How Does Cumulative Volume-based Pricing Work? Tips on How to Upload Bulk Files Correctly
Have you ever wondered how to save more on bulk uploads with Searchbug? Understanding how to leverage our cumulative volume-based pricing can significantly reduce costs.
Implemented in November 2022, this pricing strategy rewards frequent users by lowering the rate per record as they upload more within a given month. Here’s how it works and how to use it to your advantage.
The Problem
A customer needed to validate 1.25 million phone records and decided to split them into 12 parts for faster processing. However, they ran all parts simultaneously, resulting in a higher quote than expected. To benefit from cumulative volume-based pricing, it’s important to understand the right way to upload your files.
What is Cumulative Volume-based Pricing?
Cumulative volume-based pricing reduces the cost per record based on the total number of monthly records uploaded. Instead of paying a standard rate for a large single file, you can divide the upload into smaller parts. Each subsequent upload in the same month will receive a discounted rate, reflecting the total volume of records uploaded so far.
For example, if you upload 1.25 million records in one go, you’ll be charged the same rate if you split those same records into 12 different files and uploaded them one after another. However, it’s important to note that you must upload a new file after each file is complete. You cannot upload them all at the same time or the cost discounts will not be applied. This strategy rewards users who utilize the service multiple times within a month.
Old vs. New Pricing
The Old Way
If we look at the pricing calculator for bulk phone validation, we can see that a standard search for 5,000 records costs about $42.25—$0.0085 per record. Pretty cool, right?
However, if you want to upload another 5,000 records a week or two later, the cost is the same: $42.25 at $0.0085 per record. That’s still a good deal in exchange for uploading your records in bulk. But we now offer a way to save you even more!
The New Way
The pricing calculator still shows that a standard search for 5,000 records costs $42.25 at $0.0085 per record. However, if you upload another 5,000 records later in the same month, you aren’t charged $0.0085 per record but $0.0075, the rate for 10,000 records. This reduces the total cost for 10,000 records to $75, saving you $9.50 compared to the previous rate.
5 Tips for Uploading Bulk Files
- Divide for Speed and Savings: Splitting your bulk upload into smaller parts helps in faster processing. But remember, for cumulative volume-based pricing to apply, the parts should be uploaded one after another, not simultaneously.
- Plan Your Uploads: Schedule your uploads strategically. Begin with the first batch and wait for it to process before uploading the next. This method ensures each subsequent batch benefits from the cumulative pricing discount.
- Monitor Your Monthly Volume: Keep track of the number of records you upload each month. As your cumulative total increases, your cost per record decreases. Regularly check your account to see your progress and plan future uploads accordingly.
- Utilize Off-Peak Hours: Upload during off-peak hours to ensure faster processing times. This practice can also help you stay on schedule with sequential uploads, maximizing your savings.
- Seek Support When Needed: If you’re unsure about the best way to upload your files, contact our support team. They can guide optimal upload strategies and help you understand how cumulative volume-based pricing can work.
How to Upload Bulk Files Correctly to Enjoy Cumulative Volume-based Pricing
Let’s revisit the earlier scenario. The customer split 1.25 million records into 12 parts but ran them all at once. This approach missed out on cumulative pricing benefits. Had they uploaded the parts sequentially, they would have enjoyed lower rates for each subsequent upload, saving significantly.
Correct Approach:
- Upload the first part (e.g., 100,000 records).
- Wait for the first part to process.
- Upload the second part (e.g., another 100,000 records) and continue this sequence.
By the end of the month, the cumulative volume of uploaded records will reflect 1.25 million, but at a reduced cost per record due to the cumulative pricing strategy.
Conclusion
Utilizing Searchbug’s cumulative volume-based pricing effectively can lead to significant savings. The key is to divide your bulk uploads for faster processing while uploading them sequentially to benefit from the discounted rates. Plan your uploads, monitor your progress, and implement the abovementioned strategies to maximize your monthly savings.
If you need assistance or have questions about optimizing your bulk uploads, our customer service team is here to help. Contact us for guidance on maximizing cumulative volume-based pricing and ensuring your uploads are processed efficiently.
We hope this helps you achieve and enjoy the perks of being a Searchbug customer. Happy uploading!