Has your wholesale distribution business ever dealt with frustrating customer service from a large company? Long wait times, endless transfers, and support reps who don’t understand your needs can waste valuable time and money. Whether it’s your supplier, logistics partner, or ERP vendor, poor customer service can hurt your business operations.
When searching for a new ERP solution, you’ll likely hear about how the software itself improves customer experience—reducing manual entry errors like shipping mistakes. But it’s just as important to evaluate the ERP vendor’s customer service. Ask key questions:
Have they worked with businesses like yours and can provide references? How accessible is their tech support? Do they understand your industry and growth challenges? Addressing these concerns early can help you avoid costly headaches down the line.
For small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) wholesale distributors, choosing an SMB ERP vendor—one that operates at a similar scale—can offer a better partnership. Here’s why:
An SMB ERP Vendor Understands Growth Challenges
If your SMB is expanding, you need an ERP system that evolves with you. Choosing an SMB ERP vendor that is also growing ensures that the software is continuously updated to meet changing industry demands. A stagnant ERP system won’t support your long-term success.
What to Ask Potential ERP Vendors:
✔ What updates or new features have been released in the past year?
✔ How do they plan to improve the system in the future?
✔ Do they work with businesses of your size (1-150 employees)?
✔ Can they provide references from similar businesses?
✔ Do they incorporate customer feedback and suggestions, or have they developed custom features for one client and made them available to others?
A vendor that understands SMB growth challenges will also have insight into budget constraints. Unlike enterprise-level ERP providers, an SMB ERP vendor knows that software implementation is a major investment and will help you maximize your ROI.
Similar Business Processes = Better Support
Even if your products are unique, your business structure likely resembles that of your ERP vendor. A SMB ERP provider understands that SMBs have fewer resources per department and rely on automation to eliminate manual tasks.
This shared experience translates into a smoother ERP implementation. At Blue Link ERP, we prioritize working closely with customers to:
✔ Identify process improvements (inventory, accounting, order processing, invoicing, purchase orders)
✔ Customize solutions for your specific needs
✔ Help with data migration—so your team isn’t bogged down by manual work
When your ERP vendor understands your internal processes, they can provide realistic, effective recommendations that make the most of your new system.
Personalized, Accessible Tech Support
An SMB ERP provider with in-house support means you’ll speak with the same reps consistently. They will get to know you, your business, and your unique requirements—saving you from repeating information every time you call.
At Blue Link ERP, our tech support team knows our customers on a first-name basis and keeps a history of your specific challenges and needs. This means faster resolutions and better customer service tailored to your business.
“When we did our due diligence in searching for a new accounting system, we narrowed our search down to three different providers. Each offered, for the most part, the same type of software and features that my company needed. What set Blue Link apart from the other two was the level of engagement we received from our initial phone call. We immediately felt at home and had not just the right software, but the right partner to grow our business. That partnership remains even stronger today."
– Michael Ricks, President, Furniture Classics Limited
“When we did our due diligence in searching for a new accounting system, we narrowed our search down to three different providers. Each offered, for the most part, the same type of software and features that my company needed. What set Blue Link apart from the other two was the level of engagement we received from our initial phone call. We immediately felt at home and had not just the right software, but the right partner to grow our business. That partnership remains even stronger today."
One-on-One Employee Training for SMB Teams
ERP implementation success depends on employee adoption. When evaluating SMB ERP vendors, consider how they handle training. Are their trainers patient and adaptable to different learning speeds?
At Blue Link ERP, we provide comprehensive, on-site training to ensure employees feel comfortable using the system. We also address questions in real time, minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
Choosing the Right SMB ERP Vendor
Selecting an ERP system is about more than just features—it’s about finding a vendor that understands your business, offers personalized support, and helps drive efficiency. An SMB ERP provider is more likely to align with your company culture, offer hands-on assistance, and provide cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Want to learn more? Check out our Software Services page to see what you can expect when partnering with Blue Link ERP!
