Active Seats – Managing Multiple Computers #
Overview #
Each uBuyFirst subscription includes one active seat – allowing the software to actively search on one computer at a time. Need to run searches on multiple computers simultaneously? You can add additional seats based on your subscription level.
Important Dates:
- New users: This policy is already in effect
- Existing users: Takes effect October 15th, 2025
Quick Links #
- Manage Your Seats:
- Get Your License Key: Help → Subscription Info (in application)
- Contact Support: support@ubuyfirst.com
General Questions #
What is an active seat? #
An active seat allows one computer to actively run searches at a time. Your license is like your account, with a specific number of seats underneath it. You don’t need separate licenses – just additional seats under your existing license.
Why charge for additional active seats? #
uBuyFirst is search-heavy and optimizes speed and performance for enterprise users. We work with finite eBay API resources. By managing active seats, we:
- Ensure optimal speed for all users
- Keep you competitive with fastest search times
- Support continued platform development
- Prevent resource overload
How much do additional seats cost? #
- Elite Monthly ($24.99): Additional seats at Elite rate
- Enterprise Monthly ($49.99): Additional seats at Enterprise rate
- Annual Plans: Additional seats available at same rate as monthly equivalents
- Available for: Enterprise and Elite subscriptions only
How It Works #
What happens when I exceed my seat limit? #
When you try to start searching on a second computer while another PC is actively running, you’ll see a popup showing:
- Which computers are currently actively searching (by PC name)
- Option to disconnect another machine
- Link to purchase additional seats
Example scenario: Left home PC running, now at office #
No problem! When you start uBuyFirst at your office:
- You’ll get a popup showing all PCs actively searching by PC name
- Select which PC to disconnect (e.g., your home computer)
- Start searching on your work PC
- The selected PC will stop searching (results remain saved)
Can I switch between computers? #
Yes! You can use uBuyFirst on unlimited devices – just not simultaneously searching. The application can be running on multiple PCs, but only the allowed number can be actively searching at the same time.
Do I need to update my application? #
Yes – Critical Update Required
- Update to the latest version before October 15th
- Without the update, multi-PC functionality won’t work properly
- The backend will prevent multiple connections even without the update
- Get the latest version to ensure smooth operation
After I upgrade seats, when do changes take effect? #
Immediately! Once you complete the upgrade at https://ubuyfirst.com/modify-subscription, you can start using additional PCs right away without restarting the application.
Billing & Subscription #
How to upgrade your seats #
- Get your license key:
- Open uBuyFirst
- Go to Help → Subscription Info
- Copy your license key
- Visit the modification page:
- Go to Add A Seat
- Enter your license key
- Select number of seats needed
- Complete the upgrade checkout process.
How does proration work? #
Upgrading Example:
- You have an Enterprise subscription starting on the 1st
- On the 15th (halfway through), you add a second seat
- You’ll receive a prorated refund for the remaining 15 days
- You’ll be charged the new rate (base + additional seat)
- Your billing cycle resets to the 15th
Downgrading: Same process – you’ll be refunded the prorated difference and charged the new lower rate.
