For business owners who are comfortable with their current software stack, the thought of having to make a switch can be daunting. Unfortunately, for businesses using Zendesk Sell, this will become a necessity within the next two years.
On Sept. 9, Zendesk announced it would be retiring its customer relationship management (CRM) platform and that it would be partnering with another popular CRM software, Pipedrive. Today, we’re taking a closer look at what sets these two CRM systems apart.
Pipedrive is a go-to choice for intuitive sales-driven CRM. Zendesk, on the other hand, is known for its extensive omnichannel customer support tools. And with Zendesk Sell, you’re able to add a sales CRM that ties natively into the platform’s support ecosystem.
But every business is unique, and there are many CRM options out there built to meet those unique needs. For businesses that rely on QuickBooks and want full control over their workflows, Method CRM is built to deliver lasting value — and we’ll be pitting it head-to-head with Pipedrive and Zendesk Sell.
Here at Method CRM, we’ve been supporting QuickBooks-based businesses since 2010. Method is loved by business owners across a range of industries for its real-time, two-way QuickBooks sync; end-to-end sales automation; and no-code customization. In this Zendesk Sell vs. Pipedrive vs. Method comparison, we dive into how these options stack up in terms of features and functions, pricing, trade-offs, and best fit. 🧩
Table of Contents
- Latest news: Zendesk Sell retirement 🏌️
- What are Zendesk Sell, Pipedrive, and Method CRM? 🤔
- Pricing comparison: Which CRM offers the best value? 💰
- Total cost of ownership example
Latest news: Zendesk Sell retirement 🏌️
Before diving into our comparison, here are the latest details about the Zendesk Sell announcement:
- Zendesk Sell will be retired on August 31, 2027.
- Zendesk is refocusing on customer support and employee service.
- Zendesk is partnering with Pipedrive, which has a native integration with Zendesk, to help make the transition easier. Pipedrive has built migration tools to move over configurations/customizations where possible.
- Sell data (leads, contacts, deals, notes, tasks, smart lists, full account data, total sales report) can all be exported as CSV files. Note that some fields and history (like emails, call logs, and docs) may be missing from exports.
- If you don’t download and export your data before the deadline, it will be deleted permanently, per Zendesk’s policy.
If you’re using Zendesk Sell, you’ll need to select a new sales CRM or start migrating. That means you’ll have to export data, learn a new system, and set up pipelines and workflows all over again. Pipedrive is Zendesk’s suggested alternative, but it won’t match Sell feature-for-feature. Some setups may be lost, and this switch may cause friction for sales reps, reporting, and pipeline tracking.
With Zendesk Sell retiring, it’s a good time to explore Zendesk alternatives that can give you sales, support, accounting integration, and more.
Have preferred features in Sell that you can’t find elsewhere? Method CRM can help build them for you via expert-led, no-code customization. We can recreate and improve features you love based on your unique business needs.
What are Zendesk Sell, Pipedrive, and Method CRM? 🤔
Let’s break down these three platforms that are worth considering.
Overview of Zendesk Sell
Zendesk Sell is a cloud-based CRM designed to help sales teams manage leads, track deals, and automate workflows. It integrates natively with Zendesk’s top-notch support tools, making it ideal for businesses already leveraging Zendesk’s platform.
Zendesk Sell’s highlights:
- Integrated with Zendesk: Work alongside Zendesk Support to view customer history, tickets, notifications, and interactions in one place.
- Sales pipeline management: Visualize and manage deals through customizable pipelines.
- Sales triggers and automation: Reduce admin work and ensure timely follow-ups.
- Analytics: Access pre-built and custom reports to track sales performance.
- Integrations: Connect with over 1,500 apps, including Gmail, Outlook, HubSpot, and more, through the Zendesk Marketplace.
Overview of Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM, often chosen for its simplicity. The visual pipeline and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for small and mid-sized businesses that are still getting familiar with business software.
Pipedrive’s highlights:
- Visual sales pipeline: Drag-and-drop interface to manage deals.
- Customization: Tailor pipelines, dashboards, and fields to fit your sales process.
- Basic automation features: Automate tasks like sending follow-up emails or scheduling activities based on triggers.
- AI-powered insights: Use AI to predict deal outcomes and suggest actions.
