Podcast Summary: The Heart & Hustle Podcast
Episode: 417: Honeybook Price Increase: Our Thoughts on the Drama
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman

Introduction to the Topic

In Episode 417 of The Heart & Hustle Podcast, hosts Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman dive deep into the controversy surrounding HoneyBook's recent price increase. Published on January 21, 2025, this episode dissects the backlash from the creative entrepreneur community and offers the hosts' nuanced perspectives on the matter.

Evie (00:36):
"We don't hold back at all. We are going to share our opinions."

Overview of HoneyBook and the Price Increase

The hosts begin by providing context about HoneyBook, a prominent CRM (Client Relationship Management) software widely used by creative entrepreneurs, especially in industries like photography, wedding planning, and floristry.

Lindsey (04:08):
"HoneyBook is a CRM, which is a client relations management software. It's how you send contracts, invoices, keep track of projects, communicate within the software."

In December 2024, HoneyBook announced a significant price hike for their services, increasing the Essentials package from $39/month to $59/month or $588/year, a nearly 50% jump.

Evie (05:14):
"The price increase went to $59 a month or the annual was $49 a month billed annually, $588 a year."

Community Reaction and Backlash

The announcement triggered a wave of negative responses from HoneyBook users. The hosts read and react to several disgruntled customer comments, highlighting frustrations over the abrupt increase and perceived corporate greed.

Lindsey (07:08):
"That's just a little slice."

Sample Comment (07:08):
"50% price increase... corporate greed at its finest."

Hosts' Perspectives on the Price Increase

Despite the backlash, Evie and Lindsey offer a balanced view. They acknowledge the frustration but caution against a herd mentality where users jump ship without fully assessing the value HoneyBook continues to provide.

Lindsey (11:10):
"I completely understand where you're coming from. I genuinely understand why this price increase was a shock."

Evie (13:54):
"As fellow small business owners who've used Honeybook since 2017."

Comparative Analysis with Competitors

The discussion shifts to comparing HoneyBook with other CRMs like Dubsado and Pixie Set. Lindsey shares her personal experience with Dubsado, citing usability issues and lack of robust features compared to HoneyBook.

Lindsey (21:55):
"I have such strong opinions against that one."

Lindsey (24:44):
"Honeybook is the best of what's on the market for the majority of business owners."

Evaluating the Value Proposition

Evie and Lindsey argue that the increased price reflects HoneyBook's enhanced features, including AI integrations and more streamlined workflows, which can save entrepreneurs significant time and effort.

Evie (20:17):
"I don't think their new prices are unreasonable."

Lindsey (35:31):
"They should have increased their pricing by 15, 20% this year and then next year by another 15% or something."

Critical Thinking vs. Emotional Response

A significant portion of the episode encourages listeners to approach the price hike with critical thinking rather than emotional outrage. The hosts suggest evaluating whether HoneyBook continues to deliver enough value to justify the new costs.

Evie (38:21):
"If you think $580 a year is too much for Honeybook to basically run the entire back end of your system, you are not using it to its fullest capacity."

Lindsey (41:23):
"If you're leaving because you feel this, like, warrior, like I'm gonna boycott Honeybook because they dared raise their price... that's when it gets me livid."

Strategic Recommendations for Listeners

The hosts provide actionable advice for listeners grappling with the decision to stay with HoneyBook or switch to alternative CRMs. They emphasize considering the time and resources required to transition versus the benefits HoneyBook continues to offer.

Evie (39:14):
"Are you really worth it? Are you all complaining about a $200 raise, which in theory it's 588 per year for the annual?"

Lindsey (40:05):
"Are you all complaining about a $200 raise... That's a lot of money."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Evie and Lindsey wrap up the episode by reiterating their support for HoneyBook's continued value despite the price increase. They encourage listeners to make informed decisions based on their specific business needs rather than succumbing to the prevailing negative sentiment.

Evie (58:54):
"Send us a DM. We love you, friend. We are truly here to see you succeed in your business, whether it's with Honeybook or not."

Lindsey (59:27):
"We're here for critical thinking and for thinking logically before rage joining a mob."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Evie (00:36):
  "We don't hold back at all. We are going to share our opinions."

• Lindsey (04:08):
  "HoneyBook is a CRM, which is a client relations management software. It's how you send contracts, invoices, keep track of projects, communicate within the software."

• Evie (05:14):
  "The price increase went to $59 a month or the annual was $49 a month billed annually, $588 a year."

• Lindsey (07:08):
  "That's just a little slice."

• Lindsey (11:10):
  "I completely understand where you're coming from. I genuinely understand why this price increase was a shock."

• Lindsey (21:55):
  "I have such strong opinions against that one."

• Evie (20:17):
  "I don't think their new prices are unreasonable."

• Evie (38:21):
  "If you think $580 a year is too much for Honeybook to basically run the entire back end of your system, you are not using it to its fullest capacity."

• Lindsey (40:05):
  "Are you all complaining about a $200 raise... That's a lot of money."

• Evie (58:54):
  "Send us a DM. We love you, friend. We are truly here to see you succeed in your business, whether it's with Honeybook or not."

Final Takeaway

Episode 417 serves as both a reflection and a guide for creative entrepreneurs facing similar challenges with service providers. Evie and Lindsey advocate for balanced judgment and strategic decision-making, urging listeners to weigh the pros and cons thoughtfully before reacting to significant changes like HoneyBook's price hike.

For more insights and actionable tips, tune into The Heart & Hustle Podcast every Tuesday and Thursday.