Best Partner Relationship Management (PRM) Software

From recruitment, onboarding, training, managing deals and measuring performance, they’ve got features for each step. Integration with CRM? Check. Deal registration? Check. Customizable portals? You bet. Partner Payouts? Yep, to varying degrees.

The big win here is efficiency and scalability. Imagine managing hundreds of partners with just spreadsheets and emails. Nightmare, right?

These tools are like going from a paper map to GPS. They help you see the whole landscape, automate the mundane, and focus on building relationships and strategies that scale your channel sales.

Not just for the big leagues. Sure, mid-sized and enterprise-level companies love the depth these tools offer, but even small businesses with established partner programs can find serious value in them.

If you’ve got a partner program, or you’re looking to scale one, these tools are your best friends. Channel managers, partner managers, and marketing pros can all get in on the action.

It’s not plug-and-play, but it’s not building a rocket either.

Think of it as setting up a smart home system. There’s a bit of groundwork – mapping out processes, integrating systems, training your team.

But once it’s up, the automation and insights are worth the elbow grease.

Support from these providers is solid, but expect some heavy lifting in the beginning. It typically takes two to three months to get up and running.

It’s like comparing high-end sports cars – they all go fast, but it’s about finding the right fit.

PartnerStack shines with a platform and network focused on SaaS, making it a hit for software companies with multiple partner types. 

Kiflo is a new entrant for startups on a shoestring budget and little to no partner program in place today. 

Impartner excels with for the most complex, enterprise reseller programs.

Ah, the million-dollar question – sometimes, quite literally, but most often the five-figure question in this category.

Pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s more like getting a tailored suit; it depends on the fabric (features) and the tailor (provider).

Generally, think five figures annually for a decent setup.

PartnerStack and Kiflo might lean towards the more affordable side, especially for startups and mid-market companies. Impartner, with its enterprise focus, might ask for a bit more due to its extensive customization options.

Always a good idea to ask for a demo and a quote – and don’t forget to negotiate.

I have 4+ years of experience working in Demand Gen for PartnerStack. I’ve seen how over 500 business software companies run their partner programs, including affiliates, agencies, referrals, co-sellers, resellers, distributors, tech integrators — all the channel partners in the ecosystem, enabling a nearbound go-to-market motion.