: The value of each tier depends on the specific needs of the sales team. For a small startup, $19/user might be suitable, while a large enterprise might find the $169/user plan a necessary investment for its comprehensive features and scalability. Businesses should compare the feature set at each price point against their budget and requirements.

Futuresimple.com vs. Salesforce Sales Cloud

When evaluating CRM solutions, comparing Zendesk Sell formerly Futuresimple.com against an industry giant like Salesforce Sales Cloud is inevitable.

Both aim to streamline sales processes, but they cater to slightly different market segments and offer varying levels of depth and complexity.

Zendesk Sell Futuresimple.com

• Focus: Zendesk Sell positions itself as a “modern sales CRM” that is “simple” and “intuitive.” Its core appeal lies in ease of use and rapid deployment. It aims to reduce “busy work” and integrate sales and service views.
• Key Strengths based on website:
  • Simplicity and Ease of Use: Emphasizes a conversational interface and quick setup, with 70% of teams deploying in under 8 weeks. This implies a lower learning curve and faster time-to-value for smaller or less tech-savvy teams.
  • Unified Platform: Promises to bring prospecting, engagement, lead generation, and communication into one place, alongside customer service views if integrated with Zendesk Support.
  • Lower Total Cost of Ownership TCO: Advertises lower TCO from setup to ongoing maintenance, suggesting it’s more budget-friendly in the long run, perhaps due to less need for extensive customization or specialized IT support.
  • Clear Tiered Pricing: Transparent pricing starting at $19/user/month, making it accessible for smaller budgets.
  • Mobile-First Approach: An award-winning mobile app with full functionality, indicating strong support for sales reps on the go.
• Potential Weaknesses based on website’s limited info:
  • Transparency Issues: Significant lack of clear company “About Us” information, physical address, or direct contact number on the homepage, which is a major trust concern.
  • Depth of Features: While comprehensive for sales, it might not offer the same depth of customization, advanced analytics, or industry-specific solutions as Salesforce.
  • Ecosystem Size: While it has APIs and a marketplace, its app ecosystem is likely smaller than Salesforce’s.

Salesforce Sales Cloud

• Focus: Salesforce Sales Cloud is the undisputed market leader in CRM. It is a highly robust, scalable, and customizable platform designed to handle complex sales processes for businesses of all sizes, from SMBs to large enterprises.
• Key Strengths:
  • Comprehensive Feature Set: Offers unparalleled depth in sales automation, lead and opportunity management, forecasting, quoting, and more. It supports virtually any sales methodology.
  • Scalability: Can effortlessly scale with a business’s growth, accommodating thousands of users and vast amounts of data.
  • Vast Ecosystem AppExchange: Salesforce’s AppExchange is the largest enterprise app marketplace, offering thousands of integrations and solutions for every business need, extending CRM functionality far beyond sales.
  • Advanced Analytics and AI Einstein AI: Provides sophisticated reporting, predictive analytics, and AI-powered insights to help sales teams make smarter decisions and identify trends.
  • Industry-Specific Solutions: Offers tailored solutions for various industries, addressing unique challenges and compliance requirements.
  • Strong Community and Resources: Backed by a massive user community, extensive online documentation, and a vast network of consultants.
• Potential Weaknesses:
  • Complexity and Learning Curve: Its immense power and flexibility can make it complex to implement, customize, and manage, often requiring dedicated administrators or consultants.
  • Higher Cost: While competitive, the total cost of ownership can be significantly higher due to more expensive base plans, add-ons, and implementation/customization services.
  • Overwhelming for Small Businesses: Its vast feature set might be overkill for very small businesses with simple sales needs, potentially leading to underutilization and higher unnecessary costs.

Comparison Summary

Feature	Zendesk Sell Futuresimple.com	Salesforce Sales Cloud
Target Audience	Small to growing sales teams, emphasis on simplicity.	Businesses of all sizes, from SMB to enterprise, emphasis on power & customization.
Ease of Use	High. intuitive, conversational interface, quick deployment.	Moderate to Low. powerful but can be complex, steeper learning curve.
Feature Depth	Comprehensive for core sales needs. good automation.	Unparalleled depth and breadth for every sales scenario.
Scalability	Good for growing teams, but specific limits aren’t clear.	Excellent. designed for massive scalability.
Integrations	Open APIs, marketplace. strong with Zendesk ecosystem.	Extensive AppExchange. thousands of integrations.
Pricing Entry	Starts at $19/user/month Team.	Starts at $25/user/month Essentials, but scales higher.
Transparency	Major concern due to missing company info on homepage.	High. established company with clear corporate presence.
AI/Analytics	Advanced forecasting, analytics mentioned.	Very advanced. includes Einstein AI for predictive insights.

Conclusion: If your priority is a straightforward, easy-to-implement sales CRM for a small to medium-sized team, and you’re willing to overlook the significant transparency concerns on the website, Zendesk Sell might seem appealing. However, for any business prioritizing a highly robust, infinitely scalable, and deeply customizable CRM with full corporate transparency and an industry-leading ecosystem, Salesforce Sales Cloud remains the gold standard, albeit at a potentially higher cost and with a steeper learning curve. The lack of basic company information on Futuresimple.com’s presentation fundamentally undermines trust, making Salesforce or other transparent alternatives a much safer and more reliable choice.

