Hi everyone,
I feel the need to share my frustration with the recent changes OpenAI has implemented regarding Custom GPTs within the Workspace (Teams Plan) environment. I know many others here are affected, and I believe it’s important to openly discuss this – both for transparency and for pushing toward a better solution.
I run an AI consulting agency. I help businesses and individuals understand, implement, and work with AI. I also teach numerous students and professionals how to practically use tools like ChatGPT in real-world settings. For over a year, I’ve built, tested, and deployed countless Custom GPTs – not just for fun, but as core components of professional projects and educational programs.
When I initially activated the Teams Workspace (after OpenAI heavily encouraged it), I accepted the higher price. Why? Because at that time:
- Moving back to a regular account would have deleted all my existing GPTs
- Workspace was promoted as the professional solution for AI teams and businesses
- I needed stability and reliability for my client projects and teaching
But now, suddenly, the rules have changed – without proper communication:
As a paying Workspace Admin, I can no longer create new Custom GPTs within my Workspace
Even for official, productive GPTs, I have to build them externally through a private Plus account
This means:
→ $60 minimum monthly payment for Workspace (2 seats required, even as a solo user)
→ $20 additional per month for a private GPT-4 Plus account to access core functionality
→ Fragmented workflows, duplicated efforts, increased costs
This is frustrating and feels unfair, especially for small businesses, independent AI consultants, educators, and early adopters who have invested heavily in building and promoting GPT-based solutions.
What makes this even more illogical:
- Workspace Admins can manage access and permissions already
- There’s no technical reason why GPT creation can’t be handled securely within Workspace
- Pushing GPT development onto private accounts breaks professional workflows
- The communication around these changes has been poor at best
What I (and many others) would expect from OpenAI:
Transparent communication before major functionality shifts
The ability for Workspace Admins to build and manage Custom GPTs directly
Fair, scalable pricing structures that support small teams and AI educators
Respect for the professionals and early adopters who helped make GPT successful
I truly hope OpenAI listens to this feedback. Many of us rely on GPT development tools not as a hobby, but as part of our businesses, our teaching, and our efforts to bring AI to real-world use cases.
I’m open to constructive discussion and would encourage others in the same situation to share their experiences here.
The AI community deserves clarity, fairness, and proper tools to work effectively.
Thank you for reading,
Sebastian Fruchtzweig
AI Consultant | Educator | GPT Builder