Keywords · Monetization · Finance · Updated 2026-07-21

What is Grandfathering?

Short answer: Allowing existing customers to keep their original pricing or plan terms even after a company changes its pricing for new customers.

Definition

Allowing existing customers to keep their original pricing or plan terms even after a company changes its pricing for new customers.

Why it matters for growth

Grandfathering protects existing customer trust during a price change, though it can complicate long-term revenue modeling if overused.

Example

A company raises prices 20% for new signups but lets existing customers keep their legacy rate as long as they stay subscribed.

FAQ

What is Grandfathering?
Allowing existing customers to keep their original pricing or plan terms even after a company changes its pricing for new customers.
Why does Grandfathering matter for growth?
Grandfathering protects existing customer trust during a price change, though it can complicate long-term revenue modeling if overused.
What is an example of Grandfathering?
A company raises prices 20% for new signups but lets existing customers keep their legacy rate as long as they stay subscribed.
What is Grandfathering? Definition and growth use · Cofounderbase