How To Get 40+% Discounts on Airbase Contracts
- Ibiso David-West
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Airbase is a powerful spend management platform, but like many SaaS vendors, the real complexity isn’t obvious at first glance. Beyond standard pricing tiers, most companies overlook how Airbase structures its contracts to protect margins, from automatic uplifts to hidden module dependencies, all of which can quietly inflate software prices and leave you paying far more than you should.
The Hidden Mechanics of Airbase Contracts
1. Bundled Licenses That Limit Flexibility
Airbase often bundles core functionality with premium features under “enterprise packages.” On paper, it seems like a convenient all-in-one solution. In reality, these bundles force companies to pay for add-ons they may never use. Vendors rely on the fact that most teams don’t audit usage before renewal.
2. Uplift Triggers You Can’t See
Automatic price increases aren’t always flat annual percentages. Airbase sometimes implements tiered uplifts based on usage metrics or even inactive licenses, which rarely appear in your main contract language. Most companies simply assume the renewal price will be similar to the previous term, a costly assumption.
3. Renewal Windows With Built-In Pressure
Airbase sets opt-out deadlines that are tight and sometimes buried in documentation. Missing these windows kills your leverage. The best buyers know exactly how to time negotiation outreach with Airbase to get the best deal.
4. Hidden Dependencies Between Modules
Some modules appear optional but are technically required for core functionality. For example, advanced reporting or compliance tools may be tied to premium plans, making downgrades tricky. Recognizing these dependencies early is critical for negotiating realistic reductions.
5. Internal Benchmarks Vendors Don’t Share
Vendors have internal thresholds for discounts or concessions that aren’t public. Most teams have no idea what flexibility exists. Wyn uses knowledge from former Airbase sales leaders to pinpoint where concessions are possible, how to escalate to the right decision-maker without jeopardizing the relationship.
Best Practices With an Insider Lens
Most advice online is generic, “check usage, start early and negotiate”, but the real best practices are far more specific to each software vendor.
Airbase is not a business-critical piece of software and now lives in a very crowded market. This means you can get huge discounts on renewal if you’re ambitious enough. Give yourself plenty of time ahead of renewal (as long as you’d need to migrate to alternatives - in theory) and don’t be afraid to ask for 50%+ off. You may be surprised at how easily your Airbase sales rep drops their prices.
How Wyn Negotiated a 47% Reduction on Airbase for a Client
Wyn helped a client reduce their Airbase renewal by 47% without removing any licenses. Wyn’s team of former Airbase sales leaders used a custom negotiation strategy that leveraged the competitive vendor landscape to drop the price almost in half.
If you use Airbase and want to get it for half the price, book a call with Wyn today. Remember, Wyn’s model is “no savings, no fee,” so if we don’t deliver additional savings, you won’t owe us anything.
