1Password Introduces $2.99/Month Plan for Individuals, With 6 Months Free at Sign-Up [Updated]

[ck2875]

I don't see this as a PR disaster. The buy once option still exists. The subscription is just another option.

I think the big hullabaloo is that they raised the price of the "buy once" version from $35 to $65 and it's no longer offered as a "standalone purchase" based on OS.

That is, you can no longer buy only a version for Mac if you only need a version for Mac, but instead you're required to buy the Mac + Windows bundled license. Yes, you can still buy the license without the monthly subscription, but it's now almost double the price to buy it.

So the 185.71% increase in price ($35 x 1.8571 = $65) for the "buy once" option is the part for which people aren't happy.

Also, there is no indication that you actually receive a copy for Windows when you buy from the Mac App Store. Yet, it still costs the same $65 as the Mac + Windows license from AgileBits' store.

 

[horsebattery]

I think the big hullabaloo is that they raised the price of the "buy once" version from $35 to $65 and it's no longer offered as a "standalone purchase" based on OS.

That is, you can no longer buy only a version for Mac if you only need a version for Mac, but instead you're required to buy the Mac + Windows bundled license. Yes, you can still buy the license without the monthly subscription, but it's now almost double the price to buy it.

So the 185.71% increase in price ($35 x 1.8571 = $65) for the "buy once" option is the part for which people aren't happy.

Also, there is no indication that you actually receive a copy for Windows when you buy from the Mac App Store. Yet, it still costs the same $65 as the Mac + Windows license from AgileBits' store.

I want to say that last part might be due to Apple's developer guidelines' stance on mentioning non-Apple platforms in an app's descriptions, which in the past was enforced in a seemingly arbitrary way.

 

[bwoodruff]

I think the big hullabaloo is that they raised the price of the "buy once" version from $35 to $65 and it's no longer offered as a "standalone purchase" based on OS.

That is, you can no longer buy only a version for Mac if you only need a version for Mac, but instead you're required to buy the Mac + Windows bundled license. Yes, you can still buy the license without the monthly subscription, but it's now almost double the price to buy it.

So the 185.71% increase in price ($35 x 1.8571 = $65) for the "buy once" option is the part for which people aren't happy.

Also, there is no indication that you actually receive a copy for Windows when you buy from the Mac App Store. Yet, it still costs the same $65 as the Mac + Windows license from AgileBits' store.

The price of a 1Password 6 for Mac license before the combination was $49.99, not $35. So for an extra $15 you get both platforms. Before the combination a Mac+Windows license was $69.99. So in that respect the price has gone down. But yes, I understand not everyone needs or wants both platforms. I think one of our community moderators on the AgileBits forums, danco, said it best here.

I'll pass the feedback about the App Store along to our team. I know Apple can be pretty picky about what is said about things from outside the App Store there, but I'll let them know you'd like to see mention that the Windows product is also available for download.

Edit: Yes, what horsebattery said.

--
Ben Woodruff
Positive Experience Architect
AgileBits

 

[Easttime]

Honestly, it's a password service. $65 on App Store or $3 a month is too high. It's just for passwords.

It nicely organizes, secures and syncs a lot more than passwords. Insurance and bank info, identitities, notes, computer setup data, procedure notes, tons more stuff. Much more than merely a password manager.
[doublepost=1470361426][/doublepost]Drew and Ben: greatly appreciate you hanging in here to explain this rollout and take questions. I like AB's customer service. After watching this thread and weighing the options, I'm going to try the subscription service. The six months free works for me.

 

[bwoodruff]

It nicely organizes, secures and syncs a lot more than passwords. Insurance and bank info, identitities, notes, computer setup data, procedure notes, tons more stuff. Much more than merely a password manager.
[doublepost=1470361426][/doublepost]Drew and Ben: greatly appreciate you hanging in here to explain this rollout and take questions. I like AB's customer service. After watching this thread and weighing the options, I'm going to try the subscription service. The six months free works for me.

Thanks for saying so! I've really enjoyed the interaction here (both the positive and the negative). I've had an account here for a bit over a year, but I haven't been very active. May have to check in more frequently.

Ben

 

[amro]

I have been following this thread closely but had to sign up just to respond to this...



