Pricing transparency
Pricing transparency means users can understand what they'll pay before committing to purchase or signup. This includes showing actual costs upfront, being clear about what's included at each tier, and disclosing any additional fees or charges that might apply. Hidden costs erode trust quickly. When users discover surprise fees at checkout, mandatory add-ons for basic functionality, or automatic upgrades they didn't authorize, they feel deceived. Even if they complete the purchase, this negative experience damages your relationship and increases churn. Users talk about pricing surprises, and these stories spread far beyond individual transactions.
Transparent pricing shows all tiers clearly, explains what differentiates them, and makes it obvious what users get at each level. If some features require add-on purchases, state this upfront. If pricing changes based on usage, provide calculators or examples so users can estimate their costs. When users can make informed decisions without surprises, they're more confident in their purchase and less likely to experience buyer's remorse.
Pro Tip: Show total cost including all fees before the final purchase step. Surprises at checkout destroy trust and increase abandonment.
