Common AI Pricing Models
| Model | How It Works | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Token-based | Price per million input/output tokens | LLM APIs | OpenAI (3-15/M) |
| Credit system | Pre-purchased credits consumed by usage | Predictable budgeting | Many AI startups |
| Compute-based | Price per GPU-hour or compute unit | Training, inference | AWS, GCP, Replicate |
| Tiered + Usage | Base subscription with usage included + overages | Consumer AI products | ChatGPT Plus ($20 + limits) |
| Outcome-based | Price per successful result | Task-specific AI | Per document processed, per image generated |
Recommended Alguna Setup
Create usage-based products
Navigate to Products → Add Product
- Create “API Usage” as a metered product
- Price per 1,000 or 1,000,000 tokens/units
- Consider separate pricing for input vs. output tokens
Set up billable metrics
Navigate to Billable Metrics → Create Metric
- Metric: “Input Tokens” (sum of input_tokens property)
- Metric: “Output Tokens” (sum of output_tokens property)
- Metric: “API Calls” (count of requests)
Implement credit system (optional)
Use Alguna’s credits/wallet feature:
- Customers pre-purchase credits
- Usage depletes credits in real-time
- Auto top-up when balance is low
- Overage billing when credits exhausted
Create tiered pricing for volume
Reward high-volume customers:
- First 1M tokens: $3.00 per 1M
- 1M - 10M tokens: $2.50 per 1M
- 10M+ tokens: $2.00 per 1M
Billing Flow
Credit System vs. Post-Paid
| Approach | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-paid credits | Predictable revenue, no collection risk | Friction to start, unused credits | Startups, SMB customers |
| Post-paid usage | Easy onboarding, pay for what you use | Collection risk, bill shock | Enterprise, established customers |
| Hybrid (committed use) | Volume discounts, predictable minimums | Requires sales negotiation | High-volume enterprise |
Key Features to Configure
Billable Metrics
Define what usage events to track and how to aggregate them.
Credits & Wallets
Set up pre-paid credit systems with auto top-up.
Usage Metering
Ingest usage events and see real-time consumption.
Customer Portal
Let customers view their usage and manage billing.
API Reference
Ingest Events
Send usage events to Alguna.
Credit Grants API
Manage customer credit balances.
Webhooks
Get notified of billing events.
Customers API
Create and manage customer accounts.
Related Quick Starts
Self-Serve (PLG)
Most AI companies start with self-serve checkout.
Developers
API integration for usage metering.
Hybrid Motion
Land self-serve, expand with sales for enterprise.
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