Are you serious? What?? No. You paid for a thing. You've been using that thing from when you bought it until now. That is what you paid for. You didn't pay for any new thing this company comes out with. You bought and have been using the thing that you bought. That has nothing to do with this new thing. Where does this whole paying double until November come from?

And no their blog does not say that. I've been following their blog closely as well. I also participate regularly on their forums and as a beta tester. They've still been making improvements for license holders all along, though their subscription services have actually been available to businesses and families for some time now. So far they've given me no reason to doubt what they say.



You think the service is worth the asking price but won't use it because you don't get a better deal than the next guy? And you think you are entitled to that because you've purchased something from them previously? That logic is pretty crazy.

You don't pay more than anyone else. You pay exactly the same as everyone else. And they are giving people 6 months free... I don't know how you can possibly complain about that.

As a software developer myself I understand some of the challenges AgileBits is facing here... they alluded to it in a previous post. Google and Apple don't let developers know who are buying their apps. The only way to do what you are proposing would be to have everyone manually email in receipts from their purchases. Most people don't keep those for very long. And then they'd be faced with processing thousands and thousands of emails by hand. I think instead of going through that frustration for both them and us customers they are very generous to offer 6 months free.

For me personally I've been using 1Password since v2 when it was called 1Passwd and was only available on Mac. I don't see the appeal of the subscription service so I won't be subscribing. I like having control of where my data is stored. But I'll certainly be buying a license upgrade when it comes along. AgileBits has always been very receptive to feature requests and bug reports and for that I applaud them. I know how hard it can be to keep up with that. So, kudos guys. Keep up the good work.

From David Teare himself
"We’re still selling licenses and we will continue to update the apps for everyone. The only caveat is some of the new features rely on our hosted service and those won’t be available."

Over time, the "hosted service" will get the new features. As I stated, I paid for a thing back in November of 2015. $70 was quite a bit. I'm simply doing math. If I take $70 and divide by $3, that comes out to 23 months which means I'll switch over to the hosted service then. But, by that time the free 6 months will be done. And that Nov. payment was my second payment as I had paid for the older one. And what of the people who bought the package a week or a day before this, but would rather the hosted service option?

Other companies do offer special deals for their loyal customers. I'm simply questioning why they didn't do that. I don't think you read my entire post. As I stated, I actually read the white pages and feel the $3/month is with it. I love the product. However, I have the right to ask a question.

 

[bwoodruff]

From David Teare himself
"We’re still selling licenses and we will continue to update the apps for everyone. The only caveat is some of the new features rely on our hosted service and those won’t be available."

Some new features will be exclusive to the subscription option, yes, but not all. We've continuously been improving the apps, which benefits both license holders and subscribers alike. You can see the improvements we've been making here:
https://app-updates.agilebits.com
Click the "full changelog" link for the product you want to read about.

For 1Password 6.3.1 for Mac for example there are 10 items listed as improvements. Only 1 of those applies exclusively to subscription customers.

We've had subscription services (1Password Teams) since... November of 2015, I think? But we've been making improvements that benefit license holders all along.

And what of the people who bought the package a week or a day before this, but would rather the hosted service option?

We have a 30 day money back guarantee for licenses sold directly by us.

Other companies do offer special deals for their loyal customers.

So do we. 6 months of free service.

I'm simply questioning why they didn't do that. I don't think you read my entire post.

Why we didn't do something for one group of customers but nobody else? Well, for two main reasons, one of which shyguy2501 was spot on about:

1. We'd rather be generous to everybody than only to some.
2. It'd basically be impossible to do what you're asking. If we were the exclusive vendor of 1Password it wouldn't be a problem. It'd be a no-brainer. But with the Google Play Store, the iTunes App Store, and the Mac App Store, we aren't. And with iOS we can't be. We have to sell through Apple's store. iOS doesn't allow for apps sold anywhere else. And in order to get syncing via iCloud we have to sell through the Mac App Store. If we stopped selling there Apple would pull our ability to use iCloud. Why does this make things difficult? I can't speak for Google Play as I don't work on Android, but Apple gives us no information about the individuals that buy our apps from them. No names, no email addresses, no nothing. So we can't give those people a discount because we have no idea who they are. Could we ask those folks to try and dig out receipts from gosh who knows how long ago and email them to us? Yeah, I suppose. But isn't it just a lot easier and a lot better for customers to just give everyone the 6 months instead of going through that hastle? Not to mention the fact that processing all of those receipts and manually applying the promotion for each would slow customer service down to a near halt.

