Pay Per Use Web Conferencing Software

Written by Steven Bryan

In today's business world, online meetings can be an effective method to communicate with all your employees at one time, but the cost can be prohibitive. For companies that organize Webinars and other virtual meetings on a limited or one-shot basis, pay per use Web conferencing software could actually allow you to save money by meeting via the Internet.

Pay only for what you use
Web conferencing vendors typically offer a wide variety of terms and plans, even offering unlimited Web conferencing for a flat monthly fee. To get the best possible rates, you may, however, have to sign a one or two-year contract with a conference provider, which can turn into a heavy financial commitment over time, especially if your level of usage falls off.

Web conferencing vendors typically offer a wide variety of terms and plans, even offering unlimited Web conferencing for a flat monthly fee. To get the best possible rates, you may, however, have to sign a one or two-year contract with a conference provider, which can turn into a heavy financial commitment over time, especially if your level of usage falls off.

Watch out for hidden charges
Most providers charge a one-time setup fee, even when using pay per use Web conferencing software. This setup fee establishes your account and makes organizing future conferences a little easier.

In addition, you'll have to pay a usage charge for each participant. This can be as low as 12 cents per minute or as high as 45 cents per minute, depending on the provider and the kind of data transferred. If your conferences tend to run for more than an hour, these charges can make a serious dent in your budget.

It also pays to keep an eye out for other hidden charges, such as adding a virtual whiteboard and other interactive meeting elements. All of these details should be clearly spelled out in any pay per use contract or agreement.

Stick to the basics
When looking for affordable Web conferencing, keep your meeting goals in mind. Do you need to add the visual elements to an online conference call – either live video, or slides? If the answer is no, look for a provider that offers "bare bones" services.

Does pay per use Web conferencing software actually save money?
Based on the software and what you want to accomplish during the virtual meeting, pay-per-use may or may not be a cheap Web conferencing alternative. When shopping around for a vendor, do your due diligence and, above all, do the math. In some instances, signing a contract and paying the monthly fee may actually save your company money in the long run.

Ready to start comparing services? Try our free web conferencing price quote request service. Answer a few simple questions and we'll connect you to multiple providers who can meet your needs – you compare their offerings and choose the best deal for your business.