Let’s say you want to build a custom home. You could hire a person to lay bricks for you, or you could hire a person to help you design the house, pick up the materials, plan the layout, and even stay with you as you expand later.
That big difference is exactly what the title “Salesforce Vendor vs Partner” is all about.
When organizations implement Salesforce, a robust CRM solution, they may need assistance. However, not all assistance is equal. While some companies may just implement or set up Salesforce, others become long-term trusted advisors. That’s what sets a Salesforce vendor apart from a Salesforce partner.
In this blog post, we will look at a differentiation in each of these areas, define it, and provide you with information on whether it impacts your business.
What is a Salesforce Vendor?
A Salesforce vendor is a company that sells or provides specific Salesforce products or services. They may be the ones who will assist in the setup, installation, or complete a one-task.
For instance, think of a vendor as someone you would hire to do a certain job, say the installation of wiring into your house. Once the work is complete, their job is done.
Here’s what a Salesforce vendor is usually involved with:
- Assists with basic Salesforce setup
. - Provides a fixed delivery or project
- Works on tasks you ask for
- Charges for specific deliverables
Vendors usually focus on completing the exact work you request. They might not analyze your goals and help you strategize as to how you can achieve those goals. Their time span might be bound by days, months, or projects.
What is a Salesforce Partner?
A Salesforce partner, on the other hand, is different and much more valuable in many cases.
A Salesforce partner is a certified organization to help businesses with a full range of Salesforce services, from planning and implementation to ongoing optimization and growth. This includes being a Salesforce implementation partner, a consulting partner, and a trusted services provider.
Salesforce partners don’t just deliver tasks; they work with you to solve real business problems.
Here’s typically what a Salesforce partner would provide:
- Strategic planning and business alignment
- Full Salesforce delivery model, from design to launch.
- Customization based on your own business needs
- End-to-end support and long-term engagement
- Help with Salesforce partner evaluation when you decide who to work with
In other words, a Salesforce partner is more like a trusted advisor. They do more than just set up Salesforce; they help to transform your business using Salesforce.
Salesforce Vendor vs Partner: Key Differences
Now, let’s examine where the major differences lie between vendors and partners:
1. Method of Work
- Vendor: Works on a task-by-task basis.
- Partner: Helps you plan, execute, and grow with Salesforce.
2. Long-term Support
- Vendor: Temporary involvement.
- Partner: Typically, long-term engagements designed to maximize the use of Salesforce as your business evolves.
3. Business Understanding
- Vendor: Follows the instructions of the customer
- Partner: Understands the business objectives, issues, and results.
4. Consulting and Strategy
- Vendor: Limited consulting.
- Partner: Highly skilled consulting resources – particularly if you engage a Salesforce consulting partner.
5. Value Creation
- Vendor: It accomplishes tasks
- Partner: It adds value to the business by maximizing the use of the Salesforce tool
Why Choosing the Right Help Matters?
Choosing between a vendor and a partner affects:
1. Salesforce Implementation Quality
A Salesforce partner brings a more structured delivery model, which results in a better implementation of the solution as per the business objectives.
2. Business Growth
A partner doesn’t simply implement Salesforce. They help you see value in it. They help with reporting, automation, integration, and growth planning.
3. Cost & ROI
While vendors might be cheaper upfront, partners are going to give you a better ROI in terms of helping your business use Salesforce more effectively.
How to Do Salesforce Partner Evaluation?
Before deciding whom to collaborate with, ask questions such as:
- Are they aware of my business?
- Have they used Salesforce in other industries like yours?
- Can they provide supportive services?
- Are they offering lifecycle services?
- Are they certified Salesforce partners with case studies?
If you want something more than delivery and want business value from Salesforce, then a partner is a better choice.
The Growth Natives Take: Your Trusted Salesforce Partner
As businesses grow, they need more than basic Salesforce support. They need a partner that understands strategy, technology, and business growth.
At Growth Natives, we help organizations design, implement, and optimize Salesforce solutions that support scalability and drive real business outcomes. Our focus is on building solutions that grow with your business.
Explore the full range of Salesforce services and capabilities.
Ready to grow your business with Salesforce? Feel free to write to us at info@growthnatives.com, and our team will get back to you.