I hope that answers your question. If you'd like to discuss further please feel free to reach out to us directly. support at 1password dot com.

Ben

 

[gaanee]

If they are keeping 1Password standalone version then please also keep an option to buy only Windows or Mac or both versions as before.
People who want a single license to cover both OS will get it and so as people who want single OS license and don't own a 2nd OS computer.. buying a bundle is a waste for them. While trying to satisfy one group, you are completely ignoring the other (and most likely a majority) group by not giving an option for a single OS license.
I am sure many single OS customers will simply hold out for a better option.. and which was there before!!!

Ben

 

[drewcosten]

If they are keeping 1Password standalone version then please also keep an option to buy only Windows or Mac or both versions as before.
People who want a single license to cover both OS will get it and so as people who want single OS license and don't own a 2nd OS computer.. buying a bundle is a waste for them. While trying to satisfy one group, you are completely ignoring the other (and most likely a majority) group by not giving an option for a single OS license.
I am sure many single OS customers will simply hold out for a better option.. and which was there before!!!

Technically we now sell a desktop license for $64.99 USD, and the desktop license happens to work on both major platforms (if you buy the app from the Mac App Store after the date we raised the price - March 22, 2016 - you just need to email us and we'll help you get your 1Password for Windows license as well). We do take people's feedback seriously, though (the whole reason we created the new subscription service was because it was requested so frequently, after all), so while I can't promise anything, I'll certainly pass your feedback along to those who make such decisions.

 

[gaanee]

Many people use only on 1 platform either Windows or Mac and invest on apps for that platform. If I have a Windows laptop, I certainly wouldn't want to pay for a Mac license.
Earlier 1Password offered both options - either single OS license or both..so that was possible and nothing new.

Seems like by bundling 2 licenses you are forcing the customer to pay more upfront and there by making subscription model look appealing. What else would be the reason to take away an option?

I use 1Password and upgraded to the Pro version on iOS and very satisfied with it. But this sneaky practice of up-selling unnecessary license won't go down well.

Subscription model is a different thing, so let's not confuse it with bundling Windows and Mac license and up-selling.

Thanks for saying so! I've really enjoyed the interaction here (both the positive and the negative). I've had an account here for a bit over a year, but I haven't been very active. May have to check in more frequently.

Ben

Technically we now sell a desktop license for $64.99 USD, and the desktop license happens to work on both major platforms (if you buy the app from the Mac App Store after the date we raised the price - March 22, 2016 - you just need to email us and we'll help you get your 1Password for Windows license as well). We do take people's feedback seriously, though (the whole reason we created the new subscription service was because it was requested so frequently, after all), so while I can't promise anything, I'll certainly pass your feedback along to those who make such decisions.

 

[drewcosten]

Many people use only on 1 platform either Windows or Mac and invest on apps for that platform. If I have a Windows laptop, I certainly wouldn't want to pay for a Mac license.
Earlier 1Password offered both options - either single OS license or both..so that was possible and nothing new

As I said, it's not that you're being forced to buy an unneeded 1Password for Windows license or a 1Password for Mac license, it's that you're now buying a 1Password desktop license that happens to work on both Mac and Windows (it might seem like semantics, but that's how we decided to make desktop licenses work). As for the price increase, even when we sold the licenses for individual operating systems, we've raised the price for those more than once over the last decade too. Prices for things do often go up over time (you should see what I pay for the same groceries this year as opposed to 5 years ago), and that can include software.

That said, as I also mentioned, we'll still be passing your feedback along to those who make pricing decisions at AgileBits.

 

[Primejimbo]

From David Teare himself
"We’re still selling licenses and we will continue to update the apps for everyone. The only caveat is some of the new features rely on our hosted service and those won’t be available."

Over time, the "hosted service" will get the new features. As I stated, I paid for a thing back in November of 2015. $70 was quite a bit. I'm simply doing math. If I take $70 and divide by $3, that comes out to 23 months which means I'll switch over to the hosted service then. But, by that time the free 6 months will be done. And that Nov. payment was my second payment as I had paid for the older one. And what of the people who bought the package a week or a day before this, but would rather the hosted service option?

Other companies do offer special deals for their loyal customers. I'm simply questioning why they didn't do that. I don't think you read my entire post. As I stated, I actually read the white pages and feel the $3/month is with it. I love the product. However, I have the right to ask a question.

