Contract management
without the fine print.
Ironic, isn’t it? Companies selling contract management solutions with contracts full of hidden fees and escalating costs. We prefer practicing what we preach.
What is Contract Management Software Pricing?
Contract management software pricing typically ranges from $375-$400 per month for entry-level solutions to thousands per month for enterprise platforms, with costs varying based on deployment model, features, and user count. Modern solutions like Concord offer transparent tiered pricing starting at $399/month with unlimited documents and e-signatures included.
Common pricing models include:
- User-based pricing: Per-user monthly fees with volume discounts
- Flat-rate pricing: Fixed monthly cost regardless of users
- Contract-volume pricing: Based on number of contracts managed
- Custom enterprise pricing: Tailored to specific requirements
Organizations typically see 300-450% ROI within the first year through reduced administrative costs (25-30%), faster contract cycles (50-80%), and prevention of contract value leakage (9.2% of revenue). Contract management software pricing follows a tiered structure ranging from $399 to $1,200+ per month. Entry-level plans offer basic document storage and e-signature capabilities, while mid-tier solutions ($599-799/month) include workflow automation and compliance tracking. Enterprise-grade platforms with advanced AI capabilities command premium pricing of $999+ monthly.
Contract Management Software ROI Statistics
- $399/month – Starting price for Concord’s transparent pricing
- 25-30% – Reduction in administrative costs
- 50-80% – Faster contract completion times
- 9.2% – Average revenue lost without proper contract management
- 300-450% – Typical first-year ROI
- $15,000/month – Savings achieved by Yates Construction
Contract Management ROI Calculator
Estimate your potential savings from implementing a contract management solution
Understanding contract management software pricing models
Contract management solutions employ several distinct pricing structures, each with advantages and considerations:
1. User-based pricing
Many contract management platforms base their pricing on the number of users who need access to the system. This model typically involves:
A per-user monthly or annual fee
Different rates for admin vs. standard users
Volume discounts for larger user counts
User-based pricing works well for organizations with smaller teams, as it allows costs to scale with usage. However, as teams grow, expenses can increase significantly, potentially limiting widespread adoption.
2. Flat-rate pricing
Some vendors offer flat-rate models that charge a standard fee regardless of user count. This approach typically includes:
A fixed monthly or annual subscription
Unlimited or high user allowances
Tiered plans based on features rather than users
This model provides predictability and can be cost-effective for larger teams, though smaller organizations may end up paying for capacity they don't need.
3. Contract-volume pricing
Another model bases pricing on the number of contracts managed in the system:
Charges per active contract in the repository
May include volume tiers with discounted rates
Often includes unlimited users
This approach can benefit organizations with large teams but relatively few contracts, allowing for widespread access without escalating costs.
4. Custom pricing
Enterprise solutions typically offer customized pricing based on:
Specific organizational requirements
Complexity of implementation
Integration needs
Volume of contracts and users
Additional services required
Custom pricing can provide the most tailored solution but may involve more complex negotiations and less transparent costs.
See Concord's contract management software in action.
Key factors influencing contract management software costs
Several factors beyond the basic pricing model can significantly impact the total cost of contract management software:
1. Deployment model
The chosen deployment approach affects both immediate and long-term costs:
Cloud-based (SaaS): Typically involves a subscription fee with lower upfront costs, including maintenance and support
On-premises: Usually requires a larger initial investment in licensing and infrastructure, plus ongoing IT support costs
Most modern contract lifecycle management software solutions are cloud-based, offering greater flexibility and simplified maintenance.
2. Feature set and capabilities
The breadth and depth of functionality significantly influences pricing:
Basic plans: Core features like contract storage, simple workflows, and e-signatures
Mid-tier plans: Advanced workflows, analytics, template libraries, and basic integrations
Premium plans: AI-powered features, advanced analytics, custom reporting, and extensive integrations
As you move up the feature ladder, costs generally increase, though so does potential ROI.
3. Implementation and onboarding
Setup costs can vary widely:
Implementation services (data migration, configuration)
Training and onboarding
Custom integrations
Template creation and workflow design
Some vendors include basic implementation in their subscription fees, while others charge separately for these services.
4. Additional costs
Look beyond the headline price for:
Integration fees: Charges for connecting with CRM, ERP, or other business systems
Storage limits: Costs for exceeding document storage allowances
Support tiers: Premium support options beyond basic included service
Add-on modules: Specialized capabilities like supplier management or procurement
These "hidden" costs can significantly impact the total cost of ownership.
