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Renewing your Salesforce contract? Yeah, we know, it can be stressful. That big, looming decision about how much you’ll need to spend for the next year. But the truth is, with a bit of strategy and smart planning, you can turn that licensing budget into a significant return on investment. Think of it as not just covering the cost of your CRM but using it to enhance productivity and truly capitalize on your customer data.

So, what’s changed in the world of Salesforce licenses, and what do you need to do about it? Our Technical Lead, Michael, summed it up for you.

What you need to know about Salesforce License costs

If you’re a current Salesforce user, you may already know that pricing was adjusted recently. As of August 2023, here’s what the new list pricing looks like:

→ Professional Edition: $80 (up by $5)
→ Enterprise Edition: $165 (up by $15)
→ Unlimited Edition: $330 (up by $30)

These increases apply globally, so expect similar bumps in other currencies. These aren’t just limited to CRM licenses either, Salesforce has applied similar adjustments across their ecosystem, including products like Marketing Cloud, Account Engagement, Tableau, and CRM Analytics. But don't worry; there are ways to ensure you're getting your money's worth.

License Strategies That Save Money

Let’s talk strategy. If you’re renewing, here are some moves to keep your budget lean while maximizing value.

1. Utilize base Licenses
Not every team member needs full access to every Salesforce feature. That’s where base licenses like Salesforce Platform and Chatter Free come into play. Users with these licenses can still interact with custom objects and user objects as needed, without the full feature set of a standard Salesforce license. You’re essentially paying for exactly what they need—no more, no less.

2. Plan for growth
Are you planning to grow? Great! Use those projections to negotiate your contract. Locking in additional licenses now, at the current price, could save you from bigger increases down the road. Forecast your future needs and use that as leverage to get a better deal.

3. Leverage additional products
Don’t just think about licenses. Other Salesforce products, like Marketing Cloud or CRM Analytics, can be bundled into your contract at a better rate. Also, check with other departments to see if there’s synergy between what they need and the products you're using. Bundling might just be the key to unlocking better prices.

Navigating usage-based products

Several Salesforce products charge based on how much you use them, making it essential to keep track of your usage patterns. This is especially important when negotiating your contract. Here are a few examples of usage-based products to consider:

→ Email Marketing: Depending on the tier you choose, there are limits to how many emails you can send. Running small tests before committing to an upgrade can help you avoid paying for capacity you don’t need.
→ Experience Cloud User Login: This license type allows you to pay only for active users in your portal, making it easier to manage costs even if your total user base is large.
→ Survey Response Pack: Only pay for responses, making it a great option for businesses looking to experiment with customer feedback without overcommitting.
→ eCommerce: Depending on your eCommerce needs, Salesforce lets you pay based on your gross margin or the number of completed orders, giving you flexibility in managing costs.

Don’t leave money on the table

Ultimately, renewing your Salesforce license doesn’t have to be a hassle, or worse, a budget-breaker. With a thoughtful approach, you can get more out of your investment, enhance productivity, and ensure your CRM delivers ROI for your business. 

Need help navigating these decisions or want to ensure you’re not overpaying? Contact us today, our Salesforce Consultants are experts at helping companies like yours get the most out of their Salesforce setup.