Zoho is a cloud-based software that provides a suite of applications to help businesses manage their operations more efficiently. The company was founded in 1996 in India, and today it has grown to become a global leader in business software, serving millions of customers in over 180 countries.
Zoho’s suite of applications includes tools for time tracking, customer relationship management (CRM), human resources (HR), and more. The applications are user-friendly and accessible, with 24/7 customer support and integrations to help businesses.
But while this powerhouse of a software offers some great features, it’s necessary to take a deeper look into the software’s pricing. In this article, I highlight five key elements that businesses should consider before opting for Zoho.
How Much Does Zoho Cost?
Zoho has several software options suitable for time tracking and attendance management, the most prominent being Zoho Projects, Zoho Shifts, and Zoho People.
Zoho offers a well-structured pricing model across its People, Projects, and Shifts applications, designed to support businesses as they grow. Each product has either free or lower priced starter packages with essential features, and progressively introduces more advanced capabilities.
Zoho People
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Zoho Projects
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Zoho Shifts
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5 Things You Need to Know About Zoho’s Pricing
1. Hidden fees
Zoho has been slammed online for alleged hidden fees and charges; however, this has been addressed more recently. Zoho prides itself on ensuring there are no hidden charges, allowing users to implement their products with the comfort that there will be no surprises at the end of the billing month.
2. Limited features on lower pricing tiers
Zoho offers a range of pricing tiers to suit businesses of different sizes and requirements.
While Zoho’s lower pricing tiers are solid enough for small businesses with limited HR management needs, its higher pricing tiers are still extremely affordable for larger organizations or those with more complex requirements when compared to competitors.
Also, Zoho HR offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.
3. Difficulty in canceling or changing plans
Regrettably, there are some difficulties in canceling or changing plans with Zoho. In some cases, users have reported that Zoho still charges businesses for services they no longer use, and even after following instructions provided by Zoho’s support team, businesses struggle to cancel their subscriptions.
To avoid these issues, I’d suggest you carefully review Zoho’s pricing and subscription terms before signing up for any of their services.
4. Flexible contracts
Zoho maintains flexibility by having no long-term contracts or commitments. Zoho provides businesses with the freedom to upgrade or downgrade their plan as needed. Customers can choose to pay monthly or annually, with discounts available for annual billing.
5. Zoho does not offer refunds
Zoho has a strict no-refund policy – unless a billing error on their end occurs. This means if you change your mind after paying, you likely won’t get your money back. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully evaluate whether Zoho aligns with your requirements before committing to a subscription.
Is Zoho Worth It?
Zoho offers a robust and feature-rich suite of business tools with flexible pricing designed to accommodate companies of all sizes. Its scalability, integration across apps, and user-friendly design make it an attractive option – especially for growing businesses.
However, like any software investment, it’s essential to go beyond surface-level pricing and understand the fine print. From potential hidden fees to limited features in lower tiers and a strict no-refund policy, Zoho’s pricing model comes with considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Before committing, take the time to assess your business needs, trial the platform, and review subscription terms carefully. Doing so will help you make an informed decision and ensure Zoho is the right fit for your team.
If you’re still unsure if Zoho is the right option for your business or not, take a look at my Honest Review: Zoho where I give my final verdict on the software.
