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15 best customer support systems for small business

Introduction

In today’s competitive business landscape, providing exceptional customer support is crucial for the success of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). A well-implemented customer support system can not only enhance customer satisfaction but also boost overall business growth. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the role of customer support systems in SMB success and provide an in-depth review of the top 15 customer support systems available in the market.

The role of customer support systems in SMB success

Customer Support Systems in SMB Success

SMBs often face unique challenges when it comes to providing top-notch customer service. Limited resources, tight budgets, and a need to scale operations quickly can make it difficult to deliver personalized and efficient support. This is where customer support systems come into play.

Customer support systems, also known as helpdesk software or ticketing systems, are designed to streamline customer inquiries, manage support tickets, and provide a centralized platform for customer communication. By implementing the right customer support system, SMBs can improve response times, track customer interactions, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction.

These systems offer transformational potential for SMBs by providing a structured approach to customer support. With features like ticket management, knowledge base, live chat, and integration with other business systems, customer support systems can help SMBs deliver prompt and effective support, leading to increased customer loyalty and business success.

Key selection criteria for customer support systems

When choosing a customer support system for your SMB, it’s important to consider several key criteria to ensure the system aligns with your business needs and goals.

1. Integration with existing systems

Efficient integration with your existing systems, such as CRM, e-commerce platforms, and communication tools, is crucial for seamless workflow management. Look for customer support systems that offer easy integration options and robust APIs to ensure a smooth data exchange between systems.

2. Scalability and customization

As your business grows, so will your customer support needs. It’s essential to select a customer support system that can scale with your business and accommodate increasing ticket volumes. Additionally, customization options, such as branding and ticket workflows, allow you to tailor the system to your specific requirements.

3. Affordability

Budgeting is often a major consideration for SMBs. Look for customer support systems that offer flexible pricing plans, with options for both monthly subscriptions and annual contracts. It’s important to evaluate the features included in each pricing tier to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

4. User-friendly interface

A user-friendly interface is crucial for effective system adoption and ease of use. Look for customer support systems that offer intuitive interfaces, customizable dashboards, and easy navigation to ensure your support team can quickly adapt to the system and provide efficient support.

5. Multi-channel support

In today’s digital age, customers expect support across various channels, including email, phone, live chat, and social media. Choose a customer support system that offers multi-channel support to effectively manage customer inquiries from different platforms and provide seamless omni-channel support.

A comprehensive review of the top 15 customer support systems

Now let’s dive into a detailed review of the top 15 customer support systems available for SMBs. We will explore each system’s key features, pricing, pros and cons, and provide insights to help you make an informed decision.

1. Zendesk

Introduction

Zendesk is a popular customer support system that offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline customer support operations. It provides a centralized platform for managing support tickets, automating workflows, and tracking customer interactions.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows
  • Knowledge base for self-service customer support
  • Live chat and messaging for real-time customer communication
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and e-commerce platforms

Pricing

Zendesk offers a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs, starting at $5 per agent per month for the Essential plan. The pricing increases with additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • robust ticket management system with customizable workflows
  • Extensive integration options with third-party tools
  • Powerful reporting and analytics capabilities

Cons

  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors
  • Steeper learning curve for complex configurations

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2. Freshdesk

Introduction

Freshdesk is a customer support system known for its user-friendly interface and feature-rich functionality. It offers a range of tools to manage customer inquiries, automate support workflows, and provide self-service options.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Multi-channel support includes email, phone, live chat, and social media.
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and project management platforms

Pricing

Freshdesk offers a variety of pricing plans, starting at $15 per agent per month for the Blossom plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • robust ticket management system with automation capabilities
  • Comprehensive multi-channel support options

Cons

  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.
  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows

Get a free quote

Discover how Freshdesk can streamline your support. Get your tailored quote now and start enhancing your customer interactions!

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3. Intercom

Introduction

Intercom is a customer messaging platform that offers a unique approach to customer support. It combines live chat, email automation, and other communication tools to provide personalized and targeted customer interactions.

Key features

  • Live chat and messaging for real-time customer communication
  • Automated email campaigns for proactive customer support
  • Help center for self-service support articles
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and marketing automation platforms

Pricing

Intercom offers a range of pricing plans, starting at $59 per month for the Essential plan. The pricing increases based on the number of active users and additional features.