This is how I see it. There are going to be some limitations on the license version vs subscription due to the fact they (Agilebits) controls from point A to point Z, while they syncing on the license isn't at all by them.

I know for a fact they been updating the license stuff because I have been seeing it. Some have been very cool too!

 

[Max Portakabin]

The price of a 1Password 6 for Mac license before the combination was $49.99, not $35. So for an extra $15 you get both platforms. Before the combination a Mac+Windows license was $69.99. So in that respect the price has gone down. But yes, I understand not everyone needs or wants both platforms. I think one of our community moderators on the AgileBits forums, danco, said it best here.

I'll pass the feedback about the App Store along to our team. I know Apple can be pretty picky about what is said about things from outside the App Store there, but I'll let them know you'd like to see mention that the Windows product is also available for download.

Edit: Yes, what horsebattery said.

--
Ben Woodruff
Positive Experience Architect
AgileBits

Ok, even using your figures, it is STILL an almost 25% price increase. You are STILL seemingly unable to grasp that having Windows functionality provides ZERO VALUE to those who don't need it.

If you only have an iPhone and a Mac you are either:

Forced into subscription or, if you don't want to rent your software or store valuable data in the cloud

Forced into paying 25% extra for a standalone license, or

Find another vendor

Fortunately for you, there appears to be enough consumers on here for whom economics is not their strong point. Fortunately for my sanity, there appears to be enough people on here who are able to see through your sales guff and matey banter responses to spot your nickel-and-diming.

 

[gaanee]

Well....you can make that argument that now one license happen to work on both Mac and Windows only if the price was also for one license, but that's not true.

I am sure you know it well that you are now forcing customers to effectively pay for both versions even though the customer might need only one. Earlier there was an option to buy both licenses or just a single license as needed..now why this unnecessary bundling.

And please don't make a case for price increase, inflation. The issue here is that now the option for buying a single platform license is taken away.

Imagine if you go to buy MS Office or Adobe Photoshop and they tell you that they will only sell a license for both platforms and by the way it also costs more!!!!

Many people who work on a single platform will want to buy license for one platform only and if this bundling practice is not changed then they will simply explore alternative apps.

As I said, it's not that you're being forced to buy an unneeded 1Password for Windows license or a 1Password for Mac license, it's that you're now buying a 1Password desktop license that happens to work on both Mac and Windows (it might seem like semantics, but that's how we decided to make desktop licenses work). As for the price increase, even when we sold the licenses for individual operating systems, we've raised the price for those more than once over the last decade too. Prices for things do often go up over time (you should see what I pay for the same groceries this year as opposed to 5 years ago), and that can include software.

That said, as I also mentioned, we'll still be passing your feedback along to those who make pricing decisions at AgileBits.

 

[drewcosten]

Well....you can make that argument that now one license happen to work on both Mac and Windows only if the price was also for one license, but that's not true.

I am sure you know it well that you are now forcing customers to effectively pay for both versions even though the customer might need only one. Earlier there was an option to buy both licenses or just a single license as needed..now why this unnecessary bundling.

And please don't make a case for price increase, inflation. The issue here is that now the option for buying a single platform license is taken away.

Imagine if you go to buy MS Office or Adobe Photoshop and they tell you that they will only sell a license for both platforms and by the way it also costs more!!!!

Many people who work on a single platform will want to buy license for one platform only and if this bundling practice is not changed then they will simply explore alternative apps.

It's okay if people don't agree with the way we changed our licensing and pricing model. If the new model was a mistake, we'll discover as such as time goes on (we do keep a close eye on these things). And, of course, we'll continue to consider your feedback (and other people's feedback) on the topic as well. If you're looking for me to go adjust the pricing and licensing right now, though, that's not something I'm able do.

 

[mfvisuals]

So if I'm understanding the official AgileBits responses in this thread, I'm actually entitled to run 1Password on my Windows PC at no extra cost since I bought 1Password through the Mac App Store?

 

[bwoodruff]

So if I'm understanding the official AgileBits responses in this thread, I'm actually entitled to run 1Password on my Windows PC at no extra cost since I bought 1Password through the Mac App Store?

Yep! If you purchased on or after March 22nd, 2016 (when this change went into effect) please email us your receipt and we'll hook you up.

