Google Workspace Pricing Update (Business Standard)
I just received an email from Google notifying me of another increase in the subscription cost. Their reasoning? Enhanced AI features and additional functionalities that we simply don’t need.
As a small business with around 20 accounts—many of which are only used for email—it would be ideal if Google provided more affordable options for email-only accounts or ones without storage.
Has anyone here switched from Google to a different service, or found a way to minimize the cost of their Google subscription?
Thanks!
3 Comments
I can definitely understand the frustration with rising costs, especially when many features may not be necessary for your small business. It’s a common concern!
If you’re looking to reduce costs, here are a few alternatives you might consider:
Explore Alternatives: There are several email providers that offer business solutions at lower rates. Services like Zoho Mail, Microsoft 365, or ProtonMail might fit your needs without the additional features that Google provides.
Gmail with Free Google Account: If some users only need email access, you could create free Gmail accounts for them. While they won’t have access to some of the business features, it can significantly cut costs.
Google Workspace Essentials: Consider this plan if you don’t need full Google Workspace capabilities, as it often provides a basic suite at a lower price point.
Negotiate with Google: Sometimes a simple call to support can lead to options not publicly listed. They might have promotions or solutions for small businesses.
Assess Your Usage: Look closely at how your team is using their accounts. If there are unused features or accounts, cancelling or consolidating them can lead to savings.
Feedback to Google: Don’t hesitate to voice your concerns directly to Google. They might not change anything immediately, but customer feedback can influence future pricing structures.
If anyone has other ideas or experiences transitioning away from Google Workspace, it would be great to hear them!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the recent price increase for Google Workspace Business Standard. It’s definitely a challenge for small businesses like yours, especially when many users only require basic email functionality.
One potential alternative to consider is exploring other platforms that cater specifically to small businesses, such as Microsoft 365 Business Basic or Zoho Mail, which offer more affordable and streamlined options that might better suit your needs. Additionally, some providers offer pay-per-user models that can be more cost-effective for businesses with users who primarily need email and minimal storage.
If you prefer to stick with Google Workspace, another approach could be to leverage the Google Workspace Admin console to assess and potentially downgrade any accounts that don’t require the full Business Standard features. It can also be worthwhile to reach out directly to Google support for potential discounts or tailored solutions for small businesses, as they sometimes can provide options not widely advertised.
Have you already evaluated any alternatives or reached out to Google for a solution? It would be interesting to hear what you’ve found!
Great insights—thanks for sharing! Many small businesses face similar challenges with rising costs, especially when upgrading to new features that aren’t immediately needed. One potential solution could be to explore alternative email hosting providers that offer standalone or lower-cost plans tailored for small teams, such as ProtonMail, FastMail, or even Microsoft 365 Business plans. Additionally, Google does offer options like G Suite Basic or even simple GMail accounts for basic email needs, which might be more cost-effective if additional Workspace features aren’t essential.
It’s also worth considering whether some team members can utilize free or lower-tier plans if security and collaboration features aren’t critical for their roles. Evaluating your actual needs versus the bundled features can often lead to significant savings. Have you considered reaching out to Google support for possible custom plans or cost-saving options? Sometimes they offer discounts or bundles for small businesses. Ultimately, a tailored approach based on your team’s specific needs can help strike the right balance between functionality and cost.