Linear1. Keep every plan on one clean row
Four plans in one row make comparing take seconds.
- Fit all plans on one screen
- Keep each list to a few lines
- Give each plan one button
Per seat vs usage based pricing
Per seat pricing charges for each person who uses the product, so the bill is easy to predict. Usage based pricing charges for what gets consumed, such as emails, API calls or compute, so the bill tracks value. Many AI and infrastructure products mix both: a seat or plan fee plus metered usage.
Updated · By Blake Emal · 6 real examples, each linked to its source
What are the steps
- Find your value metricThe unit that grows when customers get more value.
- Check who paysIf one person gets value for a whole team, seats undercharge.
- Make the bill predictableSupabase calls its pricing predictable and Vercel promises control over cost.
- Give a calculatorResend lets people slide to their own volume.
- Cap the scary caseSpend limits and alerts calm the fear of a surprise bill.
How do the options compare
| Per seat | Usage based | |
|---|---|---|
| Bill is easy to predict | Yes | Harder |
| Price tracks value | Only if value scales with people | Yes |
| Fits AI and APIs | Poorly | Well |
| Main buyer worry | Paying for idle seats | A surprise bill |
| Real examples | Linear, Attio | Resend, Vercel, Supabase |
Which real examples show it
Linear
Attio2. Show the whole journey in your plans
Buyers see a plan for today and a plan for later.
- Write one line about growing with you
- Say start today with no card
- Keep the annual toggle on top
Resend3. Let buyers slide to their own price
A slider turns a pricing table into a personal quote.
- Add a slider for the main usage unit
- Show the plan that fits the number
- Keep a free plan on the left
Vercel4. Promise control over cost
A headline about control calms the fear of surprise bills.
- Name the fear and answer it in the headline
- Keep three plans
- Show the free plan first
Supabase5. Call your pricing predictable
Predictable is the word buyers want to read on a usage plan.
- Use the word buyers want in the headline
- Mark one plan as most popular
- Add a copy for AI option for the page
Zapier6. Tell people pricing works the same everywhere
One simple rule makes a big product easier to buy.
- Name your plans after the job they do
- Add one rule that keeps pricing simple
- Link to how usage is counted
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What else do people ask
What is hybrid pricing
A base plan or seat fee plus metered usage above an included amount.
Is usage based pricing better for AI products
Often, because the cost to serve grows with use. Pair it with clear limits so buyers can predict the bill.
How do I move from seats to usage
Protect current customers and explain what happens to their plan first, as Cursor did when it changed its plans.