Have them come to your site and demonstrate their software. Be ready to ask a lot of questions, and make sure that your stakeholders are present. Don't be shy about asking a vendor to return for a second presentation. Investing in software is a big decision, so take your time. If upgrading is necessary, it could add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your investment.
Training is available at additional cost at the vendor's or client's site.
Campbell sayes he tries to get his clients to move beyond cost concerns. I encourage them to evaluate software from a value and investment standpoint. I believe there is a correlation between the amount of money a development office invests in its software and the bottom-line results they achieve. Warren Campbell holds a master's degree in organizational development from The American University. He consults nationally with nonprofits on database systems, strategic planning, and staff searches.