Zendesk announced that it will retire Zendesk Sell on August 31, 2027. Until then, customers will have full access, but after the deadline Zendesk will permanently delete Sell data under its Service Data Deletion Policy.

Key dates to know:

• September 9, 2025 – Zendesk announced Sell’s retirement.
• August 31, 2027 – Full shutdown date. Customers retain access until then.
• After August 31, 2027 – Zendesk permanently deletes Sell data.

Most migrations feel disruptive, but they can also unlock better workflows.

This retirement leaves every Zendesk Sell customer with a choice: follow Zendesk’s recommendation and migrate to Pipedrive, or step back and use the moment to evaluate what kind of CRM really fits your workflow. 

For Gmail-based teams, it’s a unique chance to consider a Gmail-native CRM option like Streak that works where you already spend your time — directly in your inbox.

Why does Gmail-native matter for Zendesk Sell CRM alternatives?

If you’re already running your business in Gmail, your inbox is where critical conversations happen, where leads first reach out, and where deals are pushed forward. While many CRMs have some level of inbox integration, the difference between a Gmail add-on and a native-Gmail solution is substantial.

Add‑ons often provide a sidebar with abbreviated CRM functionality, so you'll get some deal context but still find yourself jumping into another tool for the real work.

A Gmail‑native CRM like Streak brings pipelines, contacts, and tasks right into Gmail so you never have to leave your inbox.

That’s why a Gmail‑native CRM matters for teams using Google Workspace. With Streak:

• You work entirely inside Gmail with no tab‑switching.
• Email history is automatically linked, with no manual logging or sync delays.
• Onboarding is faster because your team already knows Gmail.
• Collaboration is simpler — everyone sees the same emails, notes, and updates in real time.

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What is the best Gmail-native alternative to Zendesk Sell?

Zendesk’s retirement is inconvenient, but it’s also a chance to adopt a workflow that saves time and avoids the pain points of partial integrations.

If you’re looking for a true Gmail-native replacement for Zendesk Sell, Streak is the leading option.

Unlike CRMs that simply connect to Gmail, Streak is built entirely inside Gmail.

That means your pipelines, contacts, tasks, and deals live where you already work, with no need to switch tabs or juggle a separate app. Users consistently highlight how easy it is to set up, how natural it feels to use inside Gmail, and how responsive the support team is (Chrome Webstore reviews)

Key advantages of Streak:

• Complete Gmail-native experience – all CRM functionality is embedded in Gmail, not an external app.
• Automatic email history – every email thread is linked to the right contact or deal, with no manual logging.
• Fast onboarding – your team already knows Gmail, so adoption is quicker and smoother.
• Customizable pipelines and fields – adapt Streak to your processes without extra complexity.
• Real-time collaboration – teammates instantly share emails, notes, files, and updates.
• Predictable pricing – all Gmail-native features are included, avoiding the hidden add-ons common in other CRMs.
• Mobile apps – manage pipelines and communication on the go.
• World-class support and onboarding – our support team consistently earns industry-leading CSAT scores and helps teams get up and running quickly.
• Advanced AI features and automations – we invest heavily in building intelligent tools that save time, reduce manual work, and surface insights automatically.
• Proven stability – with 12+ years as a dedicated CRM company, Streak is profitable, stable, and committed to the CRM space. You won’t face the risk of us retiring the product and forcing you to switch tools again.

In short: Streak offers core CRM capabilities Zendesk Sell users will need, but with the added advantage of working entirely inside Gmail. It’s faster to adopt, easier to maintain, and more reliable day to day.

How to migrate from Zendesk Sell to Streak (step-by-step)

Zendesk lets admins export data from their Sell accounts, including:

• Leads
• Contacts
• Deals
• Notes
• Tasks
• Smart lists

However, Zendesk cannot export activity history, appointments, emails, call logs, or documents. Plan ahead for how you’ll handle this information — for example, keeping archives or moving important notes into fields that can be exported.

Step 1 — Export your data from Zendesk Sell

Teams can export Zendesk Sell data in a few simple steps.

1. In Sell, go to Settings → Tools → Data Export.
2. Click Request data export.
3. When the export completes, you’ll receive an email with a download link to a ZIP file.

⚠️ Important: each link is valid for 30 days, so be sure to download and save your export promptly.

If you have advanced needs or very large datasets, Sell’s REST API and Firehose are available, but most teams will not need this.

Step 2 — Install Streak and create your first pipeline

1. Install Streak. Add Streak to your Gmail inbox from the Chrome Web Store or Mac App Store for Safari users.
2. Create pipelines. Streak's customizable pipelines can be created in minutes and allow you to mirror your Sell pipelines.
3. Add stages and fields. Create columns for all required data (text, date, dropdowns, checkboxes, etc.).
4. Invite your team. Add teammates and set permissions to access the pipelines and boxes they need.
5. Enable automatic email sharing. Turn on sharing so Gmail threads for linked Contacts/Organizations appear in box timelines automatically.
   
