After testing multiple solutions, we chose Salesforce.com for our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) needs. We chose them because:

• their software is extremely well written, highly customizable, and well supported,
• the software is extensible; we can write our own complementary programming and integrate it with existing systems,
• this is the CRM tool used by companies like: Motorola, U.S. Department of the Treasury, Time Warner, Kaiser Permanente, and Symantec,
• the company supports us and implements our requests in a timely manner,
• the software is completely administered and utilized online; we can access it anywhere and support the growing “software as a service” (saas) industry,
• and as a registered development partner we have the ability to create our own custom add-on software.

From both a CRM user standpoint AND from a fellow web-based company perspective, Salesforce.com is the best tool we found. (It’s affordable too!) We’ve trusted them with our daily business operations since 2007 and couldn’t be happier to recommend them to others. (Just ask our President Rachel Pastirik to tell you all the ways this system helps Netdrafter function. She gets real excited about this topic!) Check out the free 30 day trial and the hundreds of applications (“Apps” like quote/invoice generators, marketing campaign metrics, integration with other systems (Constant Contact email marketing and CardScan for example) and so much more) that further extend Salesforce’s abilities.

Free Trial and More Salesforce.com Info

Here’s how it works:

1. EarthClass Mail sets up a special PO box address where our customers and vendors send us mail. Our special address is: PO Box 96503 #83685 Washington, DC 20090. (Street addresses throughout the US and Europe are also available, as well as prestigious addresses in Manhattan, LA, Hollywood, etc.)
   
   
2. Our mail is collected at that location and sent to EarthClass’ secure mail processing facility, where the front of each mail piece is digitally scanned.
   
   
3. We get an email notification that mail has been received and we choose what to do with each mail piece. Choices are: open and scan, shred, recycle, archive for later, or forward to another address. We manage each piece right from the notification email or from the EarthClass Mail web site.

How we use it:

1. For Vendor Invoices: we have their security-cleared team open the envelope and scan the contents for us to download in .pdf format.
   
   
2. For Incoming Checks: we have them forwarded to a local address and then take them to the bank. (EarthClass Mail will soon be offering a check scanning and deposit service. We can’t wait!)
   
   
3. For Junk Mail: goes straight to the recycling bin or shredder.
   
   
4. For Packages and Catalogs: these items should be sent to a traditional address, although we occasionally get a catalog that we forward on.

This service is perfect for us because we store everything digitally and not having to scan important mail saves us time. Having a permanent EarthClass Mail address means if we move our office location, we don’t have to change our address with customers and vendors. Our address follows us forever. This is the perfect “eco-friendly” solution for other digital businesses, frequent travelers, concierge and virtual office-type businesses, military and State Department families, college students, and people just sick of sorting through junk mail.

Give it a try; there’s a 30 day free trial and we wouldn’t steer you wrong.