- Integrations: Connects with over 500 apps, including Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Overview of Method CRM
Method CRM offers the best two-way QuickBooks sync on the market. That integration lets businesses manage customer relationships and financial data in a single intuitive interface. Method also provides extensive customization options so you can tailor your workflows and automate processes to your exact preferences, enhancing operations and the customer experience.
Method’s highlights:
- Two-way QuickBooks sync: Real-time, two-way sync with QuickBooks Online, Desktop, and Enterprise, so you get accurate financial data across platforms.
- Customizable workflows: Use drag-and-drop tools and leverage Method’s team of experts to create custom workflows that match unique business processes.
- End-to-end sales automation: Track every lead, opportunity, and deal stage with automated reminders and follow-ups, ensuring no opportunity is missed.
- Embedded financial and transactional features: Track invoices, payments, and estimates directly in the CRM.
- Customer portals: Provide self-service portals where customers can easily view invoices, make payments, and update their information in their own time, improving customer satisfaction.
- Mobile app: Available on iPhone, iPad and Android devices, so you can manage all your data and processes on the go through a mobile-friendly interface.
- Security: Robust security features to protect sensitive business and customer data.
Pricing comparison: Which CRM offers the best value? 💰
We’ve also lined up the pricing of Method CRM, Pipedrive, and Zendesk Sell.
Method CRM pricing tiers
Method offers a 14-day free trial that lets you experience its full features before committing.
- Contact Management: $25/user/month (billed annually)
Features include: Contact and lead management, email templates, basic automation, mobile access, and a two-way QuickBooks sync.
- CRM Pro: $44/user/month (billed annually)
Features include: All contact management features, custom workflows and dashboards, advanced automation, and email and calendar integration.
- CRM Enterprise: $74/user/month (billed annually)
Features include: All CRM Pro features, financial management, sales pipeline, and role-based access control.
Pipedrive pricing plans and add‑ons
Pipedrive CRM also offers a 14-day free trial, which gives users full access to its CRM features and premium add-ons.
- Lite: $14/user/month (billed annually)
Features include: lead, calendar, and pipeline management, AI-powered report creation, and a real-time sales feed.
- Growth: $39/user/month (billed annually)
Features include: Full email sync with tracking, automations and nurturing sequences, subscriptions and forecast reports, and a meeting scheduler.
- Premium: $49/user/month (billed annually)
Features include: Lead generation and routing, AI-powered multi-email tools, enhanced customization for teams, and reports and data fields.
- Ultimate: $79/user/month (billed annually)
Features include: Fortified account security with rules and alerts, phone and email data enrichment, sandbox testing, and maximized usage limits.
Pipedrive’s cost can increase however, as you’ll have to pay for add-ons depending on your specific needs. Just be aware that these add up, and some of these extras come standard in other CRMs.
- LeadBooster: Starting from $32.50/month
Capture more leads and grow your pipeline.
- Projects: Starting from $6.67/month
Manage projects efficiently and hit your goals faster.
- Campaigns: Starting from $13.33/month
Create and send effective email marketing campaigns.
- Web Visitors: Starting from $41/month
See who’s browsing your website in real time.
- Smart Docs: Starting from $32.50/month
Organize and manage all your documents in one place.
Zendesk Sell pricing structure
You can try Zendesk Sell for free with a 14-day trial to see if it fits your team.
- Sell Team: $19/user/month
Features include: Sales essentials to track and organize leads, contacts, and deals, basic pipeline management, and activity tracking.
- Sell Growth: $55/user/month
Features include: Complete sales process management with advanced sales forecasting and analytics, customizable dashboards, and reporting tools.
- Sell Professional: $115/user/month
Features include: Task automation, lead and deal scoring, advanced permissions, and role management.
- Sell Enterprise: $169/user/month
Features include: Enterprise-level features for multi-department teams, advanced security, analytics, and permissions.
Total cost of ownership example
The total cost of ownership considers all the money you’ll spend over time. That number includes subscriptions, add-ons, and features your team needs to get work done.
To give an example, imagine a sales team of five users using their CRM within a year, with all the tools they need to manage sales, leads, and customer data efficiently.
Here’s how Method CRM, Pipedrive, and Zendesk Sell roughly compare in terms of cost and value. We chose specific plans and add-ons that work in this case.
