Indiecity

Tools/Pricing

Price from value

Hours saved and what they already pay. A monthly number you can say on a call.

Say this number

$50

per month

Value of the mess
$480
Annual (10 months)
$500

The month is about a tenth of the time they save, or a little more than the substitute, whichever is higher. Then say it on a call.

Price the mess, not the competitor

A usable first price is about a tenth of the monthly value you remove, or a little above the substitute they already buy — whichever is higher. Then you say it on a call.

Worked example: the buyer spends 6 hours a month on the mess at $80 an hour. That is $480 of value. A tenth is $48. They already pay $40 for a worse tool. The calculator rounds to $50 a month, $500 if they pay a year up front (ten months).

FAQ

Questions people get stuck on

Should I copy a competitor’s price?

Only if they sell the same job to the same buyer. Most of the time you price the mess they already pay for in time and tools.

Why a tenth of the value?

It is a starting point you can say without flinching, not a law. If nobody flinches and support is heavy, raise for the next buyer.

What if ten customers already pay a lower number?

Leave them if you want their goodwill. Publish the new number for everyone who has not paid yet.

Is $29 too low?

Often. Cheap trains people to treat you like a cheap vendor. If the mess is worth hours, charge like it.