Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) systems are powerful tools typically used in sales to streamline the process of configuring complex products, pricing them accurately, and generating quotes. While CPQ is often integrated with CRM and ERP systems, it can also be used effectively as a standalone solution. Here are seven unique ways to utilize CPQ on its own:

E-commerce Customization Engine:

Application: CPQ can power an e-commerce in business by allowing customers to configure and customize products in real-time. This is particularly useful for businesses selling customizable products, such as furniture, computers, or personalized products.
Benefit: Enhances the customer experience by providing a visual and interactive configuration process, leading to higher engagement and increased sales.

Dealer Partner Portal:

Application: CPQ can be used to create a self-service portal for channel partners and resellers. This enables partners to configure products, access up-to-date pricing, and generate quotes independently.
Benefit: Reduces the dependency on the internal sales team, speeds up the sales process, and ensures consistent pricing and product information across all channels.

Subscription and Service Management:

Application: CPQ can manage subscription-based products or services, allowing businesses to configure different subscription plans, calculate pricing based on usage or tiered models, and generate quotes or invoices.
Benefit: Simplifies the management of recurring revenue models and ensures accurate billing and quoting for complex service offerings.

Product Options Rollouts & New Additions:

Application: In industries with rapidly changing product configurations (e.g., technology or automotive), CPQ can be used to manage and update product configurations and pricing throughout the product lifecycle. 
Benefit: Ensures that sales teams and customers always have access to the latest product options and pricing, reducing errors and improving market responsiveness.
By leveraging CPQ in these ways, businesses can enhance their sales processes, improve customer satisfaction, and optimize their overall operations.

Internal Sales Enablement Tool:

Application: Sales teams can use a standalone CPQ system to streamline their workflow by quickly configuring products, calculating prices based on complex discount structures, and generating professional quotes.
Benefit: Improves efficiency and accuracy in the sales process, allowing sales representatives to focus more on customer interactions and closing deals.

Spare Parts Selling:

Application: Businesses can use CPQ standalone to access a quality catalog of all their available spare parts and price them for ordering. 

Benefit: Enables dealers and sales reps to easily quote and sell spare parts. Customers and representatives can receive on the spot feedback on part availability. 

Visualizations:

Application: CPQ enables manufacturers to show 2D, 3D visual models, and augmented reality versions of their products configured to their customers’ requirements. 

Benefit: Captures interest for highly visual products and builds product trust. Seeing is believing and believing is buying. Allowing the customer to see their future product increases the chance that they will make a purchase.