Is it unwise to do the research/vetting before I actually need the services? I am hoping to launch by the end of the year, so I have some time, but I want to h

Is it unwise to do the research/vetting before I actually need the services? I am hoping to launch by the end of the year, so I have some time, but I want to have some idea of what I should be thinking about so that I have one less thing to distract me from my users (assuming I can get them). My real concern is CRM, but I am having trouble wrapping my mind around where various CRM solutions end and Email marketing/social marketing/helpdesk/feedback solutions begin. All I know is that I will need a database of my users and the ability to keep them informed via email once I launch, but I don't know what I don't know.