Choose the plan, not the headline price.
A practical buying checklist for a business with an existing email list.
1. Start with your real list
Write down the number of active subscribers you have permission to contact. Check how each provider counts unsubscribed, duplicate, or inactive contacts. A list export and a billable subscriber count may not be the same.
2. Estimate a normal month
For 5,000 subscribers receiving four newsletters, your starting estimate is 20,000 email sends. Add welcome emails, follow-ups, and any other automated messages. This is a planning example, not a provider allowance.
Estimate your monthly email sends.
Count campaigns and automated messages together before comparing allowances.
Assumes each campaign goes to your full active list. Automated sends means total messages, not the number of workflows. This estimates volume, not a provider’s price.
3. Make a short must-have list
- Your existing store, booking system, or website integration.
- The automation triggers and actions your workflow needs.
- The number of people who need access.
- Forms, landing pages, support, and reporting you actually use.
4. Compare like for like
Open each official pricing page. Set the same subscriber count and use the same billing period. Check whether quoted monthly prices require an annual payment, whether taxes are included, and what happens if you exceed a limit.
5. Try one complete workflow
During an available trial, create a small test list using your own addresses. Build one signup form, one email, and one automation. Check how the email looks on a phone and whether your integration works. Don't import your full audience until you understand the process.
6. Plan the move
Keep a backup of your existing data. Preserve consent records and unsubscribe suppression lists. Confirm sender authentication requirements with the new provider and test before switching live forms or automations.