Product

Complex Products – what do we mean by this?

November 26, 2024

Complex products

We often talk about complex products, but what does that actually mean? The term "complexity" can mean something different to everyone. To fully understand it, we first need to look at what we at Sell it Easy do for businesses.

What does sell it easy do for businesses?

We provide CPQ solutions. CPQ stands for Configure, Price, Quote. It ensures that prices, which are normally not immediately available, are calculated on the spot. CPQ is particularly suitable for businesses dealing with custom products and services, where prices vary depending on the customer's specifications.

This is where the concept of complexity comes into play.

Custom manufacturing businesses face the challenge of configuring products, calculating prices, and creating quotes over and over again during the sales process. Doing this manually is often time-consuming and error-prone. It’s also hard to scale as your business grows. That’s where CPQ steps in: making the process scalable, error-free, and efficient.

Why do companies think their processes are too complex?

Many custom manufacturing companies believe that their sales processes are simply too complex to automate. "Our process is too complicated," is something we hear often. But time and time again, we see that this is a misconception. When we sit down together to map out the process, it turns out that even the most intricate sales workflows can be streamlined.

It’s not about how complicated the product is but about how you structure and apply the logic and knowledge behind your offerings. And this is exactly what CPQ solutions enable.

What are examples of complex products and services?

To give you a clearer picture of what we mean by complex products, here are some industries where CPQ is commonly used:

  • Machine Building – Configurable machines with countless options and customizations.
  • Construction – Projects with unique specifications based on location and materials.
  • Solar Panels & Charging Stations – Tailored installations with technical requirements and subsidies.
  • Carpentry & Metalworking – Unique designs and processing based on customer needs.
  • Transport & Logistics – Solutions varying by size, weight, and destinations.
  • Packaging – Custom packaging tailored to product dimensions and transport requirements.

These are just a few examples. The possibilities are endless. It boils down to companies that deliver custom solutions and repeatedly adjust their offerings to meet customer needs.

Why is CPQ a gamechanger for complex products?

With CPQ, what once seemed impossible becomes achievable. It gives businesses the ability to:

  • Guarantee error-free configurations: Transform customer requests into feasible solutions.
  • Calculate prices in real-time: No more uncertainty around costs.
  • Generate quotes and documents instantly: Professional, consistent, and always in the right branding.
  • Scale efficiently: Sell more without needing additional staff.
With CPQ, complexity becomes a competitive advantage.

Conclusion

Complexity isn't a barrier. In fact, it’s often the reason businesses turn to CPQ solutions. At Sell it Easy, we help companies make complex products and processes simple so they can sell faster, better, and with more joy.

Curious if your process can be simplified?

Let’s sit down together.

We’d love to help you turn complexity into opportunity.

Marc De Mey
CPQ EXPERT
Marc De Mey is an expert in the field of CPQ software, specifically Merkato, and the founder of Sell It Easy. He helps businesses increase revenue and reduce costs by implementing CPQ software, and is a passionate advocate for its use.

With years of experience, Marc has helped businesses of all sizes streamline their sales processes, improve profitability, and achieve growth targets. He regularly publishes articles and blog posts on the benefits of CPQ software and its implementation, and is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.