New SaaS Business Model: Free vs. "Fremium" vs. Subscription Only

[mojorisin]

Hi All. I am investing into an app for financial management to solve my own problem. Shared with a few friends, who starting using it as a beta test for me.

Now that the model is working to my satisfaction, and my test groups, I'm a couple months away from a formal "launch" (still have a bit of refinement to do).

This is a financial tool SaaS business that is designed around a monthly subscription.

I'm investing ~$10K into the business with $500 monthly run costs (including developers). I do not need to recoup the investment anytime soon, nor need any immediate income from the business. This is a side hustle, with my dream to grow over time to replace my 9 to 5 income.

My objective is either 1) Flip the site for a profit 3 to 5 years down the road or 2) Run the site using the monthly subscriptions as income

So the question to you all is what type of user pricing model to use.

1. Free. I start with a fully free model, ideally ramp up subscribers quickly for 1 to 2 years. Then flip to a paid model down the road.
2. Freemium. Use the core tools for free (bronze) then offer premium services for a fee (gold)
3. Full Subscription Only. To use any of the tools you must be a monthly subscriber. Bronze is $15 monthly vs. Gold $30 monthly

I figure many of you have experience and words of wisdom. I'm sure there are details I'm not considering, so be nice my focus right now is on a quality product. Then launch, and iterate based on what the market is telling me.

Thanks.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

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[doster.zach]

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o.i. Huuhmi Fsowi howoph gsii tvusehi vjev updi zua jov vji monov ov't nusi qeopgam vu nuwi iwiszvjoph vjep ov ot vu qez ep iyvse 5 cadlt e nupvj.

 

[AnasHarn]

Jisi ot nz quopv ug woix :
-Gsii nufim : +++ pc ug atist, --- siwipait, vji fez zua gmoq vu e qezoph nufim, zua nez muuti e muv ug atist, epf nezci vjios vsatv
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[mojorisin]

Emm, eqqsidoevi vji optohjvt. Zit, vji eqq ot "tvodlz".

Gsiinoan emtu emmuxt ni vu evvinqv vu timm "eff up" tiswodit vu vji pup qezoph hsuaq.