I’m running a small business that connects online stores with suppliers. A while back, I started using a free CRM to manage my leads and conversations. It was great initially, but I hit the limits way faster than expected.
My workflow involves importing leads from another tool. When I began uploading these contacts and trying to send follow-ups, I quickly ran into restrictions.
Currently, I’m still using the CRM for contact and deal management, but I had to switch to a different platform for sending emails.
Has anyone else experienced rapid growth beyond the free tier? Did you decide to upgrade or find an alternative solution that worked better for you? I’m curious about your experiences and what you did to handle this situation?
yep, totally normal to hit those limits fast. hubspot’s free plan is just a taste. we upgraded cuz our biz was growin quick. if u cant afford it, maybe try freshsales or insightly? they got better free tiers. just make sure whatever u pick fits ur workflow n budget
i’ve seen many ppl hit hubspot free limits. my startup did too, so i moved to a starter plan. its a bit pricey but givs more features. if ur on a tight budget, maybe check other crm options.
Been there, done that. HubSpot’s free plan is like a teaser trailer - looks great, but leaves you wanting more. When our agency hit those limits, we had to make a choice: pay up or move on. We ended up going with Pipedrive. It’s not as fancy, but it does the job without breaking the bank.
Word of advice: before you commit to any CRM, really think about your workflow and growth projections. What seems like a good deal now might end up costing you in the long run, either in cash or lost productivity. And don’t be afraid to shop around - there are tons of options out there that might be a better fit for your specific needs.
I’ve been in your shoes, and it’s a common hurdle for growing businesses. HubSpot’s free plan is designed to give you a taste, but it’s not meant for scale. In my experience, we quickly outgrew it when our lead generation efforts started gaining traction.
We initially tried to work around the limits by using a combination of HubSpot and other tools, but it became a hassle to manage multiple platforms. Eventually, we bit the bullet and upgraded to a paid plan. It was a significant investment, but the ROI in terms of streamlined processes and better lead management was worth it.
If you’re not ready for that jump, consider exploring alternatives like Zoho CRM or Freshsales. They offer more generous free tiers and smoother upgrade paths. Whatever you choose, make sure it integrates well with your existing tools and can grow with your business. Don’t let tool limitations hold back your growth potential.