Pros

  • Powerful live chat and messaging capabilities
  • Advanced automation and targeting features for personalized support
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • Higher pricing compared to traditional ticketing systems
  • Limited ticket management capabilities

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Elevate your customer communication with Intercom. Request your free quote now and join the future of customer messaging!

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4. Help Scout

Introduction

Help Scout is a customer support system designed to simplify support operations for SMBs. It offers a user-friendly interface, collaboration features, and automation capabilities to streamline customer interactions.

Key features

  • shared inbox for collaborative support management
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Automation workflows for efficient ticket management
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and e-commerce platforms

Pricing

Help Scout offers pricing plans starting at $20 per user per month for the Standard plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface with collaborative features
  • Powerful automation capabilities for efficient ticket management
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • Limited customization options for branding
  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.

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5. Zoho Desk

Introduction

Zoho Desk is a customer support system that offers a range of tools to help SMBs deliver exceptional support experiences. It provides ticket management, self-service options, and automation features to streamline support operations.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Multi-channel support includes email, phone, live chat, and social media.
  • Integration with other Zoho products and popular business tools

Pricing

Zoho Desk offers pricing plans starting at $12 per user per month for the Standard plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • Integration with other Zoho products for seamless workflow management
  • multi-channel support options for customer inquiries
  • robust ticket management system with automation capabilities

Cons

  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows
  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.

Get a free quote

Get the Zoho advantage in customer support. Request your personalized quote today and start your journey towards better customer service!

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6. LiveAgent

Introduction

LiveAgent is a customer support system that offers a range of features to help SMBs deliver efficient and personalized support. It provides a combination of ticket management, live chat, and automation capabilities to streamline customer interactions.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Live chat and messaging for real-time customer communication
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and e-commerce platforms

Pricing

LiveAgent offers pricing plans starting at $15 per agent per month for the ticket plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • powerful combination of ticket management and live chat capabilities
  • intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows
  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.

Get a free quote

Transform your customer support with LiveAgent. Get your free quote now and experience the power of efficient service!

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7. Freshservice

Introduction

Freshservice is a customer support system specifically designed for IT service management. It offers a range of tools to streamline support operations, automate workflows, and provide self-service options.

Key features

  • ITIL-aligned ticket management system
  • Asset management for efficient tracking and management of IT assets
  • self-service portal for knowledge base and user support
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and project management platforms

Pricing

Freshservice offers pricing plans starting at $19 per agent per month for the Blossom plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • ITIL-aligned ticket management system for IT service management
  • Robust asset management capabilities
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • A focus on IT service management may not suit all SMBs.
  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.

Get a free quote

Specialized in IT service management? Freshservice is your solution. Get a quote today and streamline your IT support!

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8. Kayako

Introduction

Kayako is a customer support system that offers a combination of ticket management, live chat, and customer engagement tools. It aims to provide a unified platform for managing customer interactions and delivering personalized support.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Live chat and messaging for real-time customer communication
  • Customer engagement tools like surveys and feedback management
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and e-commerce platforms

Pricing

Kayako offers pricing plans starting from $15 per user per month for the Inbox plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • combination of ticket management and live chat capabilities
  • Customer engagement tools for feedback and surveys
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows
  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors

Get a free quote

Unify your customer support with Kayako. Request a free quote now and take the first step towards integrated customer service excellence!

Learn more about Kayako

9. Groove

Introduction

Groove is a customer support system designed to streamline support operations for SMBs. It offers a combination of ticket management, knowledge base, and collaboration tools to enhance customer satisfaction.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Collaboration tools for team communication and internal notes
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and project management platforms

Pricing

Groove offers pricing plans starting at $12 per user per month for the Starter plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface with collaboration features
  • robust ticket management system with automation capabilities
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows
  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.

Get a free quote

Make customer support your strength with Groove. Get a tailored quote today and start delivering exceptional service!

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10. Desk.com

Introduction

Desk.com is a customer support system powered by Salesforce, designed to provide efficient support for SMBs. It offers a range of tools to manage customer inquiries, automate workflows, and provide self-service options.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Multi-channel support includes email, phone, live chat, and social media.
  • Integration with Salesforce and other popular business tools

Pricing

Desk.com offers pricing plans starting at $20 per user per month for the Pro plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • Integration with Salesforce for seamless data exchange
  • Comprehensive multi-channel support options
  • robust ticket management system with automation capabilities

Cons

  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows
  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.