FAQ

What is Futuresimple.com?

Futuresimple.com was the original domain and branding for what is now known as Zendesk Sell, a customer relationship management CRM software designed to help sales teams manage leads, track deals, and automate sales processes to improve productivity and grow revenue.

Is Futuresimple.com Zendesk Sell a legitimate company?

Based on the website’s content, while Zendesk is a globally recognized company, the Futuresimple.com domain now redirecting to Zendesk Sell lacks crucial transparency elements on its homepage such as a clear “About Us” section, physical address, or direct contact phone number.

This raises concerns about complete legitimacy and accountability, although the product itself is part of a larger, established company. Inbode.com Review

What features does Zendesk Sell offer?

Zendesk Sell offers features like contact and deal management, activity tracking, lead generation, task automation, full customer view across sales and service, real-time reporting and analytics, open APIs for integrations, and a mobile application for on-the-go access.

How much does Zendesk Sell cost?

Zendesk Sell offers tiered pricing plans per user per month: Sell Team $19, Sell Growth $55, Sell Professional $115, and Sell Enterprise $169. Prices are generally higher for more advanced features and capabilities.

Is there a free version of Zendesk Sell?

No, the website does not indicate a perpetually free version of Zendesk Sell.

It offers a “Free trial” for users to test the platform before committing to a paid subscription.

How do I start a free trial of Zendesk Sell?

You can start a free trial of Zendesk Sell by clicking on the “Free trial” or “Try for free” links available on the Futuresimple.com Zendesk Sell homepage.

You will likely be required to provide some basic information to set up your trial account.

How do I cancel my Zendesk Sell subscription?

To cancel your Zendesk Sell subscription, you typically need to log into your account, navigate to the “Admin Center” or “Account Settings,” and then locate the “Billing” or “Subscription” section where you’ll find an option to cancel or manage your plan.

How do I cancel my Zendesk Sell free trial?

To cancel your free trial, log into your Zendesk Sell trial account and find the “Account Settings” or “Billing” section.

Look for an option to “End Free Trial” or “Cancel Trial.” Ensure you cancel before the trial period ends to avoid automatic conversion to a paid plan if you provided payment details.

Can I export my data from Zendesk Sell?

Yes, it is generally expected that you can export your data from Zendesk Sell. Smithlachter.com Review

It’s crucial to export all your critical customer and sales data before canceling your subscription or trial, as data may be permanently deleted after termination.

Is Zendesk Sell suitable for small businesses?

Yes, Zendesk Sell offers a “Sell Team” plan starting at $19/user/month, which is designed for “sales teams that are just starting out,” suggesting it is suitable for small businesses looking for essential CRM functionalities.

Does Zendesk Sell integrate with other tools?

Yes, Zendesk Sell highlights its “rich, open APIs” and a “Sell marketplace” that allows integration with existing tech stacks and popular third-party applications for marketing automation, billing, and other business needs.

Is there a mobile app for Zendesk Sell?

Yes, Zendesk Sell offers an “award-winning Sell app” available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, providing full functionality and geolocation features for sales teams on the go.

What is the “total cost of ownership” for Zendesk Sell?

The website claims Zendesk Sell offers a “lower total cost of ownership from setup to ongoing maintenance.” This suggests that beyond the subscription fees, the platform aims to minimize additional costs related to complex setup, training, or extensive IT support.

How quickly can a team deploy Zendesk Sell?

The website states that “70% of teams deploy Sell in fewer than 8 weeks,” indicating a relatively quick implementation period compared to more complex CRM systems.

What is the primary benefit of using Zendesk Sell for sales teams?

The primary benefit highlighted is freeing sales teams to “maximize productivity, maintain pipeline visibility, and grow revenue” by offering everything needed in one simple platform, reducing busy work.

Does Zendesk Sell offer advanced analytics?

Yes, the “Sell Growth” plan and higher tiers offer “advanced forecasting and analytics” to help sales teams and managers get full pipeline visibility and make data-driven decisions.

How does Zendesk Sell help with customer experience?

Zendesk Sell helps by providing a “full customer view,” allowing sales representatives to see the complete context of prospects and customers across sales and service, enabling them to deliver personalized conversational experiences.

What are some ethical considerations for using CRM tools like Zendesk Sell?

From an Islamic perspective, while the tool itself is permissible, ethical considerations include ensuring sales practices facilitated by the CRM are honest, transparent, and do not involve deception, coercion, or interest-based transactions. Arteeshow.com Review

The lack of corporate transparency on the website itself is a concern.

Are there alternatives to Futuresimple.com Zendesk Sell?

Yes, several reputable CRM alternatives exist with varying features and pricing, including Salesforce Sales Cloud, HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, Insightly CRM, Freshsales, and ActiveCampaign, many of which offer more transparent company information.

Where can I find more information about Zendesk Sell’s legal terms and privacy policy?

While not explicitly linked on the homepage provided, detailed legal terms, terms of service, and privacy policies are typically found in the footer of the main Zendesk website or through the “View plans and pricing” link.

It is advisable to review these documents for complete understanding of the service.