When procurement teams are selecting influencer tools, they should balance criteria including cost, functionality, and long-term scalability. Here are some key considerations:

1. Budget: Tools range vastly in price depending on their features. Establish a budget range while considering the value that these tools will bring in terms of audience reach, analytics, and so forth.

2. Functionality and Features: Look for essential features like influencer discovery, campaign management, audience analytics, and performance tracking. Moreover, the platform’s usability and interface quality are important.

3. Scalability: Choose a tool that will scale with your organization. A start-up may need less functionality than a corporate entity, but as it grows, the requirements will evolve.

4. Integration: See if the tool can integrate with your current CRM or ERP system. This will ease the process of managing campaign information and analytical data.

5. Support and Training: Good customer support and adequate training resources are crucial when you’re acquainted with a new tool.

6. Credibility: Reviews and recommendations should be considered to gauge the tools’ market performance.

Platforms like Hootsuite and Flinque are well-known in this space. Hootsuite is known for its social media management capabilities whereas Flinque has strengths in influencer discovery and campaign workflows. However, each platform’s suitability ultimately depends on the specific needs of your procurement team.

Remember, while cost is often a decisive factor, it’s essential to ensure the tool provides the necessary features and can be scaled for future growth. The right tool should not only fit your budget but also effectively address your influencer marketing needs.