The nonprofit space is inundated with predatory software companies.
One of my clients is coming to the end of a five-year contract. (The fact that a software company even offers a 5-year contract is a HUGE red flag.)
The software no longer matches their needs, and they are migrating to something new. To help ease the transition, they asked to move to a month-to-month plan.
The company said no. If the nonprofit wants to keep access to their data, they will have to renew for an entire year for their entire user base.
Instead of renewing, Honeystack will help them move all their data and make the leap in less than 90 days. And I can’t wait. Most of the time, I’m motivated by generosity and kindness, but in this case, I’ve found a new gear. I’m running on pure SPITE. This software company deserves exactly zero more dollars from nonprofits, and I’m stoked to be a small part of the exodus.
If you are buying new software, here are a few values you might bring to the process:
We are renters on month-to-month leases.
There is no software in the world that can persuade me it will still be relevant five years from now. (For reference, ChatGPT was released to the public 4 years ago. Think of how much has changed.) We rent software. And we swap it out as soon as it stops working for us.
If software has “call for pricing” on their website, RUN AWAY. (My client had to call and ask about the renewal.) Software is one of the most abundant, inexpensive resources on the planet, and it’s only becoming more so. Transparent pricing is non-negotiable.
Just because software says it “serves” nonprofits does not make it so. Start by getting really specific about your process and then find the right tool for the job. It could be that you need bespoke nonprofit tools. If they have transparent pricing and a month-to-month option, go for it. But if you have to get on the phone to buy, they are trying to lock you into a long-term contract.
It makes me mad when software companies mistreat nonprofits. But I love when I get to help my clients jump ship. :)
Until next week,
Ted