The most popular plug-ins in the USA are:  TurningPoint, PowerPoll, Keypoint OptionPower.  In Europe, add ppvote and QuestionWizard to the same list. The standalones we like best and which have a solid future are: ComTec XP, OptionFinder, and wInquiry.  These three are also available in Europe. 

Once you put together your dream package of hardware and software, find the dealers who can put as much of it as possible in a single package.  Many smaller dealers will provide the best value in that they often provide training, support, and products from multiple audience response manufacturers.  But don't buy yet.

First you will want to try it all out. Start with software. Get a trial version of each software title that you have decided to purchase. Be forewarned that only about one third of the audience response software developers actually make a trial version that is available to the public. If the one you want is not available as a trial, call and speak to the VP of Sales. In most instances, management just needs to feel comfortable that you are who you say you are.

Install the trial, and build a presentation . Run it in practice mode (most have a feature that will generate random results to simulate audience voting) and view various reports.   If you can do all that without too much time studying a user manual, the software has passed the "ease of use" test.

You should also spend some time with the manual and built-in help.  If the software documentation is skimpy and/or poorly written, others in your organization will never learn to use the system.  It is also a good idea to list a few questions that you might have on features that you don't understand. Then call the vendor's support line.  Explain that you plan to purchase a system and have a few questions.  This will tell you lots about what you can expect later, after the purchase.

Once you are comfortable with the software, it's time to get a small hardware system.  Some vendors will loan you a 'demo kit' while some will only offer to rent one.  Either way, get one.  Put together a short, fun, interactive presentation and run it for your team members, or coworkers. 

The last question in your presentation should be: "do you think that this system will prove useful to our company?"  You could give them a straight up 'yes/no' choice (or you can leave yourself a little wiggle room by adding an 'unsure').

Assuming the group feels that it would be of value, it's time for a final test. Identify an upcoming meeting that would be a good fit for the technology. Hire an audience response service company to provide the equipment and a technician. In order to give the technology a fair shake, it will be very important that you choose a quality provider.

We hope that you consider our network partner Audience Response System Rentals in your search. There, you can obtain price quotes from some of the best providers in the industry and you can place your order online.

It is also important that you do your best in preparing for your 'wet run' meeting. With a defined plan and close coordination, your meeting is bound to be a success. Once you are successful, your purchase decision will not be too far in the future. One of the last steps is finding out a little more about the support that your potential system provider offers.

Step Seven ->

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