Why Transparent Pricing Matters for Governance Tools

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Olivia Lee
Board Governance Expert
5 min read

Choosing the right governance tools for your organization is a critical decision. Not only do you need to find a solution that meets your needs in terms of features and functionality, but you also need to consider the cost. Unfortunately, the pricing of many enterprise-grade governance tools is often opaque, requiring you to contact sales for a custom quote. This lack of transparency can be frustrating and make it difficult to compare different options.

Here's why transparent pricing matters, especially for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):

1. Budget Predictability:

Transparent pricing allows you to accurately budget for your governance software expenses. You know exactly what you'll be paying upfront, without any hidden fees or surprise costs. This is crucial for startups and SMEs that need to manage their resources carefully.

2. Easier Comparison Shopping:

When vendors are upfront about their pricing, it's much easier to compare different solutions and determine which one offers the best value for your money. You can directly compare features and costs without having to go through a lengthy sales process for each option.

3. Faster Decision-Making:

Transparent pricing eliminates the need for back-and-forth negotiations with sales representatives, speeding up the decision-making process. You can quickly evaluate your options and choose a solution that fits your budget and needs.

4. Trust and Fairness:

Transparent pricing fosters trust between vendors and customers. It demonstrates that the vendor is confident in the value of their product and is not trying to hide anything. It also ensures that all customers are treated fairly, regardless of their size or negotiating power.

5. Scalability and Growth:

Transparent pricing often comes with clear tiers or packages, making it easier to understand how the cost will scale as your organization grows and your needs evolve. This allows you to choose a solution that can grow with you.

The Problem with "Contact Sales for Pricing"

Many governance software vendors, particularly those targeting large enterprises, hide their pricing behind a "contact sales" wall. This practice can be a major obstacle for startups and SMEs for several reasons:

  • Time-Consuming: It requires you to engage in a sales process just to get basic pricing information.
  • Negotiation Required: The final price may depend on your negotiating skills, potentially leading to unfair disparities between customers.
  • Hidden Fees: There may be hidden fees or add-on costs that are not disclosed upfront.
  • Difficult Budgeting: It makes it hard to accurately budget for your software expenses.

Committed to Transparent Pricing

Boardly believes in transparent pricing. We offer clear, upfront pricing plans that are designed to be accessible to startups and SMEs. You can see exactly what you'll pay and what features are included in each plan, with no hidden fees or surprises. We believe that this approach builds trust and allows our customers to make informed decisions based on their specific needs and budget. Boardly's pricing is simple - USD39 per user per month, and the first user is free.

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Olivia Lee
Senior Risk Manager
Former PWC and EY
Syney, London, New York