[masonhipp]

We've had to deal with an onslaught of of free users at our startup https://glyphs.co/ quite a bit over the past few weeks: last week we took in something like 4k new user accounts.

I'm definitely a big fan of freemium, and specifically I really like limiting accounts by features (less by usage), but I think it's 100% imperative to control the rate at which new users are given access to your system. We're currently in beta which makes it easy (by only allowing users at our pace) but I think in your case (given the amount of processing required) it would have been very advantageous to build a line for the free account and let people wait for a bit. That builds demand, lets you control user-flow, and people who are very interested can pay to skip the line. Anyhow, just my thoughts, obviously every scenario is different and you guys know this area best.

[HappyTypist]

Counterpoint: This can backfire. Scarcity can make the free plan to be perceived as having a value that is greater than free.

[Shpigford]

I like the "wait in line" idea. :) Something for us to test down the road.