Let’s clear something up.
SaaS Mode inside HighLevel is powerful.
But if you’ve ever tried to configure pricing, setup fees, or advanced billing features… you know it’s not always plug-and-play.
Especially when you start comparing V1 vs V2.
So let’s simplify this.
No hype.
No confusion.
Just what matters.
First: Always Check Your Version
Before you build pricing.
Before you launch a SaaS offer.
Before you promise setup fees to clients.
Ask yourself:
Am I on V1 or V2?
This sounds obvious.
It’s not.
I’ve seen agencies:
- Build pricing structures
- Announce offers
- Map out onboarding
Only to realize they misunderstood how their SaaS version handles billing.
Version awareness saves frustration.
SaaS Mode V1: Simpler for Setup Fees
In V1, setup fees are straightforward.
You define your pricing.
You include the setup component.
You launch.
It’s predictable.
That’s why many agencies found it easier to structure traditional SaaS billing here.
If you want simplicity, V1 has historically felt more direct.
SaaS Mode V2: More Power, More Nuance
V2 introduced powerful scaling features.
Better structure.
Better product control.
More flexibility.
But with that flexibility comes nuance.
Setup fees in V2 aren’t always as native and obvious as in V1.
Some workflows require workarounds.
Some features are still evolving.
And if you assume V2 behaves exactly like V1, you’ll hit friction.
Power without clarity creates confusion.
Don’t Build Strategy on Assumptions
Here’s where agencies get into trouble.
They:
- Hear V2 is “better”
- Switch modes
- Build pricing
- Promise setup fees
Without fully understanding the mechanics.
The smarter move?
Validate first.
Test your billing flow.
Run internal transactions.
Simulate a client purchase.
Systems should be verified before they’re monetized.
SaaS Scaling Isn’t Just a Feature Toggle
SaaS Mode isn’t just “turn it on and sell.”
It’s:
📦 Product packaging
💰 Pricing architecture
🔁 Recurring billing logic
📋 Onboarding workflows
If one part breaks, trust breaks.
That’s why version clarity matters.
How I’d Approach V2 Today
If I were scaling in V2 right now, I’d:
1️⃣ Confirm billing structure
2️⃣ Validate setup fee logic
3️⃣ Test checkout end-to-end
4️⃣ Create documentation for team
5️⃣ Only then go public
Don’t let feature excitement override operational discipline.
Transitional Periods Require Patience
Whenever a platform evolves, there’s a gap.
Features expand.
Workflows shift.
Documentation updates lag.
This isn’t unique to HighLevel.
It’s the nature of fast-moving software.
The agencies that win during transitions are the ones who:
- Stay informed
- Test carefully
- Adapt strategically
Not the ones who react emotionally.
The Real Advantage
The advantage isn’t V1 or V2.
It’s mastery.
Agencies that understand their tools deeply outperform those who just activate features.
Tool awareness beats tool adoption.
If you know how your SaaS Mode behaves, you can price confidently.
If you don’t, you hesitate.
And hesitation kills momentum.
The Big Takeaway
Before you restructure pricing or promise setup fees:
Confirm your version, understand the billing mechanics, test everything.
V2 brings opportunity.
But opportunity only turns into revenue when you understand the infrastructure behind it.
That’s where we focus on structured growth, not guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about first: Always Check Your Version?
Before you build pricing. Before you launch a SaaS offer. Before you promise setup fees to clients. Ask yourself: Am I on V1 or V2? This sounds obvious. It’s not. I’ve seen agencies: Build pricing structures Announce offers Map out onboarding Only to realize they misunderstood how their SaaS version handles billing. Version awareness saves frustration.
What should I know about saaS Mode V1: Simpler for Setup Fees?
In V1, setup fees are straightforward. You define your pricing.You include the setup component.You launch. It’s predictable. That’s why many agencies found it easier to structure traditional SaaS billing here. If you want simplicity, V1 has historically felt more direct.
What should I know about saaS Mode V2: More Power, More Nuance?
V2 introduced powerful scaling features. Better structure.Better product control.More flexibility. But with that flexibility comes nuance. Setup fees in V2 aren’t always as native and obvious as in V1. Some workflows require workarounds. Some features are still evolving. And if you assume V2 behaves exactly like V1, you’ll hit friction. Power without clarity creates confusion.
Start Your HighLevel Free Trial
Browse all GoHighLevel guides · Gohighlevel Comparison · SaaS & White Label.