Harvest invoicing software users face price hikes up to 1500% after Bending Spoons acquisition

Significant Price Increases Reported

Customers of Harvest, a popular timesheet and invoicing application, are reporting substantial price increases, with some experiencing hikes of up to 1500%. Richard Haldenby, head of UK consultancy firm Salentis, stated his monthly bill rose from $130 to $2,110. Similar reports from other users, including one in the US whose annual charge increased from $2,800 to $23,000, indicate a widespread issue.

Acquisition and Pricing Model Shift

The price changes follow Harvest's acquisition by Italian tech company Bending Spoons in 2025, with a new pricing structure implemented the following year. Many businesses that pay annually are only now becoming aware of these increases as their renewal dates approach. Previously, Harvest charged a flat monthly fee per user, allowing businesses to adjust user counts as needed.

New Usage-Based Pricing Structure

Under the revised model, businesses are charged based on the number of active projects, clients, and tasks, as well as the amount of revenue invoiced through the platform. This contrasts with the previous per-user model, which offered more predictable costs. Haldenby noted that accepting the increase would double his company's IT spending, making it unaffordable.

Customer Reactions and Industry Impact

The move has generated criticism online, with an analyst calling it "extremely bad practice." Mark Peacock, head of PriceMaker, a UK consultancy specializing in pricing strategy for SMEs, highlighted a lack of transparency, stating customers cannot determine their costs until they receive their monthly bill. Many users are now considering migrating to alternative services due to the unexpected and significant cost escalation.