Method CRM: CRM Pro ($44/user/month)
Total cost for five users: $2,640/year
Why this plan works:
- Deep QuickBooks integration keeps sales and finances in sync.
- Custom workflows and automation let the team work the way they want.
- No extra add-ons required. Everything you need comes built in.
This is the best option among the three for businesses that need sales and financial data connected in one place.
Pipedrive: Growth ($39/user/month)
Add-ons:
- LeadBooster: $390/year
- Projects: $80/year
- Campaigns: $160/year
Total cost for five users: $2,970/year
Why this plan works:
- Strong visual pipelines and lead tracking.
- Built-in project and email marketing tools via add-ons.
While Pipedrive covers the basics well, the need for add-ons pushes the total cost higher than necessary. Many teams expect these features to come standard.
Zendesk Sell: Sell Growth ($55/user/month)
Total cost for five users: $3,300/year
Why this plan works:
- Advanced reporting and sales forecasting.
- Customizable dashboards and goal tracking.
- No essential add-ons needed for core features.
While the costliest option, it works ideally for teams that rely on Zendesk’s support tools.
Core features comparison ⚙️
The way your platform handles the basics can shape daily sales operations.
Let’s compare how Method CRM, Pipedrive, and Zendesk Sell approach the features your team expects to use daily.
Pipeline management and lead management
Managing leads and deals is the heart of any sales CRM. With these features, you’re able to build pipelines with custom stages, track deal rotting, and give your whole team clear visibility into every opportunity.
Here’s how each platform approaches these features:
- Method CRM: Offers fully customizable pipelines with ease of use in mind. You can design pipelines exactly how your team works with no coding required. Full lead management features are available at the lowest tier.
- Pipedrive: Uses a visual pipeline system with simplicity and efficiency in mind. Multiple pipelines and custom stages are also supported, so it’s easy to track deals across different processes. That said, workflows can be limited if you are seeking functionality beyond basic use.
- Zendesk Sell: Provides customizable pipelines where you can adjust stages as your workflow evolves, keeping your team aligned. Some advanced features, like lead scoring and task automation, are locked behind higher-tier plans.
Automation and workflows
Automation in CRM keeps the engine running, reducing repetitive tasks and keeping processes consistent.
This is how each platform performs automations:
- Method CRM: Robust automation (available at the lowest tier) lets you trigger emails, custom workflows, and follow-ups. Tight integration with QuickBooks and Xero means financial data stays in sync automatically.
- Pipedrive: Supports workflow automation with triggers and actions. But there are usage limits to take into account. Because there’s a set number of automations per plan, high-volume usage can hit the limit fast.
- Zendesk Sell: Offers automated task actions and standard workflow triggers. Advanced workflows, such as conditional branches, deep email automation, and marketing-style nurture flows, are often behind more expensive plans.
Forecasting and reporting/dashboards
Accurate forecasts and insightful reports are essential for planning, decision-making, and tracking performance.
Here’s what each platform provides for forecasting and dashboards:
- Method CRM: Fully customizable reports and dashboards let you track metrics that run your business. Real-time insights make it easier to stay on top of deals.
- Pipedrive: Provides revenue forecasts based on deal stages and close dates. Dashboard views can be tailored to your sales team’s focus.
- Zendesk Sell: Advanced analytics and forecasting tools give visibility into deal volume, revenue growth, and key performance indicators, all with customizable dashboards.
API, Integrations, and financial/accounting integration
APIs and integrations are your CRM’s way of talking to other tools. Being able to connect your CRM with the tools you use saves time and keeps your data in sync.
These are the API and integration capabilities of each platform:
- Method CRM: Strong financial integrations with QuickBooks and Xero, native integrations with Gmail and Outlook, and connections to thousands of apps via Zapier.
- Pipedrive: Offers a wide marketplace of integrations, plus an open API for custom connections.
- Zendesk Sell: Works well within the Zendesk ecosystem, has integrations via the Zendesk Marketplace, and provides an open API for custom workflows.
Mobile app and user experience
A CRM with a dedicated mobile app keeps your team productive while still on the move, whether they’re updating deals after a meeting or checking customer info on-site.
