Your software just raised its price. Do this next.

The email arrives: "We're updating our pricing." You have until renewal to decide. Work through this list before you pay the new price.

1. Find the real increase. Work out your new yearly cost (seats × new price × 12, plus add-ons) and the difference from last year.
2. Check your renewal date. That's your deadline. Put it in your calendar a week early.
3. Look for a grandfather clause. Some vendors keep existing customers on the old price for a while. Check the fine print.
4. Remove unused seats before renewal, so you don't pay the new price for people who've left.
5. Ask for a discount. Reply and ask to keep your current price, or for a discount on a yearly plan. Vendors often say yes to keep a customer.
6. Check if a lower plan works. The hike may come with features you don't need.
7. Price out a twin. Look up the tool and see which cheaper options do the same job.
8. Export your data now. Even if you stay, have a copy.
9. Decide one week before renewal. Stay, downgrade or switch. Don't let it renew by default.