What is a renewal?
As with most software companies these days, Autodesk operate on a subscription model now. That means that you can't just purchase the software once and use it, it is a pay as you go system that has an expiry date. If you wish to continue to use the products after that date, you will need to renew your contract beforehand.
What to expect at renewal time?
With everything else going and likely limited storage in your brain-drive (We are only human right?) we don't expect you to remember when your contract is about to run out. Here's how we help:
- 120 days out - expect a call from our renewal team member who will check in on what your plans are for your license? Here you can; renew as is, amend your term, upgrade to a collection, buy new seats to align with the same renewal date or any other adjustments you require. The team also like to check in and make sure you aren't experiencing any issues and that you are getting the most out of the software.
- 90 days out - Quotes are open and we can start to put pen to paper. Yay documents!
- 90 days - 1 week out - We will likely send a follow up email and/or call to remind you that the renewal date is approaching if we weren't able to contact you previously.
- 1 Week out - Ok, this is not a drill, we are officially panicking if we haven't heard from you. Please put us out of our misery and let us know your intentions before the 1 week mark.
We really don't want your license lapse. This makes us sad. Here's why:
What happens if I let my license lapse?
If you don't happen to get our emails, calls or if there was an issue with our special task force of carrier pigeons (it happens), then you may find yourself looking at an expired license.
But not all is lost:
- There is a 30 day period after expiry. It doesn't simply get 'turned off'.
- Your files are safe - though you may just be locked out after the above timeframe has lapsed. They should be there waiting for you if you decide to purchase a new seat later on. The license is attached to access, not the work itself (though different rules apply to cloud software such as BIM , AEC Docs etc).
- If a license does lapse, you can always buy another and start again. The risk though is that you may lose any legacy discounts your contract may have retained, having to purchase at the most current price. If your account is old, the difference in pricing can be quite significant.
About Making Payment
- Please make all payments to Autodesk as per the invoice. We know some customers have paid us directly in the past, but the system has changed and all funds need to be sent to Autodesk directly.
- The pricing can be confusing on the generated invoices, please be mindful of GST inclusions / exclusions and discounts that may apply, as well as incremental payment on multi-year contracts (as below). Also take note of the start date, your renewal will be on that date after your term expires.
- Auto-renew is automatically turned on if you pay via credit card as opposed to PO / Invoice. Keep this in mind if your license requirements chance, otherwise you might be locked in for another term.
- There are some pretty great savings to be made on a 3 year contract, but keep in mind, once you make the purchase, you are locked in, so weigh up the discount amount vs your business requirements and make the best decision for your circumstance.
- Finance options are available through a trusted third party provider. Interest rates do apply though, so make sure it's right for you. * Insert quickly-spoken disclaimer.
What else you should know
- If you pay early, good for you being organised! But Don't fret, it will not take away any time left on your original contract, it will simply kick off once the original term expires.
- There are no Direct Debit options currently. You can pay via Credit Card (Which will initiate the 'Auto-renew' as described above or via invoice request / P.O (Purchase Order). Just click 'Buy' on the email, not the PDF, and you will be directed to sign in and check out.
- If you need to purchase new seats to add on to your contract, renewal time is a great time to do it, as new licenses can be aligned to your existing contracts. If you have new staff starting soon, you can set the start date to a future date and renew all licenses at once next year.