Here’s what mobile and user experience look like for each of these platforms:
- Method CRM: Mobile access across all your devices covers pipelines, activities, and customer details, with full QuickBooks sync carried over. Sales and support teams can log notes, update workflows, and manage follow-ups without waiting until they’re back at a desk.
- Pipedrive: Its iOS and Android apps mirror the desktop setup, but the design can come across as dated. On the positive side, call tracking, email sync, and chatbot integrations help keep deals moving.
- Zendesk Sell: The mobile app adds extras like geolocation to log visits, push notifications for deal activity, and quick access to emails and calls. It ties in smoothly with Zendesk’s chat and support tools, giving reps a full view of customer interactions.
Use cases and best fits ✅
The best CRM isn’t universal — it’s one that fits your business needs.
Here’s when Method CRM, Pipedrive, and Zendesk Sell stand out.
Small teams or startups on a budget
Use case: A three-person sales team needs an easier way to track leads and deals. They’re tired of manual work and are ready to embrace using CRM software.
Best fit: Pipedrive’s lower-tier plans are often the most popular here. They give salespeople a clean pipeline view, quick setup, and easy usability without draining a small budget.
If you need more features at a price that still makes sense for smaller teams, there are plenty of Pipedrive alternatives.
Businesses tied to QuickBooks or Xero
Use case: An accounting firm that relies on QuickBooks for invoicing and payments needs a CRM that syncs client and financial data in real time.
Best fit: Method CRM. Its best-in-class two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero keeps customer management and financial data in one workspace, eliminating manual entry and potential human errors.
Sales teams with complex pipelines and forecasting needs
Use case: A mid-sized B2B sales team is stuck juggling multiple pipelines with long sales cycles.
Best fit: Zendesk Sell offers robust forecasting, reporting, and pipeline visualization. Integration with Zendesk’s wider ecosystem helps keep customer and service data in the picture when forecasting.
Scaling teams needing customization and enterprise support
Use case: A growing company with layered permissions, unique workflows, and the need for advanced integrations.
Best fit: Method CRM. It goes further than Pipedrive or Zendesk Sell by letting you customize fields, workflows, dashboards, and even customer portals without being boxed into preset templates. Its open API and enterprise-level support give scaling teams flexibility without constant workarounds or costly add-ons.
Pros and cons: Trade‑offs you should know ⚖️
Every CRM shines in some areas and falls short in others.
See how Method CRM, Pipedrive, and Zendesk Sell compare side by side.
| CRM | Pros | Cons |
| Method CRM | • Deep QuickBooks/Xero integration for real-time financial sync. • Highly customizable workflows, fields, and dashboards. • Strong API + Zapier connections. • Great support and onboarding. | • Supports QuickBooks/Xero users only |
| Pipedrive | • User-friendly with drag-and-drop pipelines. • Customizable dashboards + strong forecasting.• Wide marketplace + open API. • Good mobile app and workflow automation. | • Many key features are paid add-ons (projects, campaigns, lead gen). • Automation limits on volume and complexity. • Must upgrade for many advanced features. |
| Zendesk Sell | • Tight link with Zendesk ecosystem. • Strong native analytics, forecasting, and dashboards. • Solid mobile apps with real-time alerts and geolocation. • Clean UX + lots of integrations. | • Retiring Aug 2027, which is a risk for long-term use. • Core forecasting/reporting is missing in lower plans. • Advanced features locked in higher tiers. |
The key is understanding these trade-offs, like in terms of cost, missing features, or how steep the learning curve is, and how they’ll affect your operations. This way, you can avoid surprise costs or regret having a system that works against your team’s workflow.
Tips to optimize CRM investment 💡
A CRM platform is a big investment, especially for smaller businesses. So it pays to know where costs can creep in and which features will propel your team forward.
Here are practical ways to stretch your investment further and avoid common traps.
Minimize hidden costs
An important aspect to watch out for is costs beyond the sticker price. Here are easy ways to avoid hidden costs:
- Pick the right plan upfront: Match your business needs to what’s included, instead of upgrading later for basics.
- Focus on trade-offs that matter: Don’t pay more for fancy automation features or dashboards if your sales process doesn’t need them.
- Avoid shelfware: Skip the add-ons your team won’t touch, like unused marketing automation tools or duplicate email campaigns.
Adopt automation and workflows early
Workflow automation saves time, but only if your team uses it from day one. Start small and build confidence early.
