How many leads per month before I need a CRM?

The tipping point is typically around 15-20 leads per month. Below that, you can probably track leads in your head or a simple spreadsheet. Above that, leads start falling through the cracks no matter how organized you are.

But the number of leads is only part of the equation. If your leads are high-value (over $500 per job), even 5 leads per month justifies a CRM because losing a single one to poor follow-up costs you more than a year of CRM subscription.

The honest answer: if you have ever forgotten to call someone back, missed a follow-up on an estimate, or wondered "did anyone respond to that lead?", you already need a CRM regardless of your lead volume. A $19/mo CRM is cheap insurance against lost revenue.