• [ ] ROI Readiness

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Ask: "Can I track time/money saved within the tool?"

Verify: Built-in analytics, progress dashboards, or API access for custom reporting (Quick Tip: Test the tool for 7 days and calculate hours saved vs. cost.)

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• [ ] Intuitive Workflow

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Ask: "Can a teammate learn this in <30 mins without training?"

Verify: No nested menus, clear labeling, and minimal clicks for core tasks. (Quick Tip: Do a "5-click test" to complete a key action (e.g., generate a report.)

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• [ ] Reliability Score

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Ask: "What’s the uptime SLA? Are there recent user complaints about bugs?”

Verify: 99%+ uptime guarantee, recent update logs, and Reddit/Trustpilot reviews. (Quick Tip: Check if the vendor offers glitch compensation (e.g., free days for downtime.)

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• [ ] Integration Stack

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Ask: "Does it plug into my existing tools (e.g., Slack, Google Workspace)?"

Verify: Native integrations, Zapier/Make.com compatibility, or open API access. (Quick Tip: Test one critical integration during the free trial.)

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• [ ] Set-and-Forget Potential

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Ask: "How often will I need to tweak settings or re-train the AI?”

Verify: Auto-updating models, bulk automation rules, and hands-off templates. (Quick Tip: Look for "maintenance time" disclaimers in the terms of service.)

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