Latest Spend Insights: 21% of tools go unused, 28% of contracts hit by shrinkflation & early negotiators save 49% on SaaS

Software bloat and poor procurement practices are quietly eroding budgets – from unused tools and duplicate software, to contract shrinkflation and missed negotiation opportunities.

The result? Higher spend, less value, and millions lost to inefficiencies.

Here are some of the key takeaways from our latest spend insights, highlighting not only where waste is occurring, but also where cost-saving opportunities are being missed.

More than a fifth of all SaaS tools go unused

Software usage is up slightly – from 76% to 79% – but 21% of apps are still going entirely unused. With the average company now using 132 tools, that’s often millions of dollars wasted every year. 

Here are the reasons behind this waste – and exactly how to stop it >

Negotiating 90+ days early secures average discounts of 49%

Start renewal talks early – companies save 49% on average by negotiating more than 90 days in advance, compared to just 19% when left between 30 and 60 days.

49% is just the average – get proven negotiation tips to secure the best possible savings on every contract >

SaaS spend per employee has reached its highest ever level

Companies now spend an average of $9,000 on software per annum for each individual employee, up from $6,900 in 2023.

See exactly what's driving this surge – and how to regain control >

Software duplication continues to drain budgets and add risk

Companies are wasting huge amounts of budget on duplicate software, with development, security, sales, marketing, and collaboration & productivity tools among the worst culprits. 

Here are the exact steps you can take to prevent this wasted spend >

More than a quarter of all SaaS contracts are affected by shrinkflation

SaaS shrinkflation now affects 28% of contracts – up from 25% just two quarters ago. Same price, less product.

Find out the hidden causes and take steps to protect your budget >

Turn wasted spend into strategic wins

SaaS wastage affects virtually every organization worldwide, making it essential for teams to act with insight and urgency.

This does, however, rely on knowing where inefficiencies lie, how to address them, and where the opportunities for potential cost savings exist.

Join our community of like-minded finance and procurement professionals, and learn the steps they’re taking to tackle common challenges and demonstrate strategic value. Alternatively, subscribe to our Spend Insights Hub to access the latest SaaS and procurement data, along with actionable guidance for increasing efficiency and cutting costs.