Data, quotes & interviews for journalists

"The median entry-level business software plan in 2026 is roughly $49/month — but that number hides a 10× spread between simple CRMs and full field-service platforms. Owners routinely overpay because they anchor on the category leader instead of the tier they actually need."

"Free trials are now table stakes — over 70% of the tools we track offer one. Vendors that still hide pricing behind a demo call are losing self-serve buyers to competitors who publish transparent tiers."

"Plumbers, HVAC techs, and electricians are the fastest-growing buyer segment in vertical SaaS. Most start with invoicing, add scheduling within six months, and outgrow their first stack inside two years."

"Software review sites drove an estimated $2B+ in vendor payouts in 2025. The model works because buyers trust independent comparisons more than vendor pages — as long as the disclosures are upfront."