Feb '25 Update: NetSuite Pricing Breakdown: How Much Should You REALLY Expect to Pay for NetSuite

Thinking about NetSuite? Be prepared—many businesses underestimate the costs! Before you commit, here’s what you REALLY need to know about pricing and licensing in 2025.

In this blog post, we will explore the various factors that determine the pricing and licensing of NetSuite, providing you with the necessary information to make an informed decision for your business.

Understanding NetSuite Editions and Their Cost

NetSuite's pricing model is fundamentally built around the concept of a Suite The specific suite your business requires hinges on factors like your company's size and the particular functionalities you need. For example does your business contain multiple legal entities? If so, you would to jump to Mid-Market Edition regardless of the number of employees or users you have..

Exploring NetSuite's Suite Options In the language of NetSuite, these suites are categorized as:

1. NetSuite Starter Edition: Perfectly tailored for smaller businesses with less than 10 users or those with limited requirements.The pricing for the starter edition starts at approximately $1,000 per month.

2. NetSuite Mid-Market Edition: Expertly designed for mid-sized organizations with more than 10 users and/or multiple legal entities. The pricing for the starter edition begins at around $2,500 per month.

3. NetSuite Enterprise Edition: Specifically suited for large enterprises with extensive operational demands. The pricing for the starter edition starts at approximately $5,000 per month.

Each edition provides access to NetSuite’s core ERP functionality, with the flexibility to add advanced modules and customizations based on business needs. Choosing the right edition ensures scalability and cost-effectiveness as your company grows.

NetSuite Licenses Pricing Explained

When configuring your NetSuite solution, one key aspect to consider is the licensing cost for each named user. NetSuite takes a named user approach to licensing, not concurrent.  

NetSuite offers two primary types of user licenses:

1. Full User License: The full user license is the standard license for most NetSuite users, providing complete access to all features within your NetSuite implementation. It is designed for users who require comprehensive interaction with the system across various functionalities. The cost of a NetSuite user license has recently increased from $99 per user per month to $129 per user per month. A full user license is necessary for user roles such as financial controller, sales manager, CFO, and other similar positions.
2. Self-Service License: This license is perfect for users who require basic access to NetSuite, such as time and expense entry or accessing HR policies through an intranet. These licenses are a cost-effective solution as they are sold in batches of five, with the cost of one batch being roughly equivalent to a single full user license. This setup offers a budget-friendly way to grant limited system access to a group of users.

User Limitations and Package Upgrades It's important to note that the editions imposes a cap on the maximum number of user licenses you can purchase. Once this limit is reached, upgrading to the next edition becomes necessary to accommodate additional users.

Moreover, many NetSuite base packages inherently include the cost for a certain number of full user licenses. Typically, each package also comes bundled with a 5-pack of self-service user licenses to start.

NetSuite License Cost for Advanced Add-On Modules

One of NetSuite’s key advantages is its extensive range of add-on modules, allowing businesses to customize their ERP system based on specific needs. These modules can be enabled at any time during your subscription, but removals are only allowed during contract renewal.

Most NetSuite Advanced Modules range in cost from $499 to $899 per month, with some exceptions.

Commonly licensed advanced modules include the following:

NetSuite Financial Management Modules

• NetSuite Advanced Financials
• NetSuite SuiteBilling
• NetSuite Revenue Management
• NetSuite Planning & Budgeting
• NetSuite Multi-Book Accounting
• NetSuite OneWorld
• NetSuite Dunning Letters
• NetSuite Fixed Assets Management
• NetSuite Electronic Bank Payments
• NetSuite Contract Renewals

NetSuite Inventory Management & Order Management Modules

• NetSuite Advanced Inventory Management
• NetSuite Advanced Order Management
• Grid Order Management

NetSuite Commerce Modules (SuiteCommerce)

• NetSuite SuiteCommerce
• NetSuite SuiteCommerce Advanced
• NetSuite SuiteCommerce InStore
• NetSuite SuiteCommerce MyAccount

NetSuite Supply Chain Management Modules

• NetSuite Procurement
• NetSuite Warehouse Management System
• NetSuite Demand Planning
• NetSuite Quality Management
• NetSuite Work in Process (WIP) and Routings
• NetSuite Work Orders and Assemblies
• NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing

NetSuite's Service Tier Costs

Overview of Service Tiers NetSuite has refined its service tier offerings to ensure they closely align with the evolving needs of its customers. This update simplifies the structure and increases the capabilities of each tier, providing a scalable ERP platform suitable for businesses of varying sizes and complexities.

New Tier Structure and Naming Conventions The previous five-tier system (Shared, Tier 3, Tier 2, Tier 1, and Tier 1+) has been streamlined into four tiers: Standard, Premium, Enterprise, and Ultimate. This change not only simplifies the naming convention but also consolidates the tiers to better match customer needs. For instance, the former Tier 3 and Tier 2 have merged into the new Premium tier.

