by 
The world of distilling is full of complex decisions—from sourcing ingredients to compliance and beyond. But one of the most overlooked decisions that can have major financial consequences? Choosing the right distillery software partner.
At FIVE x 5®, we’ve spent years working alongside distillers, and we’ve seen firsthand how other software vendors take advantage of small businesses with confusing distillery software contracts, surprise price hikes, and inflexible terms. If you’re evaluating distillery software, here are three critical things to keep an eye on:
1. COSTLY CANCELLATION CLAUSES IN DISTILLERY SOFTWARE CONTRACTS
Some SaaS companies lock customers into long-term (3+ year) contracts with massive cancellation penalties (sometimes thousands of dollars). That’s a long time to be stuck in a relationship that might not be serving your business well, and you carry all the risk. With three-year terms there’s no pressure for a vendor to deliver quality of life improvements, no urgency to support you accomplish your biggest objectives, and huge risk to the user when it comes time to renew and discuss pricing (spoiler alert).
What we do differently:
We offer one-year agreements because we believe trust should be earned every year, not just once. And if you do leave but come back later, any cancellation penalties are credited back to your account. That’s not just fair—it’s what true partnership looks like.
2. SNEAKY, INCREMENTAL PRICE INCREASES
It’s not uncommon to see SaaS vendors raise prices quietly every year—sometimes by as much as 10%—often without clear justification and even within a contract term. That’s typically because they’re backed by venture capital and chasing aggressive, short-term growth targets achieved on the backs of users.
Our approach:
Fx5 is built on a long-term operating model that prioritizes stability and sustainability for both our employees and users. We increase our prices only when needed to keep up with cost-of-living changes, averaging a 5% increase every 2–3 years. No surprises, no inflated targets. Just steady, reliable pricing.
3. SOFTWARE RENEWAL TERMS – OPAQUE PRICING & HIDDEN FEES
You deserve transparency—especially when it comes to distillery software costs. Too often, distillers are hit with unexpected renewal increases based on unclear metrics or arbitrary thresholds. Especially when venture capital is involved, users often see reasonable “introductory” rates inflated by as much as 100% (or more) at renewal as the company’s backers look to recoup their investment.
How we handle it:
Our pricing is based on your actual operation—what you’ve produced and commercialized in the past 12 months. If your production suddenly spikes, we have built-in programs to help soften the impact and prevent dramatic price jumps. And when it’s time to renew, you’re part of the conversation. Always.
DISTILL x 5 WAS BUILT BY DISTILLERS, FOR DISTILLERS
We’ve been in the trenches with craft distillers from day one. Our software was built by and for this industry, and we take that responsibility seriously. We’re not just a vendor—we’re a partner.
Our mission is to help businesses like yours grow, thrive, and weather the ups and downs that come with building something meaningful and lasting. When you work with us, you’re not just signing up for software. You’re joining a team that’s in it with you for the long haul.
Want to review your current software agreement and see if switching to DISTILL x 5 is right for you?
We’re always happy to chat – no strings attached.
