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Member since: Feb 2022Deals bought: 284
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Edited Jul 19, 2025

Cool Software, Disappointing Outlook. Appsumo members locked out of better LLMs and Pickaxe API

Update: Nathaniel, you still didn't answer my question about having access to the Pickaxe API. AppSumo users expected it to be included in the deal, but instead, you changed the terms after the LTD ended and now only include it in the Pro subscription ($147 a month, up from $97 a month) outside of AppSumo, which is not right. You should include it in our AppSumo subscription. This is why you keep getting negative reviews.

Cool software, but I'm very disappointed, like everyone else. Unfortunately, AppSumo buyers aren't treated well regarding the deal. As others have mentioned, they are locking out AppSumo buyers from all the new LLM models, API access, forcing you to move to a Pro Subscription outside of AppSumo, even though there is no additional cost to them when we use our own API Keys (BYOK) for the LLMs, and we cover the costs. In the original AppSumo deal, they included all LLM model updates, but now that isn’t the case.

Also, it's crazy to me that they charge 10% on top of the 3% you pay for Stripe, which processes our payments. They are now increasing their monthly plans, which is shocking, considering they already charge 10% on Gold plans and 8% on Pro plans. If you plan to increase your monthly pricing, you should also adjust your take rate. I have never seen SaaS companies do this. If they charge a 10%-20% take rate, they usually don't charge any monthly fee.

Once the take rate drops to 10%, they start charging a monthly fee. When their pricing reaches its highest monthly membership, their take rate is 0%. I understand this is a new AI SaaS, but a more appropriate number would be 3-5% Gold and 0-3% take rate for Pro. I’d give them 5 tacos if they address all these issues.

People want to grow with your software, and when they reach their studio limits, they will upgrade to Pro. However, forcing people to upgrade before they reach their limits by removing promised features is not good business and will tarnish your reputation in the long run.

Founder Team
Nathaniel_Pickaxe

Nathaniel_Pickaxe

Jul 19, 2025

Hello!

We actually don't limit AS tiers anymore based on model. AS LTD holders have access to all models. You might be working on outdated information. And of course, to allay any confusion, we have and have always allowed AS folks to BYOK with models, meaning we allow folks to bring their own API keys.

I hope that clears up your confusion.

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