Buying guide

← All guides

Questions to ask in a software demo

A focused demo script that exposes workflow gaps before you sign a contract.

By TradeToolFinder Editorial Team · Published July 22, 2026 · Updated July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

Do not begin a demo with the question, ‘What can your platform do?’ Begin with your highest-value workflow. Describe a real enquiry, job, appointment, or order and ask the vendor to complete it live.

Ask how the system handles the exceptions that cost you time: cancelled appointments, deposits, split payments, a customer with multiple locations, an employee calling in sick, a route change, or a refund. These details show whether the product fits your operation or only looks polished in a standard demo.

Confirm how pricing scales. Ask which plan includes the workflow you just saw, what licences are required, whether onboarding is charged, and which features are add-ons. Ask for the official pricing page and a written estimate at your current team size.

Ask about data ownership and exit. Can you export customers, history, attachments, reports, and financial data? In which format? What support is available during migration?

End with a pilot plan. Decide who will test the software, which workflow they will test, what success looks like, and when you will make the decision.