JTL software: New pricing models hit e-commerce stores hard

The merchandise management system JTL, which is popular with online retailers, is planning a comprehensive change to its offer structure and the associated price models from September. In future, the offer is to be divided into the so-called "JTL editions" will be restructured. As part of this restructuring, users will then be able to access the free "JTLStart" edition or the paid Advanced, Pro and Enterprise solutions, depending on the marketplace connection and store size. We have summarized for you what JTL expects from this and why this is causing displeasure among online merchants.

The background

The widely used merchandise management system JTL supports online retailers in everyday work processes, such as item creation, warehouse management and shipping. With the Announcement JTL's decision to update the popular all-in-one solution from September caused a great deal of resentment among online merchants - especially because many users now have to expect considerable additional costs for using the JTL systems. But will these changes affect all merchants? How will the changeover take place? And do users have the option of opting in or out of the subscription in good time? We took a look at this.

JTL editions at a glance: Everything you need to know now

In future, JTL's new product structure will be divided into so-called "editions". The solutions and respective features of the package vary depending on the edition. JTL hopes that this will provide clearer orientation when selecting software packages that are tailored to specific businesses and guarantees full flexibility through monthly notice periods, test phases and upgrade options.

We have an overview of the different package editions for you here:

• JTL Start (free of charge): This edition offers retailers free basic equipment for a quick start in e-commerce and multichannel retail.

• JTL Advanced (from 99 EUR/month): With JTL Advanced, medium-sized merchants get an extended range of functions to make their trade more efficient.

• JTL Pro (from 299 EUR/month): Retailers with larger teams or multichannel business models benefit from additional automation functions and interfaces.

• JTL Enterprise (on request): Companies with very high trading volumes benefit from a complete range of functions and all-round support with the highest edition level.

For a more detailed overview of the respective packages and costs, you can this link click.

Clear criticism from online retailers

According to the users the implementation of the momentous changes was announced for September 1 of this year. The changeover to the respective editions, including invoicing, is to take place automatically - based on the respective size and functions used by your company.

The software provider JTL itself comments as follows: "The new prices will come into effect on September 1, 2024. Customers who do not object to the changes automatically accept the new conditions". Since the switch to the JTL editions will lead to additional monthly costs for most users, online merchants are increasingly criticizing the customer-unfriendly nature of the implementation and complaining that the transition period has been too short since the announcement in July. It is important to mention here that users can cancel the edition at any time with a monthly notice period or switch between editions.  

Conclusion

The short transition period until the beginning of September, the additional costs to be expected and incurred as a result of the automatic adjustment and the way in which communication is handled are causing displeasure among many online retailers. Even if a monthly notice period leaves users with room for maneuver, online retailers must now quickly and actively deal with the new editions and choose the right business model for themselves and their business. It remains to be seen whether users will switch to another software alternative for their e-shop or continue to work with JTL's software packages.