Ben

Edit: formatting

 

[AbSoluTc]

Just a little confused about something. Right now, syncing is done through iCloud across devices. Why is AgileBits changing that to it's own hosting? Seems counter intuitive. Also, the 1GB storage for documents, again if I have iCloud, that isn't a problem either.

Unless I am not getting how this all works.

 

[countryside]

It's okay if people don't agree with the way we changed our licensing and pricing model. If the new model was a mistake, we'll discover as such as time goes on (we do keep a close eye on these things). And, of course, we'll continue to consider your feedback (and other people's feedback) on the topic as well. If you're looking for me to go adjust the pricing and licensing right now, though, that's not something I'm able do.

I would like to let you know I agree with that man/woman. I do not run Windows or any other operating system other than macOS. I also would appreciate having a single license option.

 

[bwoodruff]

Hi @AbSoluTc

iCloud sync is still an option for standalone (non-subscription) vaults. The reason for the new offering with its own data storage is:

1) It simplifies the process. There is no longer a need to setup syncing with a 3rd party sync provider (iCloud or Dropbox). You simply sign into your 1Password account on your devices and all of your data is there.
2) It allows us to offer a web interface to access your data, which can be handy in a pinch.
3) It allows you to more easily share vaults, and have more granular permissions for them. And each vault no longer has its own Master Password that has to be remembered. You only need to remember one Master Password.

Thanks for the feedback, @ncbetz. We don't want folks to feel limited to a single platform, as many users are using multiple (i.e. a Mac at home but a PC at work, with an iPhone and an Android tablet). So we're trying this out. 1 license to rule them all. If it doesn't work out, we may reconsider, but we really like the idea of folks buying "1Password" instead of having to think about "1Password for Mac" and "1Password for Windows" and "1Password for iOS," etc.

--
Ben Woodruff
Positive Experience Architect
AgileBits

 

[countryside]

The choice to bundle Mac and Windows together was based on feedback and customer support requests from customers who were confused about what exactly it was that they needed to buy. It was seriously one of our top 3 customer support inflows for many many moons. To many the previous model probably seemed very straight forward, but to many more it did not. So now instead of a totally a la carte offering for the standalone apps we have a single license that covers both desktop platforms. The basic functionality on mobile is free.

Do you have any plans to offer one for just Mac (no windows), that would be slightly cheaper? I can personally say I will never use the Windows platform.
[doublepost=1470426185][/doublepost]

Thanks for the feedback, @countryside. We don't want folks to feel limited to a single platform, as many users are using multiple (i.e. a Mac at home but a PC at work, with an iPhone and an Android tablet). So we're trying this out. 1 license to rule them all. If it doesn't work out, we may reconsider, but we really like the idea of folks buying "1Password" instead of having to think about "1Password for Mac" and "1Password for Windows" and "1Password for iOS," etc.

Ah, I see.

 

[bwoodruff]

Do you have any plans to offer one for just Mac (no windows), that would be slightly cheaper? I can personally say I will never use the Windows platform.
[doublepost=1470426185][/doublepost]
Ah, I see.

Ben

 

[countryside]

Ben

Sorry. I posted that question before I saw you had replied to me. Thanks for all the help!

 

[bwoodruff]

No problem.

Ben

 

[gaanee]

For your information - many people actually stick to one platform and invest in buying software for that one alone. You don't buy MS Office license for both Windows and Mac if you are using either a PC or a Mac (Oh..and don't bring in Office 365 here, because we are talking about standalone installation not subscription).

If most people use one platform then why would they feel limited by having license only for that platform - charging for bundled license is unnecessary. If you don't see it now, your sales will reflect it soon.

Just give an option as before so that everyone will be happy - if you want single license buy just that, if you want bundle then get that.

The fact is you want to push subscription model and that's why you are making standalone license more expensive by bundling unnecessary stuff.

Hi @AbSoluTc

We don't want folks to feel limited to a single platform, as many users are using multiple (i.e. a Mac at home but a PC at work, with an iPhone and an Android tablet). So we're trying this out. 1 license to rule them all. If it doesn't work out, we may reconsider, but we really like the idea of folks buying "1Password" instead of having to think about "1Password for Mac" and "1Password for Windows" and "1Password for iOS," etc.

--
Ben Woodruff
Positive Experience Architect
AgileBits