INSIGHT FROM THE CUSTOMER PERSPECTIVE:

I am going to say this only because I know Zoho likes to compete and know what others are doing out there...which is fantastic.  But another massively popular option for unlimited-member communities out there is selling for $23/month and $97/m for the added ability to design and deliver courses inside the network. I won't say which one here out of respect for zoho. I've just never seen Zoho so far out of the competitive price range on any product they have ever created.

I hope I'm not stepping out of line by saying that, but in another post I was reading, someone said it was welcome because Zoho doesn't mind referencing other products.

So I'm confused.  I love Zoho and will continue to be a big supporter as long as it's feasible.  I just feel I must be missing something.  Going from "included with zoho one" to add $100/m for external guests seems like a pretty steep climb...so do I have something wrong here, or am I missing something?

Of course, I don't mind paying for add-ons but when an add-on is over DOUBLE the price of the ENTIRE Zoho One platform, it can seem to many of us like a "bait and switch".  That kind of jump is not what I'd expect from Zoho given their mission and dedication to affordability.  And again, if I have this wrong, I really do apologize. I've been wrong before!  I'm trying not to jump to conclusions!

I have been using Zoho for about five years, and have been using just a few apps to their potential..... I have been hesitant to go "all in" with the whole ecosystem because I'm beginning to see potential red flags that what started as a super-affordable platform for my business may become very expensive once I start digging into it more and see that adding functions are going to increase my costs by 100%

I've always seen Zoho One as being a very cool "beta" because when I first committed to it years ago (I actually have two Zoho One accounts), most of the apps outside of CRM were very buggy and not really ready for "prime time".   I always thought the pricing was the "reward' for hanging in there.  But as some of the apps are getting more mature, I fear Zoho One members will slowly get priced out....as would be the case with a $100/month community app.  

If this same scenario plays out with 2-3 apps, then Zoho One ceases to be Zoho One in the eyes of customers like me.

Again, I love the vision of Zoho....and I hope this is not seen as a disrespectful post, but one of confusion and maybe, depending on the answer....one of concern.  

Have a great day, and thank you!