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MemberLeap AMS Review 2025 | Association Management Software

  • Nov 24
  • 8 min read

Objective MemberLeap AMS review for association executives. Expert analysis of features, pricing, peer reviews & market fit. Free evaluation available.


MemberLeap AMS Software Review for Association Executives: A Boutique All-in-One Solution Built on 25 Years of Association Experience


Updated Review from 1/2022


In a time when association executives face a barrage of promises from enterprise-level software and overwhelming complexity, often the most effective solutions are offered by companies that have quietly honed their expertise over the years. MemberLeap, created by Vieth Consulting, exemplifies this approach—a thorough association management software developed from direct experience in the field and enhanced through collaboration with over 850 organizations globally. This review offers Association Executives an impartial evaluation of MemberLeap to assist in deciding if this solution fits their organization's specific needs and operational objectives.


Summary of the MemberLeap Software


MemberLeap is an all-in-one association management software system developed by Vieth Consulting, a web design and software development company founded in 2000 by Chris Vieth in Grand Ledge, Michigan [1]. The company's genesis story reflects authentic association roots: Chris Vieth's focus on associations emerged from direct experience working with local associations in Des Moines, Iowa and Lansing, Michigan. What began as a simple event calendar evolved into a comprehensive member database and email system, eventually becoming the full-featured platform known today as MemberLeap [2].


As of 2025, Vieth Consulting employs 29 full-time employees—a notable increase from 18 employees reported in 2022—demonstrating steady, sustainable growth [3]. The company currently partners with over 850 organizations across eight countries (United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Haiti, Mexico, South Africa, and United Kingdom), with more than 1.3 million members accessing the software [4]. The company maintains BBB accreditation since 2017, underscoring its commitment to business ethics and customer satisfaction [5].


The Purpose Statement of the Software


MemberLeap's core mission centers on providing cost-effective, streamlined association management that allows organizations to efficiently manage day-to-day operational needs while successfully achieving membership and revenue goals [6]. Unlike vendors that chase enterprise complexity, Vieth Consulting deliberately positions MemberLeap as an accessible, user-friendly platform that serves organizations of all sizes without requiring technical expertise or dedicated IT staff.


The company's philosophy emphasizes personal service and boutique-style partnerships rather than treating clients as account numbers in a vast corporate machine. This approach resonates particularly with smaller associations that value direct access to decision-makers and rapid response to their unique requirements.


What Makes MemberLeap a Fit for the Association Market and Unique


MemberLeap distinguishes itself through several key characteristics that address common association pain points:


  • Integrated Website Design: Unlike many AMS platforms that require separate website solutions, MemberLeap offers seamlessly integrated, custom-built websites specifically designed for membership organizations. This eliminates the common headache of managing disparate systems and ensures consistent branding [7].

  • Owner-Operated Responsiveness: With founder Chris Vieth still actively involved in the business, clients benefit from decision-maker accessibility that larger vendors cannot match. Reviewers consistently highlight how Vieth Consulting understands their needs and partners to expand capabilities [8].

  • Customization Without Enterprise Pricing: MemberLeap offers custom programming to meet unique organizational needs at reasonable prices and implementation schedules—capabilities typically reserved for enterprise-tier solutions [9].

  • Month-to-Month Flexibility: Unlike competitors requiring multi-year contracts, MemberLeap operates on true month-to-month subscriptions without long-term lock-ins, reducing risk for associations uncertain about their long-term technology direction [10].

  • Volunteer-Friendly Interface: Many associations operate with limited staff or volunteer leadership. MemberLeap is designed so that non-technical volunteers can manage professional-looking websites and handle member and event management independently [11].


Functional Goals of the MemberLeap Software


MemberLeap provides comprehensive functionality across the primary operational areas associations require:


  • Member Management: Core database for tracking member data, membership levels, categories, notes, and CRM functionality with a dedicated member portal

  • Membership Billing: Automated dues collection, renewals management, and online payment processing with QuickBooks integration

  • Event Management: Event calendar with public and members-only settings, online registration, attendance tracking, Zoom interface, and call-for-proposals functionality

  • Website Content Management: Responsive, mobile-friendly CMS for maintaining organizational websites

  • Communication Tools: Email marketing, newsletter distribution, and social media integration for Facebook and Twitter

  • E-Commerce: Online store capabilities, donation management, and fundraising tools

  • Education & CE Tracking: Learning management functionality and abstract/manuscript submission capabilities

  • Mobile Application: Custom-branded mobile apps available for Android and iOS devices with push notification support

  • Additional Tools: Job boards, classified ads, forms builder, file archive, committee management, and resource reservation systems [12]


Where Does MemberLeap Fit in the Market?


