We need to talk about pricing…
Since RackEmApp’s conception, pricing has been exceptionally low. In the early days, this is because we didn’t have the same functionality as other systems out there, and we wanted to attract leagues to buy into our vision for what a great system for pool leagues could look like whilst we played catchup with the market.
4 years later, we have drastically improved the functionality of the system, and invested in infrastructure to enable us to offer a high quality product and level of service, with an unrivalled quality of help and support available to all our partner leagues. We have reached the position where we are unique in the market and that no-one does everything that we do.
As we have been speaking to more and more leagues, feedback has been almost unanimous that we have been priced far too low for what we bring to the table in all-in capabilties. That, coupled with (like everyone else) an increase in costs which has built up over the last 4 years in line with inflation, means we have had to review our pricing to more accurately reflect the value of the platform and more appropriately account for costs.
From the 1st February 2026 we will be operating under a new pricing and billing model.
What’s the old/current billing model and pricing?
Currently, leagues pay for RackEmApp at the start of each season £5 per team. This payment covers the team for the duration of the season. If you operate multiple seasons per year (Summer and Winter, for example) this results in 2 payments per year.
Payment has generally been by card, though a few have chosen to pay by bank transfer.
What is the billing model changing to?
We are changing this model to a single annual subscription that covers a number of teams for a 12 month period.
This means that for leagues operating summer and winter leagues, only 1 payment is required per year.
There are a number of scenarios which cover increases and decreases in the number of teams mid year, which are detailed later in this article as to how these will work.
Why is the billing model changing?
From a league’s point of view, we have found that often the people setting up the system are not the same people paying the bills. This means that there is often delays and getting things set up. Furthermore, this needs renewing each season. With the new model, once you have entered your payment details everything will automatically renew.
From our perspective, it has gotten harder and harder to keep track of the financial transactions with the variety of ways people want to pay, and we have also been burned by non payers. We think the new model is clear, concise and ultimately more efficient for everyone.
What is the new price structure?
The first season for all leagues will remain free. Pricing will kick in at the start of your second season. This is because we recognise that adopting a new system can be challenging, and we want to ensure you have all you need before committing to anything financially.
For new leagues, the subscription price will be £14.99 per team for a 12 month subscription. This will cover the number of teams in the second season for 12 calendar months.
For existing paying leagues (defined as having had at least 1 paid season), we will be delaying the increase, in order to provide the necessary time to get the funding approved within your committees and if necessary increase prices for your teams.
- 1st February 2026 – 1st August 2026: No change. £5 per team, per season
- 1st September 2026 onwards: £14.99 per team for a 12 month subscription
If you are on a promotional price, those discounts will continue as per prior agreements.
That seems like quite a big increase?
In terms of percentage, then yes, it does seem like quite a big jump. However in cash terms it is the equivilent of 3 pints of beer per year, per team.
Ultimately, for leagues which operate 2 seasons per year this equates to only a £2.50 increase per team, which really isn’t very much.
For leagues operating 1 season per year it is a bigger jump. However the support required and the system resources to operate 1 season over 12 months or 2 x 6 month seasons is the same. So it is only fair that the costs are equalised.
Above all else, our feature set, support, and the value it brings to your league is still exceptional value for money compared to other solutions in the market.
How will the subscriptions work?
Your subscription will start at the point of initial payment at the start of your second season (or for existing leagues, the first season you need to pay for after 1st August). You will automatically be re-billed on the same date each year using the card details held on file.
If during the course of the 12 month period (for example in your summer league) the number of teams increases, then you will need to pay the pro-rated amount for the additional team(s) to take you to the end of the subscription.
If during the course of the 12 month period the number of teams decreases, Decreasing your subscription will not issue a pro-rated refund to the end of the term.
It will handle any increases or decreases automatically as part of the new season wizard.
At the point of renewal, it will automatically charge based upon the “current” number of teams your subscription is valid for.
You will be able to view your current license and any payment history in Your Organization > Billing and Licensing.
Are my card details secure?
Yes. We use Stripe to manage our subscriptions and all payment related activity. Stripe are fully PCI compliant. RackEmApp Ltd do not retain any card details, they are securely held on Stripe servers.
Can I update my card details at any time?
Yes, in Your Organization > Billing and Licensing.
Can I pay by bank transfer?
No. All payments will need to be made by card. Whether that is the official card for the league treasury bank account, or the personal account of someone who can then be reimbursed by their committee, all payments must be processed by card.
What happens if I don’t pay?
If you choose not to pay, or your payment gets declined, there will be a 7 day grace period of “business as usual”.
If there is still no valid payment, there will be a 7 day period where your website will show to everyone that there is a billing issue to be resolved.
If after those 14 days there is still no payment made, your league will be deactivated, your subscription terminated and will require manual intervention via support to reactivate it.