Simplified Calculations for Service Tiers Replacing the business data storage component with a monthly transaction line count, NetSuite has made it easier for businesses to understand and choose the right tier. This count is based on a rolling six-month average, providing flexibility for occasional spikes in transactions without immediately necessitating a tier upgrade.

Increased Capacity in Each Tier NetSuite has significantly increased the limits for file cabinet storage and user count across all tiers. For example:

• The Standard tier now offers 100 GB of file cabinet storage, compared to the previous 10 GB in the Shared tier.
• The Premium tier, which combines the old Tier 3 and Tier 2, allows up to 1,000 users, an increase from the former caps of 150 and 800 users respectively.

Integration and SuiteCloud Licenses The number of SuiteCloud Plus licenses, crucial for managing integrations, has also been adjusted in the new tiers. For instance, the Enterprise tier now allows a maximum of 6 SuiteCloud licenses, up from 5 in the old Tier 1. Notably, the minimum requirement for SuiteCloud licenses has been removed, acknowledging that some organizations might need a higher tier for user count or transaction volume, but not necessarily for integrations.

New Service Tier Capacities and Limits:

• Standard Tier: 100 Users, 100 GB File Storage, 200,000 Monthly Transaction Lines.
• Premium Tier: 1,000 Users, 1,000 GB File Storage, 2,000,000 Monthly Transaction Lines.
• Enterprise Tier: 2,000 Users, 2,000 GB File Storage, 10,000,000 Monthly Transaction Lines.
• Ultimate Tier: 4,000 Users, 4,000 GB File Storage, 50,000,000 Monthly Transaction Lines.

All tiers above Standard now include a sandbox, providing an additional advantage for development and testing.

The Cost of Implementing NetSuite ERP

Thinking about implementing NetSuite for your business? You're probably wondering about the costs involved. Let's cut through the confusion and break down exactly what you can expect to pay – and why those costs can vary so dramatically.

The Bottom Line

Here's the reality: NetSuite implementation costs typically range from $10,000 to $150,000+. Why such a wide range? Because every business has unique needs, complexities, and goals. A good rule of thumb, you can expect implementation costs to be about 2-3 times your annual NetSuite license fee for standard implementations.

What Drives These Costs?

The main factors that influence your implementation costs are:

1. Customizations needed for your specific business processes
2. 3rd Party integrations with other systems you're using
3. The scope and complexity of your implementation
4. Staff training requirements

Breaking Down the Implementation Phases

Phase 1: Discovery & Research

This necessary first step typically takes 50-150 hours, costing between $7,500-$37,500 (at $150-$250 per hour). During this phase, NetSuite Consultants analyze your current systems, identify gaps, and create your implementation blueprint (Business Requirements Document-BRD).

Phase 2: Setup & Deployment

Expect this phase to take 2-3 times longer than the discovery phase. This is where the real work happens – configuring and customizing NetSuite to match your needs.

Phase 3: Fine-Tuning and Customization

Costs here can range from $0-$15,000+, depending on your specific needs. You have options:

• SuiteFlow for point-and-click workflow automation
• SuiteScript for advanced customizations
• Third-party bundles for common functionalities

The Total Cost Breakdown a NetSuite Implementation

Here's what you might expect to pay for different components:

• NetSuite Implementation: $25,000 - $100,000+ (one-time)
• Custom Development: $150-$225 per hour
• Integrations: $0-$10,000+ annually + setup fees
• Training & Support: $2,500 - $15,000

Practical Ways to Control Costs

1. Define Clear Objectives Before starting, know exactly what you need. This prevents scope creep and unnecessary customizations.
2. Leverage Standard Features NetSuite comes with powerful out-of-the-box functionality. Use it before considering custom solutions.
3. Choose the Right Partner An experienced implementation partner who understands your industry can save you money in the long run by getting things right the first time.

While NetSuite implementation represents a significant investment, the long-term benefits of improved efficiency and better business insights can make it worthwhile. The key is careful planning and understanding exactly what your business needs before starting the implementation journey.

Remember: The cheapest implementation isn't always the most cost-effective. Focus on getting the functionality your business needs while being strategic about where you invest your implementation budget.

Illustrative Example of NetSuite Total Cost

For a growing wholesale distributor outgrowing applications like QuickBooks and Fishbowl, NetSuite provides the tools needed to scale efficiently. The investment may seem significant upfront, but the long-term benefits—such as real-time inventory tracking, efficient order management, and enhanced financial reporting—often justify the expense.

Here’s an estimated first-year cost breakdown for a 15 user business that needs more robust financial and inventory management software.