   

Step 3 — Import your CRM data into Streak

You can import data into Streak’s Pipelines, Contacts, and Organizations.

A) Import Deals (Boxes) into your pipeline

Import deals directly into your pipelines. You'll be able to include related contacts and organizations for each deal. Contacts and organizations will automatically be added to your contact list and organization list when you import them as part of a deal in your pipelines.

1. Open the Streak importer in your target pipeline. Choose the CSV option to import your data from Zendesk Sell.
2. Map your columns. Map each column to a Streak field (e.g., Stage → Stage, Owner → Assigned To).
3. Import the full file. Complete the import to add deals to your pipelines.
   
   

B) Import Contacts

Import directly to your contact list to add people who aren’t yet linked to a deal (e.g., unqualified prospects or leads).

1. Open your contact list. Click “Import” and choose your file.
2. Map your columns. (Email → Email, etc.).
3. Import. Complete the import to populate your contact list in Streak.
   
   

C) Import Organizations (Companies)

Import directly to your organization list to add businesses that aren’t associated with deals in your pipeline.

1. Open your organization list. Click “Import” and choose your file.
2. Map your columns. Ensure organization names match the names you referenced in your Contacts/Deals files.
3. Import. Complete the import to populate your organization list in Streak.
   
   

What doesn’t transfer automatically (and workarounds)

• Email templates / sequences: rebuild key templates in Streak or your sending tool.
• Tasks: Use shortcuts to create tasks quickly in Streak, automate new task creation.
• Call/SMS logs and recordings: keep in your archive; add critical notes to boxes or import into a Notes column or historical reference.
• Attachments: store in Drive and link important files in boxes.
  
  

Need help setting up your account? Each team receives onboarding included in their Streak plan, which gives you access to a Customer Success Representative who can help you import data and transfer over any data not included in the import.

FAQs

When is Zendesk Sell shutting down?

Zendesk announced the retirement on September 9, 2025. The product will be fully shut down on August 31, 2027, and data will be deleted after that date per the Service Data Deletion Policy.

Why is Zendesk retiring Sell?

Zendesk says it’s focusing resources on its core customer service and employee experience products.

Will Zendesk migrate my data to Pipedrive automatically?

No. Zendesk provides resources and recommends Pipedrive, but you may choose your next CRM option and are responsible for exporting and migrating your data.

What happens if I don’t migrate?

You’ll lose access to Sell after August 31, 2027, and your data will be deleted.

Can I still access my Zendesk Sell data after retirement?

No, you must export your data before the shutdown date. Export links remain valid for 30 days once generated.

What data can I export from Zendesk Sell?

You can export leads, contacts, deals, notes, tasks, and smart lists. You cannot export activity history, appointments, call logs, or documents.

How long does migration take?

For most small to mid‑sized teams, migrating can be completed in hours once your export is ready — typically the same day. The actual data import into Streak is fast; what can take time is reviewing, cleaning, and validating the data before import. Larger organizations with more complex pipelines or heavy customization may need additional days to plan and test thoroughly.

Do I have to migrate from Zendesk Sell to Pipedrive?

No. Zendesk has partnered with Pipedrive and provides migration resources, but you are not required to use it. You can migrate your data to any CRM of your choice.

Why Streak vs. Pipedrive for Gmail users?

Pipedrive integrates with Gmail but isn’t native to it, which can create friction and extra costs. Streak is fully embedded in Gmail, eliminating context switching and ensuring faster adoption.

Does Streak support mobile devices?

Yes, Streak offers iOS and Android apps so you can manage pipelines and communication on the go.

Will I get help with onboarding if I move to Streak?

Yes. Streak includes onboarding and live support with every CRM plan.

Is Streak reliable long term?

Yes. Streak has been a profitable, dedicated CRM provider for over 12 years. Streak is stable, actively developed, and committed to CRM.

Does Streak have AI features?

Yes. Streak invests heavily in AI and automation tools that save time, reduce manual work, and surface insights automatically.

How much does Streak cost?

Streak offers tiered CRM plans billed monthly with simple pricing, starting at $49 per month. All Gmail‑native features are included without hidden add‑ons.

How can I learn to use Streak?

Streak provides multiple resources to help you ramp up quickly:

• Streak University with step‑by‑step video lessons
• Weekly live classes where you can ask questions and see demos
• Knowledge Base with detailed help articles
• Onboarding with a Customer Success Rep included in every plan
• Advanced implementation support available if you need more customized setup

Together, these resources ensure your team learns not only the basics but also advanced features and best practices for long‑term success.

Start your free trial of Streak CRM for Gmail today

Migration can feel like a hassle, but it’s also an opportunity to improve your processes. Zendesk recommends Pipedrive, but Gmail-based teams should consider a Gmail-native CRM instead.

Streak is the most natural successor for Gmail users. Try Streak for free or book a demo today.