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ConnectWise Sell vs QuoteWerks: A Comparison

📝 Introduction: A Reseller’s Perspective

As a long-standing QuoteWerks Reseller and Solutions Partner, we at Hilltops IT have proudly supported businesses across the UK, Europe and Worldwide in streamlining their sales quoting processes. Over the years, we’ve seen first-hand how QuoteWerks empowers teams with flexibility, speed, and reliability.

However, in recent months, we’ve observed a noticeable trend: several of our larger QuoteWerks clients have transitioned to ConnectWise Sell. This shift has prompted us to take a closer look, not just to understand what might be drawing users away from a platform we know and trust, but also to explore how ConnectWise Sell compares in real-world use.

This article is the result of that exploration. It’s a fact-based, unbiased comparison of the two platforms, aimed at helping both our clients and ourselves make more informed decisions in a rapidly evolving quoting landscape. I have predominantly used CoPilot AI to generate this in order to ensure an unbiased comparison. Some of the output CoPilot generated I felt was not completely correct and could have been tweaked, but due to potentially introducing bias I have refrained from doing so.

🔍 Feature Comparison

Category	ConnectWise Sell	QuoteWerks
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐ (3.9/5) – Some users find the UI unintuitive	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) – Generally praised for simplicity
Functionality	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Strong quoting & integration features	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5) – Robust quoting with flexibility
Quote Design	Web-based editor, real-time preview	Template-based, customizable PDFs and online HTML Templates
Workflow Automation	Advanced – approvals, notifications	Similar with QuoteValet add-on
CRM Integration	Deep with ConnectWise Manage, Salesforce	Broad – Autotask, Salesforce, Zoho, etc.
Distributor Feeds	Yes – Ingram, TechData, D&H	Yes – Similar distributor integrations
Reporting & Analytics	Basic dashboards	Moderate – Some reporting, limited dashboards
Deployment Options	Cloud-based (SaaS), mobile-friendly	Desktop (Windows) with some cloud sync options and Web version

⌚ Implementation Time

Platform	Typical Timeframe	Notes
ConnectWise Sell	4–8 weeks	Requires integration with ConnectWise Manage, Automate, and distributor feeds. Setup complexity depends on existing infrastructure
QuoteWerks	1–3 weeks	Faster setup due to simpler architecture and fewer dependencies. Ideal for SMBs with standalone quoting needs

⏳ Key Factors Affecting Implementation Time

ConnectWise Sell:
- Integration with other ConnectWise tools can extend setup time.
- Custom workflows and approval processes may require training.
- Distributor feed setup (e.g., TechData, Ingram) adds complexity.
QuoteWerks:
- Easier to deploy for teams not using a full PSA suite.
- Desktop-based setup is quicker but may require manual configuration.
- CRM integration (e.g., Salesforce, Autotask) is generally straightforward.

📞 After-Sales Support Comparison

Support Category	ConnectWise Sell (CPQ)	QuoteWerks
Direct Vendor Support	⭐⭐⭐ (3.8/5) – Mixed reviews; some delays reported	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5) – Highly rated for responsiveness
Support Channels	Email, phone, live chat, ticketing, training	Email, phone, ticketing, knowledge base
Partner Network	Extensive – via ConnectWise partners and MSPs	Moderate – Authorized resellers and VARs
Community Support	Active forums, ConnectWise University, IT Nation	Active user forums, webinars, and training videos
Onboarding Assistance	Available but often requires partner involvement	Available directly or via resellers
Training Resources	ConnectWise University, webinars, documentation	Online training, documentation, and live sessions
Customer Satisfaction	⭐⭐⭐½ – Some users cite complexity and slow response	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ – Users praise clarity and helpfulness

🧭 Strategic Positioning

Here’s a strategic positioning of QuoteWerks, ConnectWise Sell, and SAP CPQ based on business type, company size, and quoting capabilities:

Platform	Ideal Business Type	Business Size	Quoting Features
QuoteWerks	SMBs, VARs, MSPs, IT resellers	Small to Mid-sized	Fast, template-based quoting, CRM integration, distributor feeds, PDF output
ConnectWise Sell	MSPs, IT service providers	Mid-sized to Large MSPs	Web-based CPQ, workflow automation, e-signatures, deep PSA/RMM integration
SAP CPQ	Enterprises, manufacturers, global sales teams	Large to Enterprise	Advanced CPQ, guided selling, pricing rules, multilingual/multicurrency support

🧩 Final Breakdown Summary

✅ QuoteWerks

Strengths: Quick to deploy, cost-effective, highly customizable templates, strong CRM and distributor integrations.
Limitations: Lacks advanced automation and enterprise-grade scalability.
Best Fit: SMBs and MSPs that need a reliable, standalone quoting tool without the overhead of a full PSA suite.