Spotlight on Concord: Transparent pricing for maximum value
In a market where pricing can be complex and opaque, Concord stands out with a transparent and flexible approach that delivers exceptional value across different organization sizes and needs.
Concord's pricing structure
Concord offers a tiered pricing model designed to accommodate businesses from small teams to large enterprises:
Essential Plan: Starting at $399/month, ideal for small companies or individual departments
Professional Plan: Enhanced functionality for companies deploying across multiple teams
Enterprise Plan: Comprehensive solution for larger organizations with complex requirements
A key differentiator in Concord's approach is the availability of unlimited user plans, which can significantly reduce per-user costs for larger organizations.
Value-focused features across all plans
Even at the Essential tier, Concord delivers robust functionality including:
Unlimited document uploads: Store all contracts without capacity concerns
Unlimited e-signatures: No additional charges for signatures, unlike many competitors
Comprehensive collaboration tools: Real-time editing, commenting, and redlining
Full-text search capabilities: Quickly locate specific information within documents
Activity tracking and audit trails: Maintain complete visibility into contract history
Higher tiers add advanced capabilities like approval workflow automation, customizable reporting, clause libraries, and subsidiary management.
Transparent cost structure
Concord has earned praise for its straightforward pricing approach:
No hidden fees or surprise costs
Clear upgrade/downgrade options
Pay only for the users you need
No charges for invitees to sign documents
Free ongoing support from a dedicated Customer Success Manager
As one reviewer noted, Concord offers "the most approachable pricing options of any contract management solution".
Calculating the ROI of contract management software
While pricing is important, the true measure of a solution's value lies in its return on investment. Contract automation software can deliver ROI through multiple avenues:
1. Direct cost savings
These tangible financial benefits include:
Reduced administrative costs: According to PwC, enterprises can save 2% of their total annual costs through automated contract management.
Decreased reliance on outside counsel: Goldman Sachs research indicates organizations can reduce headcount needed for contract management by 10-20%.
Prevention of contract value leakage: By properly tracking renewals and terms, organizations can avoid significant revenue losses that typically amount to 9.2% of annual revenue.
2. Efficiency gains
Time savings translate to financial benefits:
Accelerated contract cycles: Automated workflows can reduce contract creation and approval time by 50%.
Reduced search time: Centralized repositories with advanced search capabilities eliminate hours spent looking for documents, with contract reviews becoming up to 400% faster.
Streamlined collaboration: Real-time editing and approval workflows reduce unnecessary back-and-forth communications.
3. Risk mitigation
Improved compliance and reduced errors deliver financial benefits through:
Enhanced contract compliance: Automated tracking of obligations reduces the risk of penalties and missed opportunities.
Reduced errors: Template-based creation and AI-powered review minimize costly mistakes.
Improved vendor management: Better visibility into supplier contracts enables more strategic relationships and better terms.
4. Calculating your specific ROI
To determine the potential ROI for your organization:
Establish a baseline: Document current costs associated with contract management, including:
Labor hours and associated costs
Outside counsel expenses
Error and compliance costs
Missed renewal opportunities
Project savings: Estimate reductions in these costs based on industry benchmarks and vendor case studies.
Calculate implementation costs: Include software subscription, implementation services, and training.
Determine ROI: Divide projected annual savings by total annual costs.
For many organizations, the ROI of legal contract management software can be substantial. One analysis suggests that for every dollar invested in contract management software, companies can expect to generate between $91 to $183 in recovered revenue.
Case studies: Measuring Concord's ROI in the real world
Organizations implementing Concord have reported significant, measurable benefits:
Yates Construction: After implementing Concord across 15 regional divisions, the company saved $15,000 per month in reduced administrative overhead—a 25% reduction in contract administration costs. The streamlined approval processes also reduced contract turnaround times from weeks to hours, enabling faster project starts.
Denison University: Administrators reported spending 30% less time correcting and organizing contracts after switching to Concord. According to Steve Storck, Purchasing Manager at Denison University: "Concord has all the functionality we need, and we're still finding even more ways in which it's useful."
Sevita: This healthcare provider with over 40,000 employees was losing revenue due to missed contract terminations and renewals. After implementing Concord, they eliminated these losses through automated tracking of contract deadlines.
