The hidden cost of collaboration in Figma and how to avoid extra charges
I’m writing this post today as a frustrated Figma user. I’m not just frustrated, I’m angry. I’m angry because of the dark pattern Figma uses for their billing. Specifically, I’m talking about the way they charge for editor seats.
My Story
I’m a paid pro user, and I love Figma.
I use it with many clients and other designers, and we share a lot of files. It’s a great tool for collaboration, and I appreciate the features it offers.
I’ve even created my own Figma templates to help streamline my workflow and make it easier to work with clients. However, sometimes I hit “approve” in a rush to allow users edit access to files.
I know I’m not alone in this. We’ve all been there — we’re in a hurry, and we just want to get the project moving.
But here’s the thing: I’ve already paid for my seat.
I pay yearly, and I expect to be able to use the platform without any issues. But every month, I’m charged for more and more seats. And I’m not just talking about a few extra dollars.
I’m talking about a significant amount of money.
The Problem
The problem is that Figma’s billing model is unfair.
They charge me for every user who accesses my files, even if they’re already paid users.
This is impractical and unfair to freelancers like me. I’m a company of one, but Figma thinks I’m a big corporation with multiple employees.
Here’s an example of how this affects me:
- I share a file with a client who already has a Figma account.
- They access the file, and Figma charges me for an extra seat.
- I’m already paying for my own seat, so why should I have to pay for theirs too?
A Better Way
There has to be a better way. Adobe’s model works — clients need their own license to open files. Why can’t Figma do the same? Here are a few possible solutions:
- Change the default behavior for file sharing. Instead of automatically charging for extra seats, make it an opt-in feature.
- Offer a more flexible pricing plan for freelancers and small businesses. We’re not big corporations, and we shouldn’t be treated like we are.
The Future of Figma
Figma has a bright future ahead of it. With its innovative features and user-friendly interface, it’s no wonder that it’s becoming the go-to design tool for many businesses. However, if it doesn’t address its billing model, it may lose its competitive edge.
As of 2024, Figma has over 10 million users worldwide with over 100,000 businesses using the platform by valuation of over $20 billion.
By 2025, Figma will reach 15 million users worldwide.
By 2026, Figma will surpass Adobe as the leading design tool for businesses.
But with great growth comes great responsibility. Figma, it’s time to fix this billing model and show your customers that you care.
In conclusion, Figma’s billing model is unfair and impractical for freelancers and small businesses. It’s time for a change.
I urge Figma to consider the solutions I’ve proposed and to listen to its customers. We’re not asking for much. We just want a fair and transparent way to use the platform, so we can focus on creating amazing designs and sharing our Figma templates with the world.
By making this change, Figma can empower designers to create and collaborate without worrying about unexpected costs, and continue to grow as a leading design tool.
Let’s work together to make Figma a better platform for everyone.
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