49. Breaking Free from Hourly Billing: Value-Based Pricing vs. Subscription Models

In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dive into the ongoing debate between value-based pricing and subscription-based models, breaking down the pros and cons of each. They explore why hourly billing is becoming obsolete—especially with the rise of AI and automation—and discuss how firms can move toward more profitable and scalable pricing structures.

Doug shares insights from a colleague who shifted from value pricing to a subscription model, explaining the challenges of continuously justifying value year after year. Meanwhile, Dan highlights how their firm blends both approaches, using value-based pricing for onboarding and cleanup while maintaining a subscription for ongoing services. They also discuss the importance of pricing transparency, efficiency, and ensuring clients see the real impact of their accountant’s work—not just a list of tasks.

If you’re ready to stop trading time for money and start pricing your services based on impact, check out our free white paper on value-based pricing at ⁠The Practicing Accountant⁠.