Section 1
The four common help desk pricing models
Per-agent pricing follows headcount. Per-resolution pricing follows the work completed by automation. Flat pricing stays fixed within stated limits. Free tiers reduce entry cost but usually cap users, channels, history, or advanced controls. Ask what changes the invoice before comparing plans.
Section 2
Which pricing model fits each support use case?
Per-agent plans are easy to allocate when team size is stable. Usage or resolution pricing can fit automation-heavy teams that can forecast volume. Flat plans suit smaller teams that want predictable software cost. A free tier is useful for validating the workflow before moving customer traffic.
- Stable support team: compare the full annual per-agent commitment
- Automation-heavy queue: model seasonal resolution volume and overages
- Small ecommerce team: compare flat software cost plus separate AI usage
Section 3
What the advertised price may leave out
Check channel access, automation limits, reporting, AI assistance, onboarding, and minimum commitments. A low entry plan can still be the wrong choice when the workflow requires a higher tier. Use current vendor quotes because plan names, inclusions, and limits change.
Section 4
SamDesk BYOK pricing: €10 monthly or €150 lifetime
SamDesk currently lists a €10-per-month BYOK plan and a €150 one-time lifetime deal for the first 100 customers. BYOK means managed AI usage is not included: your team supplies its own provider key and pays that provider directly for model usage.
Section 5
Compare cost with one representative queue
List the agents, inboxes, channels, monthly conversations, automation volume, and reporting needs for one queue. Price that same scope with every vendor. This exposes seat minimums and usage assumptions before they become migration costs.
Frequently asked questions
How is help desk software usually priced?
Common models include per agent, per automated resolution or usage unit, flat subscription pricing, and free tiers with limits. Some vendors combine these models or charge separately for AI and channels.
What does SamDesk cost?
The current SamDesk BYOK options are €10 per month or a €150 one-time lifetime deal for the first 100 customers. Your AI provider bills model usage separately through your own key.
Is a free help desk plan always cheaper?
Only if its user, channel, history, automation, and reporting limits fit the real queue. Test the workflow and calculate the first paid tier you would actually need.