Case Study: Standardized Workflows Save Time and Money at Yates Construction
$15k/monthsaved in admin costs
25%reduction in costs
Weeks → Hourscontract turnaround
Key Benefits:
- • Centralized repository
- • Automated workflows
- • Version control
With 5,000 employees across 15 divisions, Yates Construction struggled with decentralized contract processes that created delays and compliance risks.
How Concord helped:
- • Concord unified all 15 divisions on one platform
- • Automated sending replaced manual email chains
- • Clear audit trails prevent unauthorized edits
"A lot of subcontractors refuse to go to work until they have a signed contract, so Concord gets our projects moving much faster. It provides tools that enable you to use it the way you need to."— Jenny McMullen, Corporate Contract Administrator
Comparing pricing across leading solutions
When evaluating contract management solutions, it’s helpful to understand how pricing compares across popular options:
Evaluating the best pricing fit for your organization
When determining which pricing model and vendor offer the best value for your organization, consider these factors:
1. Current and projected contract volume
How many contracts do you currently manage?
What is your anticipated growth in contract volume?
Are contracts concentrated in specific departments or spread throughout the organization?
If you have high contract volumes but limited users, a contract-based pricing model might be most cost-effective. For widespread usage across many users, unlimited user plans like those offered by Concord may deliver better value.
2. User distribution and access needs
How many users need regular access to the system?
What level of access do different user groups require?
Will usage expand to additional departments over time?
Organizations with many occasional users often benefit from unlimited user models, while those with few power users might find per-user pricing more economical.
3. Feature requirements
What are your must-have vs. nice-to-have features?
Which capabilities will deliver the most immediate ROI?
Will your needs evolve as your contract management practices mature?
Focus on solutions that deliver strong value in your highest-priority areas rather than paying for advanced features you may not need.
4. Total cost of ownership
Look beyond subscription costs to consider:
Implementation and onboarding expenses
Training requirements
Integration needs
Potential customization costs
Ongoing support needs
The lowest subscription price doesn’t always translate to the lowest total cost or best value.
Maximizing value from your contract management investment
Regardless of which pricing model you select, these strategies can help ensure you achieve maximum ROI:
1. Start with clear objectives
Define specific, measurable goals for your contract management initiative, such as:
- Reducing contract cycle time by X%
- Decreasing administrative costs by $Y
- Improving compliance by Z%Clear objectives make it easier to measure success and demonstrate value.
2. Phase your implementation
- Rather than attempting to implement all features simultaneously:
- Begin with high-impact, low-complexity use cases
- Prioritize functionality that addresses your biggest pain points
- Gradually expand to additional contract types and departments
- Demonstrate wins early to build momentum and support
This approach accelerates time-to-value while managing change effectively.
3. Invest in adoption
The best software delivers minimal value if people don’t use it:
- Provide comprehensive training for all user groups
- Develop clear documentation and guidelinesIdentify and support internal champions
- Celebrate early successes
High adoption rates increase your effective ROI by spreading the investment across more value-generating activities.
4. Measure and optimize
Establish metrics to track progress and identify opportunities for improvement:
- Contract cycle times
- Administrative hours saved
- Compliance improvements
- Cost savings achievedUser adoption rates
Regular measurement helps demonstrate value to stakeholders and identify areas for further optimization.
Need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: Making the right choice for your organization
Selecting the best contract lifecycle management software—and pricing model—requires balancing immediate costs against long-term value. While price is important, the true determinant of value lies in how well a solution addresses your specific challenges and objectives.Concord stands out in the market for its transparent pricing approach, flexible options for organizations of all sizes, and comprehensive feature set that delivers value from day one. By eliminating hidden fees and surprise costs while providing unlimited e-signatures and document storage, Concord creates a compelling value proposition compared to many competitors.As you evaluate contract management software pricing, remember that the most expensive solution isn’t necessarily the best, nor is the cheapest option always the most cost-effective in the long run. Focus on identifying the solution that delivers the capabilities you need at a price point that enables widespread adoption and measurable ROI.By approaching this decision strategically—with clear objectives, a thorough understanding of your requirements, and a focus on total value rather than just subscription costs—you can select a contract management solution that not only fits your budget today but delivers substantial returns for years to come.
Included with all plans
Concord protects all data with bank-level encryption, and undergoes regular audits to ensure compliance with international regulations such as eSIGN, UETA and GDPR.
Simplicity by design
Concord’s interface is similar to Word and Google Docs, making it effortless for team members of all experience levels to get started right away.
Fast implementation
Concord makes it easy to upload, draft and e-sign contracts straight from day one, so your team can start streamlining your contract workflows today.