Using the SmartThoughts Tier Classification Framework [13], MemberLeap is positioned firmly in Tier III (Small Association) to the Tier IV (Micro Association) territory, with capabilities that stretch into Tier II for organizations with straightforward requirements.


Consider MemberLeap akin to a neatly arranged community library instead of an extensive university research system. It offers all the essentials that a typical association requires, minus the daunting complexity that usually comes with larger platforms. This platform is ideal for organizations that prioritize thorough functionality, personalized service, and predictable budgeting over the latest features and expansive scalability.


Ideal Client Profile:

  • Non-profit membership organizations with 2+ staff members or volunteer-driven operations

  • Operating budgets typically under $2.5 million

  • Organizations seeking an all-in-one solution rather than best-of-breed integrations

  • Associations desiring website and AMS integration without managing separate vendors

  • Organizations valuing boutique partner relationships over enterprise vendor support structures


Comparable Systems: Wild Apricot, ClubExpress (similar positioning with different strengths), and Member365 [14].



The Investment Costs for MemberLeap


MemberLeap employs a transparent, scalable pricing model based on total active records (members with usernames/passwords, paid membership dues, or active donor records) [15].


Monthly Subscription: Starting from approximately $80-$230 per month based on active record count, with enterprise-level pricing available for organizations exceeding 5,000 active records. Pricing is effective as of October 2025 and includes unlimited non-member records, unlimited administrative users, and unlimited email-based customer support [16].


Website Setup: Template approaches start around $2,100; custom-designed websites range from $3,500 to $7,500+, depending on complexity and content migration requirements [17].


GDPR Surcharge: Organizations storing European Union citizen data incur an additional monthly fee for GDPR compliance tools [18].

Investment Example: An association with 4,000 members, 7,000 total records, a standard template website, and an advanced mobile app might expect approximately $470/month with $8,675 initial setup [19].


Important Disclaimer: Pricing evolves. It is recommended to contact Vieth Consulting directly for current pricing information tailored to your organization's specific requirements. SmartThoughts does not sell software and provides this information solely for educational purposes.


MemberLeap Peer Reviews and Unique Feature Insights


MemberLeap maintains exceptionally strong peer review ratings across major software review platforms:

  • Capterra: 4.8/5.0 overall rating based on 100+ verified reviews, with Customer Service rated 4.9/5.0 [20]

  • Software Advice: Ranked #4 top association management software option [21]

  • GetApp: Starting price listed at $230/month with strong ratings for customer support responsiveness [22]


Positive Themes from Reviews:

  • Outstanding customer service with same-day response times and personalized attention

  • Comprehensive all-in-one functionality eliminates the need for multiple platforms

  • Excellent value for money compared to competitors

  • Willingness to customize and partner on unique organizational needs

  • Consistent feature releases responding to client feedback [23]


Constructive Criticism Noted:

  • Steep learning curve for website content management and some backend functions

  • Reporting features require multiple steps; they could be more streamlined

  • Some customizations incur additional costs beyond the base subscription

  • Data import/export can be clunky with some modules not fully integrated [24]


Employee Satisfaction Indicator: The company has grown from 18 to 29 employees since 2022, with many employees showing 10+ years tenure [25]. This stability suggests a healthy internal culture, which typically correlates with consistent client support quality. BBB accreditation since 2017 further supports their commitment to ethical business practices.


Verified Client Examples: International Microelectronics and Packaging Society (IMAPS), Michigan Water Environment Association, Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of Northern California, and International Association of Continuing Engineering Education (IACEE) [26].


Important Note: Peer reviews represent snapshots in time and should inform—not determine—your evaluation. For guidance on interpreting software reviews effectively, visit SmartThoughts' article on review reliance [27].


What Does SmartThoughts Expert Analysis State?


After a comprehensive analysis of MemberLeap's market position, capabilities, peer feedback, and organizational trajectory, SmartThoughts offers the following expert perspective:


MemberLeap represents a compelling option for associations seeking the comprehensiveness of an enterprise platform delivered through a boutique partnership model. The company's 25-year track record, owner-operator leadership, and consistent customer service excellence create a vendor relationship that many larger platforms simply cannot replicate.


