When HoneyBook recently announced its 50% price increase, it caught the attention of many small business owners and entrepreneurs who rely on the platform for project management, client communication, and more. As many small businesses already operate with tight margins and limited resources, this price change could understandably raise some concerns.
The social media-sphere LIT UP with opinions and nay-sayers who had a lot to say about the sticker shock. Which, understandably, could be warranted. 50% is A LOT all at once, and immediately upon the New Year…
However, as someone who has been using HoneyBook for quite a while and is deeply familiar with its functionality and value, I want to offer a perspective that highlights why this increase might not be as bad as it seems—and may even be a move that benefits the small business community in the long run.
First off, let’s talk about the scale of the price increase: 50%. That’s a big jump, especially when small businesses are already struggling to balance their books. Many users of HoneyBook—like freelancers, photographers, and other service providers—have been paying a reasonable monthly or annual subscription fee that, up until now, has been relatively affordable given all the tools and features the platform offers.
It’s important to note, though, that this is the first-ever price increase for HoneyBook since its launch. In a time where even the smallest service providers have seen their software subscriptions rise in response to inflation and market trends, the fact that HoneyBook has held its prices steady for so long is, to me, worth acknowledging. We’ve lived through countless price hikes across industries in recent years, but HoneyBook has been able to absorb those costs without passing them on to users for a decade.
So, this price increase, while significant, is not coming out of nowhere. It’s a sign that HoneyBook is investing in its future, and by extension, investing in the small businesses that rely on it.
I get it! I’ve been there before and am actually back there now- starting out can be very intimidating when it comes to understanding operating costs. For many small business owners, especially those just starting out, every dollar counts.
A 50% increase in the cost of software that you rely on for business management isn’t something that can be ignored. For freelancers and entrepreneurs who are already struggling to keep their overhead low, this increase feels like a direct hit to the budget. Or an arrow to the heart, amiright?
However, it’s important to look beyond the price tag and consider what HoneyBook is actually offering with this increase. For starters, the platform has expanded tremendously over the years, adding new features, integrations, and even AI tools that streamline workflows and automate processes in ways that other CRMs simply can’t match. I’d argue that HoneyBook’s features and upgraded tools can save entrepreneurs upwards of 30 hours a year- SAY WHAT!?
As a business owner, I can personally attest to how much time these tools save, allowing me to focus on what truly matters—growing my business and serving my clients. The new Meeting Assistant is like hiring my own VA or secretary. The fact that I get support from the software that would otherwise cost a full-time salaried employee, is HUGE. Not to mention the new integrations with a TON of other platforms I use daily such as Canva, ShowIt, and Quickbooks… the efficiency and effectivnees of this software is pretty [freaking] impressive.
In many ways, the new pricing structure reflects not just inflation but also the immense value that HoneyBook continues to deliver. We all know customer expectations are higher than ever, and HoneyBook has continued to improve its offering in order to provide tools that genuinely help small business owners compete with larger enterprises.
Let’s take a moment to think about what other CRM platforms typically charge. The prices of most CRMs can range anywhere from $300 a year to upwards of five figures annually. These platforms often provide some project management and client communication features, but they don’t offer the all-in-one suite that HoneyBook does. From invoicing and contracts to email templates, calendar syncing, and client portals—HoneyBook offers a comprehensive suite that allows business owners to manage everything in one place.
I don’t know about you, but if I can go to one place to get everything I need at once, I’m there!!
The new pricing still puts HoneyBook in the “middle ground” compared to other CRMs, offering unparalleled value for what it delivers. When you factor in how much time and effort the platform saves through automation, the personalized client experience it creates, and the robust AI tools integrated into the platform, it becomes clear that the pricing, even after the increase, is a bargain for small business owners.
Consider this: If you were to pay for all of the separate tools you need to run your business—think email marketing, invoicing software, project management tools, client portals, and so on—the cost could easily exceed what HoneyBook charges now, even after the price hike. This holistic approach to business management is part of what makes HoneyBook stand out to me.
I’ll be honest: I hate the idea of spending more money on anything right now. I am with most small business owners and feeling a bit overwhelmed with inflation and other costs accumulating. It is tax season, after all….
But… While it sucks to know yet another thing we use everyday is increasing with price, I’m not TERRIBLY upset. Here’s why:
First, as I mentioned earlier, this is the first price increase HoneyBook has implemented since it launched. Given the rise in costs for businesses to operate, the fact that HoneyBook hasn’t raised its prices until now shows they’ve been extremely considerate of their users’ financial constraints.
Second, the value proposition remains incredibly strong. With the rise of AI tools and automation, HoneyBook has set itself apart by integrating cutting-edge technology into its platform. The ability to automate proposals, contracts, and payments, along with the efficiency gained through AI-driven suggestions, is not something that’s easy to find in a CRM at this price point. Many competitors charge a lot more for far less.
Lastly, for me, HoneyBook isn’t just about managing clients—it’s about growing my business and doing it with personlized flair. The efficiency gains, client experience improvements, and time saved are all investments that allow me to be more productive and ultimately make more money in the long run. If the price increase helps HoneyBook continue to improve its platform and innovate, I’m all for it.
As with any price increase, there will be users who are hit hardest by this change. Small business owners operating on small budgets, especially those just starting out, might struggle to justify the higher cost, particularly if they are already using other tools to supplement HoneyBook’s offering.
However, it’s important to remember that HoneyBook’s value is far greater than the cost of the subscription. Even at a higher price point, the tools provided help users save time and operate more efficiently, which often translates to increased revenue. The long-term value often outweighs the short-term cost.
In my opinion, HoneyBook is still a fantastic investment for small business owners. Yes, the price increase is notable, but it’s also reflective of the value and innovation the platform continues to provide. When you compare HoneyBook’s features to what you would pay for other CRMs, the new price point remains competitive.
For small businesses looking to streamline their operations, create a professional client experience, and leverage AI-driven tools to improve productivity, HoneyBook remains a top choice. This price increase, while impactful, is a reflection of the company’s commitment to keeping its platform at the forefront of technology and offering its users the best tools for success.
Ultimately, if you’re worried about the price increase, I’d encourage you to weigh the investment against the value you’re getting. For some, it may not be the right choice! Maybe you don’t need all the enhancements and resources- then downgrading to another, more cost-effective platform maye be the best route! But for many, even with the price hike, HoneyBook is worth it.
If you’re new to HoneyBook and are looking to get started, here’s my referral code for 30% off your first year (everyone gets one to share with their people if they have an account)!