NetSuite Cost Breakdown for a 15-User Business

NetSuite License and User Costs

• NetSuite Mid-Market Edition – $2,499/month → $29,988/year
• 15 Full-User Licenses ($129/user/month) – $1,935/month → $23,220/year
• Advanced Inventory Management Module – $499/month → $5,988/year

Total Annual NetSuite Subscription Cost: $59,196

One-Time Implementation Cost

• NetSuite Implementation (including setup, customization, and training) → $65,000

Total First-Year Investment in NetSuite

• $124,196 (Subscription + Implementation)

Additional Considerations that Impact NetSuite TCO

Support and Financing Options

When planning your NetSuite investment with Kimberlite Partners, it's essential to factor in the ongoing support and financing strategies that best align with your business needs.

Support:
While basic support is often part of the standard package, many organizations benefit from the assurance of around-the-clock assistance. Kimberlite Partners offers premium support options that provide 24/7 access to expert advice, ensuring that any critical issues are resolved swiftly so your operations never miss a beat.

Financing:
Large-scale software investments can be challenging to manage upfront. Kimberlite Partners along with Oracle Finance helps ease the financial load by exploring tailored financing options designed to fit your budget. These solutions can spread out the cost of your NetSuite implementation, making it easier to manage cash flow while still accessing the full benefits of a robust ERP system.

Subscription Details and Testing Environments

Subscription Duration:
Choosing a longer subscription term, such as a 5-year agreement, can offer significant advantages. It not only locks in predictable pricing over the duration but also provides stability as you scale your operations and invest in ongoing improvements. This long-term commitment can be a strategic move for companies looking to maximize ROI while minimizing unexpected costs.

Sandbox Accounts:
Before fully deploying your customized NetSuite solution, a sandbox environment is invaluable. Kimberlite Partners ensures that you have access to a dedicated testing space where you can trial new features, test integrations, and validate customizations without impacting your live data. This proactive step helps prevent disruptions in day-to-day operations, providing a smoother transition as you move to full production.

The Cost of NetSuite Integrations & Connectors

NetSuite is a powerful, world-class ERP system, but many businesses continue to rely on other software applications to support operations. That’s where integrating these systems with NetSuite becomes essential. 

NetSuite Integrations

When your business uses multiple software solutions alongside NetSuite, you’ll need integrations to synchronize your data across these platforms. The cost of these integrations can vary significantly, depending on the complexity of your requirements and the amount of custom development needed. Typically, individual integrations can range from $2,500 to $5,000+ per year, with a one-time implementation fee that might run anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000+.

For instance, you might need to integrate NetSuite with platforms like Salesforce, Shopify, Amazon, ShipStation, or HubSpot. These integrations ensure that your sales, inventory, customer data, and more are all aligned within NetSuite.

Unless you have a dedicated team of developers who are experts in API connections and NetSuite’s SuiteScript, it’s often best to partner with a trusted NetSuite provider. Many solution partners offer pre-built integrations that can be set up quickly—saving you time and reducing the high costs associated with custom development.

NetSuite Connectors

If you’re looking for a simpler, more cost-effective solution, NetSuite connectors might be the answer. Unlike custom integrations that require detailed development work, connectors are designed to be easy to implement—often with just a few clicks. They’re ideal for businesses that need to enhance areas like inventory management, order processing, and accounting by centralizing data from ecommerce and point-of-sale systems into NetSuite.

The cost of connectors tends to be lower than full integrations. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars per month up to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the functionality and scale of your operations. An initial setup fee may also apply, but the overall expense is generally more predictable and manageable.

NetSuite offers a range of connectors for popular platforms such as Amazon, WooCommerce, eBay, Walmart, ShipStation, and Shopify POS.

In addition, many third-party providers have developed their own connectors to further streamline the process and help you avoid the lengthy and costly custom development cycles.

Beyond ERP & CRM: Additional NetSuite Modules and Their Costs

NetSuite’s platform isn’t just about core ERP and CRM functionalities—it also offers a range of specialized modules designed to address specific business needs. By selecting only the modules that align with your unique requirements, you can build a highly tailored solution that drives efficiency and growth. Below, we dive into several of these additional modules, outlining their features, typical cost ranges, and licensing models.

SuiteCommerce

SuiteCommerce is designed to empower your online sales and digital presence by integrating e-commerce seamlessly with your backend operations. This module is available in several editions to cater to businesses of varying sizes and requirements.

Overview:
SuiteCommerce comes in multiple flavors:

• SuiteCommerce Standard:
  This edition is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses looking to establish a professional webstore quickly. It provides essential features like intuitive webstore design, order management, and basic customer engagement tools.