Get a free quote

Leverage the power of Salesforce with Desk.com. Request your quote now and revolutionize your customer support!

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11. HappyFox

Introduction

HappyFox is a customer support system that offers a range of features to streamline support operations for SMBs. It provides ticket management, self-service options, and automation capabilities to enhance customer satisfaction.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Multi-channel support includes email, phone, live chat, and social media.
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and project management platforms

Pricing

HappyFox offers pricing plans starting at $29 per agent per month for the Mighty plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • robust ticket management system with automation capabilities
  • multi-channel support options for customer inquiries
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors
  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows

Get a free quote

Join the HappyFox family for smarter support. Get your free quote today and experience the difference in customer service!

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12. TeamSupport

Introduction

TeamSupport is a customer support system designed for B2B companies, focusing on collaboration and customer-centric support. It offers a range of tools to manage customer interactions, track support tickets, and provide self-service options.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Collaboration tools for team communication and internal notes
  • Customer database for comprehensive customer profiles and histories
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and project management platforms

Pricing

TeamSupport offers pricing plans starting at $50 per user per month for the Support Desk plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • Collaboration features for efficient team communication
  • robust ticket management system with automation capabilities
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors
  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows

Get a free quote

Designed for B2B; perfected for your team. Get a TeamSupport quote now and elevate your customer relationships!

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13. Re:amaze

Introduction

Re:amaze is a customer support system that offers a range of features to streamline support operations for SMBs. It provides a unified platform for managing customer conversations, tracking support tickets, and providing self-service options.

Key features

  • A unified inbox for managing customer conversations from multiple channels
  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and e-commerce platforms

Pricing

Re:amaze offers pricing plans starting at $20 per user per month for the Basic plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • A unified inbox for efficient management of customer conversations
  • robust ticket management system with automation capabilities
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows
  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.

Get a free quote

Reimagine your customer support with Re:amaze. Request your quote today and start your journey towards better customer engagement!

Learn more about Re:amaze

14. Deskero

Introduction

Deskero is a customer support system that offers a range of features to streamline support operations for SMBs. It provides ticket management, live chat, and knowledge base capabilities to enhance customer satisfaction.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Live chat and messaging for real-time customer communication
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and e-commerce platforms

Pricing

Deskero offers pricing plans starting at $8 per user per month for the Basic plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • combination of ticket management and live chat capabilities
  • user-friendly interface with intuitive features
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons:

  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows
  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.

Get a free quote

Deskero: Where support meets simplicity. Get your personalized quote now and streamline your customer interactions!

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15. Jitbit

Introduction

Jitbit is a customer support system that offers a range of features to streamline support operations for SMBs. It provides ticket management, live chat, and knowledge base capabilities to enhance customer satisfaction.

Key features

  • Ticket management system with customizable workflows and SLA management
  • Live chat and messaging for real-time customer communication
  • Knowledge base for self-service support articles
  • Integration with popular business tools like CRM and e-commerce platforms

Pricing

Jitbit offers pricing plans starting at $29 per month for the Helpdesk plan. Higher pricing tiers include additional features and functionality.

Pros

  • combination of ticket management and live chat capabilities
  • user-friendly interface with intuitive features
  • Integration with popular business tools

Cons

  • Limited customization options for branding and workflows
  • Advanced features are only available at higher pricing tiers.

Get a free quote

Experience the Jitbit difference in customer support. Click below for your free quote and start transforming your customer service today!

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Conclusion

Choosing the right customer support system for your SMB is crucial for enhancing customer satisfaction and driving business success. By evaluating key selection criteria, such as integration capabilities, scalability, affordability, user-friendliness, and multi-channel support, you can find a system that aligns with your business needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we have provided an in-depth review of the top 15 customer support systems available on the market. Each system offers unique features and functionality, allowing you to select the one that best suits your specific requirements.

Remember, implementing a robust customer support system not only helps you deliver exceptional support but also enables you to build strong customer relationships, foster loyalty, and drive business growth. Leverage these solutions to enhance your customer service operations and achieve long-term success in your SMB.

Bharath
Bharath
I’m Bharath, a skilled Microsoft 365 and Azure expert, helping small businesses make the most of Microsoft tools. As a Microsoft certified engineer, I have experience migrating organizations to Microsoft solutions and offer guidance on cloud-based solutions to optimize business operations.
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