How to test your pricing before you launch

Pricing feels like a guess until customers tell you otherwise. You can get much of that answer before launch.

Start with the willingness question

Before asking "how much", make sure people would pay at all. If few people say yes to paying, the price isn't your problem yet.

Offer price ranges, not an open box

People are bad at naming a number from nothing, and good at picking from a short list. Ranges like $5, $10, $25 and $50+ per month get quick, honest answers.

Would you pay? asks this right after someone says they'd pay for your startup, and shows you the breakdown.

Watch the gap between yes and the price

If many people say yes but most pick the lowest range, your product may be a nice-to-have. If fewer say yes but they pick higher ranges, you may have a smaller market that values it more. Both are useful to know before you set a price.

Test again after you change something

Pricing isn't set once. Change the pitch, the positioning or the audience, then ask again and compare.