Number of Seats/Users: OpenWater offers discounts based on the number of users or seats. A higher volume typically leads to a better discount structure, especially for enterprise-level usage.

Commitment to a Long-Term Contract: Discounts are often provided to companies that commit to using the service for a longer period (e.g., 1-year or 3-year contracts). A longer commitment shows OpenWater that the company is serious and willing to invest in the platform long-term.

No Active Discounts: Companies that are not already receiving other active discounts may have a better chance of qualifying for additional discounts from OpenWater. OpenWater reserves discounts for new customers or those not currently under promotional pricing.

Volume or Usage Commitment: OpenWater offers discounts if you agree to a minimum amount of usage or transaction volume. This could be based on data storage, transactions, or other metrics tied to how much you will use the platform.

Enterprise-Level Negotiation: Companies that qualify as “enterprise” due to their size or complexity (e.g., having large teams, multiple departments, or geographical presence) may be eligible for additional discounts from OpenWater. Such companies are often in a position to negotiate for better pricing.

Early Renewal or Prepayment: OpenWater often offers discounts if you renew early or prepay for the entire contract period. This is a common approach to securing a lower price.

Here at Spendbase, our internal data shows that OpenWater is a popular choice among our clients for managing awards, scholarship, and contest programs. Overall, it’s seen as a powerful, flexible tool that reduces manual work and keeps everything in one place. Here’s what our Spendbase clients are highlighting most often:

1. Ease of Use & Implementation
– Many clients have found OpenWater intuitive and straightforward to set up, especially for recurring programs. The ability to clone previous programs and use helpful self-help guides saves time and hassle.
– Once familiar, the interface and navigation are consistent across different uses—clients appreciate this predictability.

2. Top-Notch Customer Support
– The support team gets rave reviews for promptness and professionalism. Chat support is fast and effective, with dedicated advisors who learn your organization’s needs.
– Support resources like training videos, FAQ collections, and self-service guides are highly valued. Clients especially appreciate never feeling “stuck” and always having help at hand.

3. Customization & Flexibility
– Clients enjoy custom forms, robust data collection, and the ability to tailor platforms to specific needs. Custom report and judging features are often mentioned.
– The platform supports diverse workflows, from abstract submissions to complex voting schemes.

4. Time-Saving Features
– Automation of program copying, bulk emails, submission tracking, and reporting significantly cuts down on administrative time.
– Judging portals and configurable entry forms help streamline reviewer and entrant experiences.

Areas for Improvement:
Spendbase clients mention a few consistent pain points:
– Learning Curve: New users might find onboarding a bit demanding. More in-depth training and easier report building are often requested.
– Email Deliverability: Emails sent from OpenWater occasionally land in spam, making communication tougher.
– Customization Limits: Some desire more visual and functional website customization without needing coding skills.
– User Experience: Parts of the interface, like report building and split screens, could be more intuitive.

Cost Perspective:
While some clients feel OpenWater is a bit pricey, they agree that the value—through reliability, feature depth, and support—justifies the expense.

Key Pros from Spendbase Clients:
– Easy program cloning and re-use
– Flexible, customizable forms and judging
– Excellent customer service
– Central platform for entry, judging, and reporting
– Continual platform updates based on client feedback

Top Cons:
– Steep learning curve for new admins
– Limited customizable reporting options
– Occasional navigation complexity

In summary, our Spendbase clients find OpenWater a dependable investment for awards and scholarship management, with standout support and solid features. If you’re considering streamlining your own programs, OpenWater is a proven tool—just be prepared to invest a little time up front and work with their responsive support team!