• SuiteCommerce Advanced:
  For businesses that require more robust online capabilities, SuiteCommerce Advanced offers enhanced functionalities such as personalized product recommendations, advanced marketing automation, and deeper integrations with other NetSuite modules. This edition is particularly suited for organizations experiencing high traffic and complex e-commerce demands.

• SuiteCommerce InStore:
  Aimed at retailers that operate both online and physical stores, SuiteCommerce InStore bridges the gap between e-commerce and point-of-sale (POS) systems. It ensures that inventory, customer data, and sales are consistently updated across channels.

Cost & Licensing:

• SuiteCommerce Standard: Generally priced at around $2,000 per month, making it accessible for businesses starting out in e-commerce.
• SuiteCommerce Advanced: Typically falls in the range of $4,000 to $5,000 per month, reflecting the added features and scalability options required by larger or more dynamic businesses.
• SuiteCommerce InStore: Pricing usually starts at $5,000+ per month due to the additional complexity of integrating both online and in-store operations. Licensing for all editions is subscription-based, with fees influenced by transaction volumes and the specific integration requirements.

This modular approach allows you to select the version that best fits your current operational needs while providing the flexibility to scale as your online business grows.

Human Capital Management (HR) / SuitePeople

Managing your workforce effectively is crucial to operational success. NetSuite’s Human Capital Management module, often branded as SuitePeople, helps you streamline HR processes, from payroll and benefits administration to performance reviews and employee engagement.

Overview:
SuitePeople is designed to centralize HR functions, ensuring that all employee data is easily accessible and actionable. The module supports:

• Payroll Processing: Simplifies the payroll cycle with automated calculations and reporting.
• Benefits Administration: Manages employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
• Performance Management: Facilitates goal setting, performance reviews, and continuous feedback to enhance workforce productivity.

Cost & Licensing:

• HR modules are typically integrated into an annual subscription model.
• Licensing is often structured on a per-employee or per-user basis, with costs ranging from $5 to $20 per employee per month.
• The overall expense depends on the number of employees and the specific HR functionalities you need, making it scalable for both small teams and large enterprises.

By consolidating HR operations into one platform, SuitePeople helps reduce administrative overhead and improves employee satisfaction—key factors in achieving long-term business success.

OpenAir

OpenAir is a robust project management and professional services automation tool designed specifically for organizations that rely on project-based work. It offers comprehensive features to manage projects from start to finish.

Overview:
OpenAir supports a wide array of project management functions:

• Project Planning & Scheduling: Enables detailed planning and timeline management for complex projects.
• Resource Allocation: Optimizes the use of human resources by matching skills to project needs.
• Time Tracking & Job Costing: Provides real-time insights into project progress, expenses, and profitability.
• Reporting & Analytics: Delivers detailed reports to help you monitor performance and make data-driven decisions.

Cost & Licensing:

• OpenAir is licensed separately from the core NetSuite ERP.
• The pricing model is typically on a per-user, per-month basis, with costs generally ranging from $150 to $200 per user per month.
• The final cost is influenced by the number of users and the breadth of functionalities required, especially if you need additional modules within the OpenAir suite.

This module is particularly valuable for service organizations that need to balance project demands with cost efficiency and resource management.

Field Service Management

For companies with a mobile workforce, optimizing service delivery is critical. NetSuite’s Field Service Management module is engineered to streamline operations for businesses that dispatch technicians or service teams.

Overview:
The Field Service Management module helps ensure that service calls are managed efficiently:

• Scheduling & Dispatch: Automates technician scheduling and dispatching to reduce downtime and improve response times.
• Work Order Management: Tracks work orders from creation to completion, ensuring that all service requests are fulfilled promptly.
• Mobile Integration: Provides field technicians with mobile access to work orders, customer data, and real-time updates.
• Customer Communication: Enhances customer satisfaction by improving the accuracy and timeliness of service delivery.

Cost & Licensing:

• This module is offered as a subscription service with pricing based on the number of field technicians and service locations.
• Monthly costs typically range from $2,000 to $4,000, with variations depending on the complexity of your service operations and integration needs.
• Licensing may also include a mix of user-based and transaction-based fees, ensuring that you only pay for the capacity you need.

By enabling efficient field operations, this module can significantly boost service quality and reduce operational costs.

Navigating NetSuite Costs with Expert Guidance

Understanding the total cost of NetSuite—beyond just licensing fees—is essential for making a smart investment in your business's future. With NetSuite’s customizable pricing structure, choosing the right edition, modules, and service tier can be complex. That’s why having a trusted partner to guide you through the process can make all the difference.

At Kimberlite Partners, you’re not just working with consultants—you’re partnering with the original founders of DSG, the largest and most successful NetSuite Solution Provider, which was acquired by NetSuite several years ago. With decades of hands-on experience, we’ve helped businesses across industries select, implement, and optimize NetSuite for maximum ROI.