✅ ConnectWise Sell

Strengths: Seamless integration with ConnectWise Manage, Automate, and distributor feeds; approval workflows; Order Porter for e-signatures.
Limitations: Steeper learning curve, best suited for businesses already using ConnectWise.
Best Fit: Mid-sized MSPs and IT service providers looking for a quoting tool embedded in a broader IT management ecosystem.

🔭 CoPilot’s Final Thoughts

Choose ConnectWise Sell if you’re already embedded in the ConnectWise ecosystem and need a quoting tool that integrates tightly with your PSA, RMM, and distributor feeds.

Choose QuoteWerks if you want a more flexible, cost-effective solution with faster implementation and excellent direct support.

Both platforms are powerful, but the right choice depends on your business size, tech stack, and how much control you want over the quoting process.

🧠 My Conclusions

🔍 Integration Depth Is a Major Driver

ConnectWise Sell offers deep integration with the broader ConnectWise ecosystem (Manage, Automate, Control), which is highly attractive to MSPs looking for a unified platform.
Customers already using ConnectWise tools may see Sell as a natural extension, even if it means sacrificing some flexibility.

Takeaway: If clients are expanding into PSA or RMM tools, they may be prioritizing ecosystem alignment over quoting tool simplicity.

🏗️ Perceived Scalability and Automation

ConnectWise Sell is often seen as more scalable and automation-friendly, especially for growing MSPs with complex workflows.
QuoteWerks, while powerful, may be perceived as more manual or SMB-focused.

Takeaway: Position QuoteWerks as a scalable solution by highlighting advanced features, integrations, and real-world use cases from larger clients.

💬 Sales Approach Influences Perception

ConnectWise’s structured, assertive sales process may create a sense of enterprise-grade professionalism and urgency.
QuoteWerks’ consultative, flexible approach builds trust but may be perceived as less aggressive in demonstrating long-term ROI.

Takeaway: Consider blending our consultative style with more structured ROI messaging and competitive positioning.

⏱️ Implementation and Support Expectations

Some clients may be drawn to the partner-led onboarding and formal training offered by ConnectWise Sell, even if it’s more expensive or time-consuming.
QuoteWerks’ faster setup is a strength, but clients may undervalue it if they associate longer onboarding with higher value.

Takeaway: Emphasize the speed-to-value of QuoteWerks and offer optional structured onboarding packages to match expectations.

💡 Brand Perception and Market Momentum

ConnectWise has strong brand recognition in the MSP space, which can influence decision-makers even if the quoting tool itself isn’t superior.
QuoteWerks may be seen as a “legacy” tool unless actively positioned as modern, evolving, and competitive.

Takeaway: Reinforce QuoteWerks’ ongoing development, integrations, and relevance through case studies, webinars, and thought leadership.

✅ Strategic Analysis for Hilltops IT

Reframe QuoteWerks as a modern, scalable solution, not just for SMBs but for growing MSPs.
Offer hybrid onboarding: combine our consultative style with structured implementation plans.
Create competitive content: blog posts, webinars, and visuals that directly compare QuoteWerks and ConnectWise Sell – tick!
Leverage our strengths: personalized support, faster deployment, and flexibility, qualities that larger platforms often lack.

📖 Sources

Here are the main sources CoPilot used to compile the comparison between ConnectWise Sell (CPQ) and QuoteWerks:

FinancesOnline – Offers a detailed side-by-side comparison of ConnectWise CPQ and QuoteWerks, including features, pricing models, integrations, and supported platforms – https://comparisons.financesonline.com/connectwise-sell-vs-quotewerks
Software Advice – Provides user-generated reviews and ratings for both platforms, covering ease of use, customer support, value for money, and functionality – https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/connectwise-sell-profile/vs/quotewerks/
TrustRadius – Aggregates verified user reviews and ratings, highlighting pros, cons, and support experiences for both tools –
https://www.trustradius.com/compare-products/connectwise-cpq-vs-quotewerks