# The pay as you go business model

URL: https://gocutline.com/business-models/pay-as-you-go/

The pay as you go business model: customers pay only for what they use, so the bill grows with them. With no big commitment up front, it is easy to start.

## How it makes money
With no big commitment up front, it is easy to start. Revenue grows by itself as customers grow, although income is harder to predict than with a subscription.

## Real examples
- Amazon Web Services charges for the computing used.
- Twilio charges per message and call.

## The numbers to watch
- Revenue per customer over time
- Usage growth among existing customers
- Cost per unit served

## Who it fits
Infrastructure and tools whose value goes up with use.

## What goes wrong
A customer gets a surprise bill and leaves, or a few big customers make up most of your income.

## Try it this week
Find the unit people naturally think in, such as messages or hours. That is what you charge for.

Then give it a time: one block of 90 minutes this week, in [your calendar](https://gocutline.com/#try). Our [playbooks](https://gocutline.com/playbooks/) have the next steps for finding your first customers.

## Questions

**What is an example of the pay as you go model?**
Amazon Web Services charges for the computing used.

**What is the biggest risk with the pay as you go model?**
A customer gets a surprise bill and leaves, or a few big customers make up most of your income..

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Cutline: Cutline is a weekly calendar and planner that turns time blocks into XP, levels and streaks. You plan your week in blocks, tick each one off when it is done, and see your progress on a social feed (the Floor) and a weekly leaderboard (the Arena). Planning and budgeting are free; paid plans add a badge, posting, messaging, shared calendars and lower selling fees, from $9 a month. Pro is free to try for 7 days.
Facts: https://gocutline.com/facts/ · Updated 2026-11-06