A fresh batch of SaaS accounting startups—here’s looking at you Rillet and Campfire—has popped up, promising to shake things up and save your business loads of money. They’re positioning themselves as disruptors, which sounds pretty impressive. After all, who doesn’t like to root for the underdog?
However, before you rule out established solutions like Sage Intacct (or even NetSuite), it’s worth looking at what those flashy disruptors might actually be disrupting—namely, your business operations.
Cheap Thrills—The Initial Attraction
Let’s face it—saving money is tempting. These startups dangle low-cost subscription billing and revenue recognition tools, touting affordability as their key differentiator. We get it, SaaS companies run lean, and every dollar counts.
Sure, those shiny disruptors have glowing reviews—but let’s be real, it’s pretty easy to keep a handful of customers happy. When you’ve got fewer than 100 customers, each one gets VIP treatment. Can these startups sustain those rave reviews when they’re juggling thousands of users though, each with unique and complex demands?
Think about your SaaS accounting software like you might a parachute. Sure, you could snag a cheaper one from an unknown brand – but do you really want to take that risk mid-air? With something as critical as billing and revenue recognition, choosing based solely on price can quickly turn into an expensive mistake.
The Monopoly Myth—Let’s Set the Record Straight
Startups argue there’s a monopoly driving high prices in the SaaS accounting software space, particularly around essential functionalities like subscription billing and revenue recognition. Sounds dramatic, doesn’t it? Yet calling it a monopoly is a bit of a stretch.
Established SaaS accounting software like Sage Intacct dominate precisely because they deliver consistent, reliable performance, robust support, and compliance with constantly evolving accounting standards. That kind of reliability and expertise doesn’t come cheap – nor should it. Would you really want the cheapest option for the very functions keeping you compliant and profitable?
Takes One to Know One
We love startups – we work with them every day. Many of you reading this are startups yourselves. Even scrappy SaaS businesses know that some risks just aren’t worth taking – especially when your financial foundation is at stake. We’ve watched SaaS startups scale fast, and we’ve also seen them hit bumps. The difference often comes down to foundational decisions, like choosing reliable, proven SaaS accounting software solutions.
Growing Pains—Maturity Matters
These new market entrants love to tout their speed and agility, promising rapid innovation and flexible service. Agility is fantastic, but maturity is even better when it comes to managing complex SaaS accounting operations.
Plus, growth isn’t just about gaining customers – it’s about reinvesting in your product. Established players like Sage Intacct didn’t get to 27,000 customers by luck. They’ve continually reinvested revenue into development, ensuring constant innovation and refinement. If these disruptors are committed to keeping prices rock-bottom, it’s fair to wonder if they’ll have the cash to invest in improvements – or will you get stuck with a solution that stalls as your business moves forward?
Think of SaaS accounting software maturity as fine wine versus grape juice. Both started with grapes, but only one has developed complexity, depth, and stability over time. Sage Intacct has spent years perfecting its solution, addressing client feedback, navigating regulatory changes, and smoothing out the wrinkles. By contrast, the new entrants might still be fermenting – and your company shouldn’t have to stomach their growing pains.
You Need a Wingman
There’s a secret sauce behind the success of the best SaaS accounting software implementations, and it’s not just about choosing the right software. True success comes from combining powerful technology with an experienced implementation partner. This is where accounting software startups often fall short – while they might offer a low entry price, they rarely have a seasoned partner network ready to step in and make sure you have a smooth implementation and ongoing support.
We’ve consistently found that SaaS companies thrive when they have both a reliable product and a trusted partner. A good partner doesn’t just help you go live – they’re your safety net, your consultant, your advocate, and sometimes even your therapist. Startups without established partner networks leave their clients flying solo, turning every implementation hiccup into a potential crisis.
Ask yourself: Can these disruptors deliver the necessary partnership support, or will you be left troubleshooting on your own when things get complicated?
Integrations and Scalability – What’s the Big Picture?
When considering new accounting solutions, remember that your needs won’t stay static. Successful SaaS businesses evolve, scale, pivot, and sometimes even shift gears entirely. Sage Intacct and NetSuite have powerful ecosystems with integrations that seamlessly connect with your other essential tools – CRM, payment processing, analytics, and more.
A shiny startup might promise low-cost integration options today, but will those integrations scale effectively as your business grows? Or will your SaaS accounting software become the bottleneck preventing you from expanding efficiently?
Startups Helping Startups
We understand SaaS startups because we partner with them every day. Part of our job as your partner is to help you avoid headaches that other startups haven’t yet learned to navigate.
The initial affordability of a startup’s solution might indeed be enticing, but here’s the kicker: the true cost of ownership is rarely just the monthly subscription fee. Consider factors like downtime risks, inefficiencies due to limited features, manual workarounds, inadequate implementations, and the cost of eventually migrating to a more robust system once you’ve outgrown the disruptor.
Sure, investing in Sage Intacct might initially appear more expensive. Remember though, you’re buying predictability, robust functionality, ongoing innovation, and the expertise behind proven, stable products. Those are investments in your business’s growth trajectory – far more valuable in the long term than immediate savings.
Disruption or Distraction?
It’s easy to get swept up in the disruptive narrative. After all, disruption can lead to innovation, but let’s be clear – your accounting software isn’t the place for gambling. Disruption in your core financial operations isn’t innovation – it’s a distraction, and it’s your business that pays the price.
So, before diving headfirst into the latest SaaS accounting startup promising you the moon on a shoestring budget, ask yourself: Am I ready to bet my business on a gamble, or should I trust a solution and a business partner that have already proven they know how to grow alongside me?
Sometimes being “disrupted” isn’t worth the excitement. Maybe it’s time to let someone else play guinea pig. Your business has more important things to do – like succeeding.
