Here are a few things I would do (not exhaustive):<p>Before you or team members get "sold" on a particular vendor or product, write down (on a wiki, IM such as Slack, or other internally accessible spot) what your requirements are. For example, it must cost less than $x/user. or, we need features x, y and z, but feature a would be a nice-to-have. Also list any show-stoppers. (If it doesn't do z then the answer is "no", etc.)<p>Be aware that a cheaper/better product may not always get approval from the powers-that-be. Being able to show in terms that <i>matter to the powers-that-be</i> why your pick is the best certainly helpful.<p>Use the criteria to help you narrow down the products you wish to trial (maybe the top 2-4). It is important to try out the product in the environment you intend to use it. Especially, if the cost of the software is high.<p>Schedule time to try out products.<p><i>Actually</i> try out the product.