Every CRM has an export function. Here's where to find it:
CRM
Export Location
Follow Up Boss
Admin → People → Export (top right)
kvCORE
Contacts → All Contacts → Export
LionDesk
Contacts → Bulk Actions → Export
BoomTown
Settings → Data → Export Contacts
Wise Agent
Contacts → Export → CSV
Top Producer
Contacts → Tools → Export
Chime/Lofty
CRM → Contacts → Export
Sierra
Contacts → Export All
Download the CSV file to your computer. Don't skip this step—this file is your backup.
2 Review Your Export
Open the CSV in Excel or Google Sheets. Check that you have:
✅ All contacts (compare count to CRM)
✅ Email addresses populated
✅ Phone numbers in correct columns
✅ Notes included (may be in a "notes" column)
✅ Tags or categories (for segmentation)
Common issue: Notes might be split across multiple columns or combined in one. That's fine—you can clean this up or most CRMs handle it on import.
3 Clean Your Data (Optional but Recommended)
This is a good time to clean up your database:
Delete obvious junk (test contacts, spam)
Standardize tags (merge duplicates like "buyer" and "Buyer")
Fix formatting issues (phone numbers, addresses)
Archive truly dead leads (people who moved, passed away, etc.)
A clean database = a faster new CRM.
4 Set Up Your New CRM
Create your account on the new CRM. Before importing:
Set up your pipeline stages (if different from default)
Create any custom fields you need
Set up your lead sources/tags structure
Connect your email (Gmail/Outlook)
This takes 5-10 minutes for simple CRMs, longer for complex setups.
5 Import Your Contacts
Most CRMs have an "Import" or "Upload CSV" option in Settings or Contacts.
During import, you'll "map" columns:
Your CSV column "First Name" → CRM field "First Name"
Your CSV column "Cell Phone" → CRM field "Phone (Mobile)"
Your CSV column "Notes" → CRM field "Notes"
Take your time here. Correct mapping = clean data in your new CRM.
6 Verify Your Data
After import, spot-check:
Open 5-10 random contacts
Confirm names, emails, phones are correct
Check that notes transferred
Verify tags/categories applied
Compare total contact count to original
If something looks wrong, most CRMs let you delete the import and try again.
7 Set Up Integrations
Reconnect your tools:
Email: Gmail or Outlook sync
Calendar: Google Calendar or Outlook
Lead sources: Zillow, Realtor.com, your website
Phone/texting: If your new CRM has built-in calling
This is usually the longest step (15-30 minutes) but only done once.
8 Rebuild Automations
If you had drip campaigns or automations in your old CRM:
Screenshot or copy the email sequences
Recreate them in your new CRM
Test with your own email first
Enroll contacts who should be in the drip
This is a good time to simplify—most agents have too many automations that rarely fire.
CRM-Specific Export Guides
Exporting from Follow Up Boss
Go to Admin → People
Use filters to select contacts (or leave blank for all)
Click "Export" in the top right
Choose "Export All Fields" for complete data
Download the CSV when ready (you'll get an email)
Exporting from kvCORE
Navigate to Contacts → All Contacts
Click the export icon (arrow pointing out)
Select all fields you want to include
Choose CSV format
Download when processing completes
Exporting from LionDesk
Go to Contacts
Click "Bulk Actions" → "Export"
Select "All Contacts" or use filters
Choose fields to export
Download CSV
Exporting from Wise Agent
Click Contacts in main menu
Click "Export" button
Select CSV format
Choose which fields to include
Download file
FAQ
Will I lose my contacts when switching CRMs?
No. All major CRMs allow CSV export. Your names, phones, emails, and notes will transfer.
How long does it take to switch CRMs?
30-60 minutes for most agents. Export (5 min), import (10 min), verify (15 min), integrations (30 min).
Can I switch while under contract?
Yes. Set up your new CRM anytime. Use both during transition if needed. Cancel old one when contract ends.
What about my email history?
Email history usually lives in Gmail/Outlook, not your CRM. When you connect email to your new CRM, it often pulls in recent history automatically.
What if I have 10,000+ contacts?
Same process, just takes a bit longer to export/import. Consider cleaning before import—do you really need all 10,000?
What about deals in progress?
Export deals/transactions separately if your CRM allows. Otherwise, manually recreate active deals in your new pipeline. There shouldn't be many active at once.
Ready to Switch?
If you're looking for a simpler, more affordable CRM with AI lead scoring, try Esgrow.