A few ways to effectively adopt automations and workflows to new systems:
- Automate repetitive tasks first: This includes logging calls, updating sales pipelines, and sending follow-ups.
- Standardize processes: Map your sales process so the automation you set up matches how your team works with little to no adjustments needed.
- Test before scaling: Roll out the automation to a small group to recalibrate and finalize before expanding.
Utilize dashboards and forecasting tools for better decision-making
Dashboards should give you an overall picture of everything you need. And with forecasting tools, you can flag gaps in your processes early so you can act before it’s too late.
Here’s how to get the most out of your dashboards and forecasting tools:
- Focus on revenue metrics: Track pipeline value, conversion rates, and deal velocity instead of vanity stats (like total contacts that don’t track how many turn into qualified leads) that only clutter and add noise.
- Set early warnings: Use notifications to catch pipeline slowdowns before they hurt revenue.
- Check forecast vs actuals: Review monthly to see if your targets are realistic or need adjusting.
- Keep teams aligned: Share dashboards across sales, finance, and leadership for consistent decision-making.
Prioritize onboarding and training
A CRM is nothing if it hinders your team’s productivity. Make learning effortless so your team adopts it naturally.
Some CRM onboarding and training tips:
- Work your way up: Start with core actions like adding contacts, updating deals, and running reports for a natural learning progression that won’t feel overwhelming.
- Use templates and playbooks: Give your sales teams ready-made workflows and templates so they don’t have to start from scratch.
- Make training ongoing: Schedule quick refreshers to cover updates or common pain points, instead of a one-time crash course.
- Assign internal champions: Pick a few team members to become CRM “champions” for any questions and troubleshooting needs.
- Keep it practical: Tie every lesson to real tasks, such as logging calls and setting follow-ups, so training feels useful for everyday work.
The road to maximizing your CRM investment starts small. These steps pay off big in productivity, insights, and long-term value.
Zendesk Sell vs Pipedrive: Which CRM works for you 🧐
Choosing the best CRM ultimately depends on your business needs.
For those already using Zendesk Sell and looking to make a switch, Pipedrive excels for small to mid-sized sales teams that want easy-to-use pipeline management, simple forecasting, and a quick setup. It’s intuitive and gets teams running fast, but many essential features require paid add-ons, which can increase costs.
Method CRM is for businesses that need native QuickBooks and Xero integrations into their CRM. It offers an all-in-one solution with extensive workflow customization, guided onboarding, and support for a platform that grows with your unique processes.
With built-in financial and transactional features, customer portals, and customizable dashboards, Method keeps sales and accounting aligned without worrying about extra add-ons or migrations.
Book a free demo of Method today to see how it can fit your team’s workflow and simplify CRM adoption. 🚀
Frequently asked questions
How do Pipedrive and Zendesk Sell differ?
Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM built for simplicity. It’s ideal for startups and small sales teams who want a visual, intuitive interface with almost no learning curve. Zendesk Sell, on the other hand, integrates tightly with the Zendesk support ecosystem, providing stronger analytics, forecasting, and multi-channel customer context.
While both handle leads, deals, and pipelines, Zendesk Sell emphasizes sales and support alignment, whereas Pipedrive emphasizes sales process clarity and ease of use.
Does Pipedrive offer customer support like Zendesk?
Yes, but not in the same way or at the same level. Pipedrive offers standard email, chat, and knowledge base support, but it lacks Zendesk’s full omnichannel customer service tools. Teams needing integrated customer support and ticketing should consider Zendesk or a CRM that pairs with a support platform.
Which is a better CRM for small businesses?
For small teams or startups on a budget, Pipedrive usually wins for its simplicity, intuitive pipelines, and fast setup. It covers the core sales features most small businesses need without the heavy onboarding. Method CRM can also be a strong choice if your business relies on QuickBooks or Xero integration and wants custom workflows from the start.
Will Zendesk Sell users need to switch to another CRM?
Yes. Zendesk has announced that Zendesk Sell, the platform’s sales CRM, will retire on August 31, 2027. Users will need to export their data and migrate to a new CRM, such as Pipedrive (Zendesk’s recommended alternative) or another platform like Method CRM, which can replicate or improve Sell’s workflows while avoiding a future double migration.