The growth from 18 to 29 employees alongside expansion to 850+ client organizations suggests healthy, sustainable scaling rather than aggressive growth that might compromise service quality. Chris Vieth's continued hands-on involvement provides stability and accountability that associations increasingly value in their technology partners.


For smaller associations (under $2.5M operating budgets), MemberLeap offers exceptional value—comprehensive functionality at price points significantly below enterprise alternatives. The integrated website design capability particularly benefits organizations that want unified member experiences without managing multiple vendor relationships.


Considerations for Evaluation:

  • Organizations requiring advanced AI capabilities, sophisticated marketing automation, or complex multi-entity structures may find MemberLeap's feature set limiting

  • The learning curve for website management may require dedicated staff time during implementation

  • Associations planning rapid growth beyond 5,000+ members should discuss scalability pathways early in evaluation


SmartThoughts Evaluation Methodology: This analysis utilizes SmartThoughts' comprehensive 40-functional area evaluation framework, which transforms subjective vendor assessment into an evidence-based, defensible methodology. Our approach emphasizes quantified benchmarks, verified demonstrations, and consistent scoring across evaluators [28].


Bottom Line: MemberLeap excels for associations that prioritize personal service, comprehensive all-in-one functionality, and budget predictability. It may not suit organizations requiring cutting-edge technology innovation or enterprise-scale complexity, but for its target market, it delivers remarkable value with proven reliability.


Frequently Asked Questions for MemberLeap


Is MemberLeap expensive?

No, MemberLeap is competitively priced for its market segment. Monthly subscriptions start around $80-$230 based on member count, with no long-term contract requirements. One verified reviewer noted their annual fee is approximately $4,800 compared to competitors quoting $60,000 annually for less functionality [29].


Does MemberLeap integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes, MemberLeap offers QuickBooks integration as a standard feature, allowing associations to synchronize financial data between systems [30].


Who is MemberLeap best for?

MemberLeap is ideal for small to mid-size associations (Tier III-IV) with operating budgets under $2.5 million that want comprehensive all-in-one functionality, integrated website management, and personalized vendor support without enterprise pricing or complexity.


Does MemberLeap have a mobile app?

Yes, MemberLeap offers custom-branded mobile applications for both Android and iOS devices with push notification capabilities [31].


How does MemberLeap's customer service compare to competitors?


MemberLeap's customer service is consistently rated 4.9/5.0 on Capterra, with reviewers noting same-day response times and personal attention. Multiple reviewers describe the support experience as having their own concierge service [32].


SmartThoughts Conclusion and Next Steps


Selecting association management software represents one of the most consequential technology decisions an association executive will make. The wrong choice can create years of operational friction, while the right choice enables organizational growth and member satisfaction.


If you are an Association Executive evaluating AMS options and not currently working with a consultant, SmartThoughts invites you to schedule a complimentary evaluation conversation. Our objective analysis helps associations navigate the complex AMS marketplace with confidence—because in this critical decision, failure is simply not an option.


Schedule Your Free Evaluation: Visit www.smartthoughts.net or contact us directly to discuss your organization's unique requirements.


For detailed Smart Reports on MemberLeap and other AMS options tailored to your specific use case, our consulting engagements provide comprehensive analysis beyond this public summary.



Sources Cited:


[1] MemberLeap About Page - https://www.memberleap.com/about.php

[2] MemberLeap About Page - Company History

[3] MemberLeap About Page - Employee Count (2025)

[6] MemberLeap Homepage - https://www.memberleap.com

[7] MemberLeap Custom Web Design - https://www.memberleap.com/custom_web_design.php

[9] Capterra Reviews - Customization Feedback

[11] Capterra Verified Review - Volunteer Management

[15] MemberLeap Pricing Page

[17] MemberLeap Initial Website Setup Costs

[18] MemberLeap GDPR Pricing Information

[19] MemberLeap Estimator - https://www.memberleap.com/estimator.php

[21] Software Advice Rankings

[23] Capterra Reviews - Verified User Feedback (2024-2025)

[24] Software Advice Reviews - Constructive Feedback

[25] LinkedIn Employee Analysis - Vieth Consulting

[28] SmartThoughts Quality Scoring Guide - 40 Functional Area Framework

[29] Capterra Verified Review - Pricing Comparison

[30] MemberLeap Integrations - QuickBooks

[31] MemberLeap Mobile App Feature

[32] Capterra Customer Service Ratings


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