BPO Pricing Model Selector
Recommend per-FTE, per-ticket, per-minute, outcome-based, or hybrid BPO pricing based on workload predictability, channel mix, volume, and staffing visibility.
Pricing inputs
Pressure-test the workload shape before you default to the most familiar commercial model.
Pricing output
The result compares pricing structures and highlights the strongest current fit.
Hybrid pricing is the strongest current fit for the operating pattern you described.
Pricing model comparison
| model | fit | bestFor |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 9 | Scopes that need a stable base fee plus variable components for volume or outcomes. |
| Per FTE | 5 | Stable work where buyers want dedicated coverage and visible capacity. |
| Per ticket / case / transaction | 5 | Discrete work units with clean counting rules and QA definitions. |
| Per minute / usage | 4 | Voice-heavy operations where usage and occupancy matter more than fixed staffing. |
Commercial notes
- Write counting rules and exclusions before you lock in a transaction-based model.
- Hybrid models usually work best when neither pure FTE nor pure usage pricing captures the risk fairly.
- Pressure-test the model against demand variability and ramp assumptions before final pricing sign-off.
What this tool helps you do
Pricing models are not interchangeable. The same scope can be a healthy deal or a painful one depending on whether pricing matches the shape of the workload. This tool makes the pricing decision explicit rather than default.
- Stop defaulting to per-FTE for every engagement regardless of workload shape.
- Surface when outcome-based pricing is realistic and when it is wishful thinking.
- Flag hybrid pricing as a legitimate option instead of a compromise.
- Make pricing conversations faster by naming the model up front.
How it will work
- Describe the workload: Enter channel mix, volume predictability, ticket shape, and seasonal variability.
- Enter visibility and maturity: Say how much real visibility the client has into volume, AHT, and staffing today.
- Review the recommended model: The tool scores per-FTE, per-ticket, per-minute, outcome-based, and hybrid models.
- Export the memo: Download a pricing memo for contract and SLA design conversations.
Common use cases
New contract pricing
Pick the pricing structure before negotiating rates so the commercial conversation is sharper.
Renewal restructuring
Decide whether today's pricing model still fits the workload shape at renewal.
Hybrid arrangements
Design baseline plus variable pricing for seasonality or unpredictable queues.
Vendor proposals
BPO vendors can propose the right pricing model in proposals instead of defaulting to one shape.
Why this matters for BPO operators
Pricing model mismatch is one of the most common and most expensive BPO contract problems. It usually shows up as surprise overage charges, under-investment in staffing, or running disputes about what the contract actually covers.
Choosing the right model explicitly, with visibility into workload shape, is one of the cheapest risk reductions in a BPO engagement.
Output and export options
Export a structured pricing memo for contract, commercial, and SLA design conversations.
Who this is for
- Procurement and commercial leaders
- BPO sales and deal-desk teams
- CFOs and finance business partners
- Consultants producing pricing recommendations
- Operations leaders running renewals
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Privacy-first workflow
Commercial inputs stay in your browser. Elysiate does not need volumes, AHT, or staffing data on a server to produce a pricing model recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is outcome-based pricing always better?
No. It only works when outcomes are actually measurable, within the vendor's control, and mutually trusted. The tool flags when those conditions do not hold.
Can I recommend hybrid pricing?
Yes. Hybrid models like per-FTE plus per-incident or baseline plus seasonal variable are first-class options.
How does this relate to SLAs?
Pricing model choice constrains which SLA design options are realistic. Use this tool first, then the SLA Builder.