Existing Users – Special Considerations #
I already have multiple licenses – what happens? #
If you currently have multiple separate licenses:
- You can keep them as-is – no action needed
- Future additions can be consolidated under one license as seats
- This simplifies management and billing
Grace period details #
- New users (after Sept 20, 2025): Immediate enforcement
- Existing users: Grace period until October 15th, 2025
- Action needed: Upgrade seats before October 15th if needed
Special Cases #
Trial and Basic/Free Users #
- Limited to 1 active computer only
- Cannot add additional seats
- Must upgrade to Elite or Enterprise to access multi-seat functionality
Team Usage #
Each seat allows one active searching session. Team members can:
- Share license credentials
- Take turns using available seats
- Each have their own seat for simultaneous usage (if needed)
Maximum seats allowed #
- Standard limit: 5 seats
- Need more? Contact support@ubuyfirst.com for enterprise requirements
- We can accommodate up to 10+ seats for qualifying accounts
Technical Details #
How we track active computers #
Our licensing system monitors:
- Active searching instances via server validation
- IP addresses and machine IDs
- Advanced detection for virtual machines and unusual patterns
- Real-time synchronization across all devices
What information is stored #
- Number of seats in your license
- FastSpring Order ID
- Subscription ID
- Active device identifiers
- Last activity timestamps
Troubleshooting #
Common Issues #
“I can’t connect on my second computer”
- Ensure you’re on the latest version (build 268+)
- Check if another device is actively searching
- Verify your seat count at https://ubuyfirst.com/modify-subscription
“The popup won’t let me switch devices”
- Try stopping the search manually on the first device
- Try restarting your app
- Ensure you’re on the latest build
- Contact support if issues persist
“I upgraded but still can’t use multiple computers”
- Changes take effect immediately – no restart needed
- Verify the upgrade completed at modify-subscription page
- Check that all devices are on the latest version
Need Help? #
- Email Support: support@ubuyfirst.com
- Manage Seats: https://ubuyfirst.com/modify-subscription
- Contact Sales: https://ubuyfirst.com/contact
- Get License Key: Help → Subscription Info in the application
Looking Forward #
This change ensures uBuyFirst remains the fastest, most reliable eBay sourcing tool available. By optimizing our resources, we can continue delivering the speed and features that give you a competitive edge.
Questions or feedback? We value your input! Contact us at support@ubuyfirst.com.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Active Seats #
What is an active seat?
An active seat allows one computer to actively run searches at a time. Your license is like your account, with a specific number of seats underneath it. You don’t need separate licenses – just additional seats under your existing license
How much do additional seats cost?
- The cost is the same as 1 license.
- Elite Monthly ($24.99): Additional seats at Elite rate
- Enterprise Monthly ($49.99): Additional seats at Enterprise rate
- Annual Plans: Additional seats available at same rate as monthly equivalents
- Available for: Enterprise and Elite subscriptions only
How to add active seats?
- Get your license key:
- Open uBuyFirst
- Go to Help → Subscription Info
- Copy your license key
- Visit the modification page:
- Go to Add A Seat
- Enter your license key
- Select number of seats needed
- Complete the upgrade checkout process.
What happens when I exceed my seat limit?
When you try to start searching on a second computer while another PC is actively running, you’ll see a popup showing:
- Which computers are currently actively searching (by PC name)
- Option to disconnect another machine
- Link to purchase additional seats
Example scenario: Left home PC running, now at office
No problem! When you start uBuyFirst at your office:
- You’ll get a popup showing all PCs actively searching by PC name
- Select which PC to disconnect (e.g., your home computer)
- Start searching on your work PC
- The selected PC will stop searching (results remain saved)
Can I switch between active searching devices?
Yes! You can use uBuyFirst on unlimited devices – just not simultaneously searching. The application can be running on multiple PCs, but only the allowed number can be actively searching at the same time.
After I upgrade seats, when do changes take effect?
Immediately! Once you complete the upgrade at https://ubuyfirst.com/modify-subscription, you can start using additional PCs right away without restarting the application.
How will I be billed when modifying active seats?
How does proration work?
Upgrading Example:
- You have an Enterprise subscription starting on the 1st
- On the 15th (halfway through), you add a second seat
- You’ll receive a prorated refund for the remaining 15 days
- You’ll be charged the new rate (base + additional seat)
- Your billing cycle resets to the 15th
Downgrading: Same process – you’ll be refunded the prorated difference and charged the new lower rate.
I already have multiple licenses – what happens?
If you currently have multiple separate licenses:
- You can keep them as-is – no action needed
- Future additions can be consolidated under one license as seats
- This simplifies management and billing
Grace period details #
- New users (after Sept 20, 2025): Immediate enforcement
- Existing users: Grace period until October 15th, 2025
- Action needed: Upgrade seats before October 15th if needed
Why charge for additional active seats?
uBuyFirst is search-heavy and optimizes speed and performance for enterprise users. We work with finite eBay API resources. By managing active seats, we:
- Ensure optimal speed for all users
- Keep you competitive with fastest search times
- Support continued platform development
- Prevent resource overload
“I can’t connect on my second computer”
- Ensure you’re on the latest version (build 268+)
- Check if another device is actively searching
- Verify your seat count at https://ubuyfirst.com/modify-subscription
