AI agencies can charge a usage markup, fixed retainer, hybrid bundle, implementation fee or managed-service price. Dvaarik partner voice starts at ₹1.50 per minute and the platform fee is ₹0, giving agencies a visible wholesale base. The right business model decides who carries usage risk, support work and client-value uncertainty.
Which AI agency models are practical?
| Model | Agency earns from | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Usage markup | Spread on measured use | Variable client invoice and thin low-volume revenue |
| Fixed retainer | Predictable monthly price | Agency absorbs usage and support spikes |
| Hybrid bundle | Base fee plus clear overage | Requires accurate allowance and metering |
| Implementation project | Setup and integration work | Revenue stops unless followed by support |
| Managed service | Outcomes, review and optimisation | Labour can erase software leverage |
A new agency can combine a one-time implementation fee with a hybrid monthly package. Do not call implementation a platform fee if it pays for real agency work; describe the work.
How should the model match the offer?
Reception and lead qualification usually fit a hybrid bundle because usage is measurable but variable. Bespoke integrations deserve project pricing. High-touch regulated clients need a managed service with review and change control. Low-volume self-serve clients can use pure usage markup if the invoice remains worthwhile. Use the pricing guide and margin calculator to test the same client under each model.
What breaks an otherwise sound model?
Unlimited usage without history, undefined support, custom work hidden inside the retainer, acquisition cost excluded from payback and client promises that the product cannot support. Whole-minute billing also needs to appear in the allowance math. Keep client cash collection ahead of prepaid platform exposure where possible. The profitability guide separates contribution from gross spread, while the partner rate card keeps the wholesale input current.
Frequently asked questions
Which model is best for a new agency?
A hybrid bundle with a clear allowance and overage is often easiest to explain and safer than unlimited usage, but the right answer depends on the workflow.
Can I charge a setup fee when Dvaarik charges ₹0 setup?
Yes, if your fee pays for genuine discovery, configuration, integration, testing or training. Describe it as agency implementation work.
Should support be included?
Define a specific allowance and response scope. Unlimited undefined support makes margin impossible to manage.
A good agency model makes risk visible. Usage pricing transfers volume risk to the client; retainers transfer it to the agency; hybrid plans share it. Add implementation and managed service only where the agency performs real work. The model should become simpler as the delivery playbook matures, not more complicated with every client.
Design your partner offer
LoginTagged
Written by
Rohith Sriramula
Founder & CEO, Dvaarik AI
A laid-off engineer who went all in on Dvaarik AI. He builds the platform and product workflows from hands-on work with Indian businesses, not theory.