Reference Check Form for SaaS

Choosing the right technology vendor is essential for successful digital transformation. When companies lack the necessary skills and staff, they turn to vendors for assistance. However, ensuring that a vendor delivers as promised requires careful selection. 

A thorough and systematic approach, including scorecards, online reviews, and personal intuition, is crucial. 

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References play a key role in this process, offering valuable insights beyond sales pitches. Asking the right questions can reveal both successes and challenges, aiding in better vendor selection and contract negotiations.

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Remember that a  reference check is not just about the tech; it is also an opportunity to validate the quality of the team and the people you will have supporting you from implementation to open enrollment.

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Here is a list of vendor reference check questions that covers critical aspects of vendor evaluation. 

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What questions should the referee answer?

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1. How are you using this vendor/technology?
2. How long are you using this technology?
3. Why did you select this provider over others?
4. Did the vendor stay within the approved timeline/budget?some text
   1. Did you get all of the functionality you expected from the initial project, or were unplanned follow-on projects proposed to complete work you thought was already included?
   2. If there was an increase in the budget due to a “scope change”, what prevented you from anticipating that change before contract execution?
5. What is your relationship like with the vendor? Do you consider them a partner in your success?
6. Describe the implementation process and team.
7. What tasks were you responsible for completing during implementation?
8. How do they cooperate with other vendors? For example, integration partners?
9. Do they maintain clear communications and engagement throughout project deadlines?
10. Would you select this provider again knowing what you know today?some text
    1. Were you happy with their performance during the project (design quality, communications, etc.)? Why or why not?
    2. Do you still work with the vendor today? Do you have alternative vendors that could do what they do for you?
11. How is the vendor’s post-implementation support and responsiveness?
12. Is the vendor’s solution scalable to meet future needs?
13. If you could do it all again, what would you do differently prior to executing the initial contract/SOW?
14. Is there anything else you can share that may help us make a decision?

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There are of course additional questions you should ask your referee that are specific to your product.

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What information should the referee provide?

When taking a reference here are some basic facts you should need about the reference provider to ensure you are receiving recommendations and input from credible sources.

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1. Referee’s name
2. Referee’s position title
3. Referee’s business name
4. Nature and length of engagement with the supplier subject to the check
5. Contact phone
6. Contact email
7. Date of referee check

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How Can Reference Vault help?

We are specialists who support sales teams to collect, store, and share references. Find out how we can support your company as well.