June 13, 2025
If you’re running a distribution company in the U.S., choosing the right CRM for distribution companies isn’t just a software decision, it’s a growth decision. Get it right, and you’ll have clear visibility across sales, customer relationships, field reps, and orders. Get it wrong, and you’ll be babysitting a bloated tool that your team avoids like an empty vending machine.
Most CRM lists miss the nuance. They throw out the same 10 names, ranked by who bought the most ad space, without any respect for the reality of a distribution business.
Let’s fix that.
This guide is built for real-world use. We’re not just comparing CRMs, we’re matching them to the stage your distribution business is in, so you don’t end up overpaying for features you’ll never use (or underinvesting in the tools you’ll regret skipping six months from now).
You’re:
Why it fits:
SimplyDepo is the CRM made specifically for distributors. It’s not an off-the-shelf SaaS CRM that you’ll need to “customize” for months. It understands the realities of field sales, digital catalogs, inventory, mobile orders, and DSD (direct store delivery) because that’s what it was built for.
What it handles well:
What it avoids:
Best for: Small to mid-size distributors scaling fast
Pricing: Clear, modular, startup-friendly
Website: SimplyDepo
You’re:
Why it fits:
Zoho CRM is a solid, low-cost platform that you can configure to fit a variety of workflows. While it’s not purpose-built for distribution, it’s flexible enough to create order modules, customer tiers, and contact tracking without breaking the bank.
What it handles well:
Where it falls short:
Best for: Mid-size distributors willing to invest in process setup
Pricing: $14–$40 per user/month
Website: Zoho CRM
You’re:
Why it fits:
Salesforce is the global leader in CRM, and for good reason. It’s endlessly customizable and enterprise-ready. That said, it’s not plug-and-play for distribution. You’ll need developers or consultants to get it tailored for your specific sales, inventory, and customer workflows.
What it handles well:
Where it becomes painful:
Best for: Enterprise distributors with mature operations
Pricing: Starts affordable, scales up quickly with customization
Website: Salesforce
You’re:
Why it fits:
Pepperi serves CPG distributors with a need for high-volume orders, mobile reps, and retail execution. It combines field sales tools with catalog management, delivery tracking, and some inventory functions.
What it handles well:
Where it can feel heavy:
Best for: Mid-large CPG or beverage distributors
Pricing: Tiered, typically custom-quoted
Website: Pepperi
You’re:
Why it fits:
HubSpot’s free CRM is a great starter tool for organizing your customers, logging activity, and getting your sales team on the same page. It’s not designed for distribution, but it works for basic customer and deal tracking.
What it handles well:
Where it’s not enough:
Best for: Very early-stage teams needing a first system
Pricing: Free to start; upgrades add features
Website: HubSpot CRM
Too many distribution companies fall into one of two traps:
Don’t pick software that sounds good in a demo. Pick one that actually fits your sales motion, your inventory model, and your stage of growth. That’s how you scale without drowning your ops team or alienating your sales reps.
And if you’re looking for a system that was built for distributors, not “adapted” for them, SimplyDepo should be at the top of your list.
You can schedule a demo, see exactly how it works, and skip the over-engineered, overpriced options that don’t speak your language.
Visit SimplyDepo and bring your questions, not your IT department.
Choosing the right CRM is a growth decision for your distribution company. It gives you clear visibility across sales, customer relationships, field reps, and orders. Picking the wrong one can lead to a bloated system your team avoids, hindering your operational efficiency.
SimplyDepo is purpose-built for distributors, meaning it understands the unique needs of field sales, digital catalogues, mobile orders, and direct store delivery. You won't need months of customisation, making it ideal for getting off the ground quickly.
Yes, you can, but it requires more effort. Zoho CRM is flexible enough to configure for distribution workflows, while Salesforce is highly customisable for enterprise needs. However, neither is purpose-built for distribution, so you'll need to invest in setup or development to adapt them.
You should consider a CRM with route optimisation, like Pepperi, if your company handles direct store delivery, manages recurring retail orders, or employs route sales and merchandising reps. These tools combine sales, ordering, and logistics for efficient field operations.
HubSpot CRM offers a free tier that's excellent for very early-stage teams. It helps you organise customer contacts, log activities, and track basic sales pipelines. While it lacks distribution-specific features like inventory or field sales tools, it's a great starting point for centralising your customer data.
