Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a metered feature be created before sending usage events to Chargebee?

Before creating a metered feature, it is recommended to evaluate your usage data and identify which attributes can be monetized immediately and which may be monetized in the future.

You can first send sample usage events with the required attributes. Once the usage data structure is validated, you can create a metered feature based on those attributes.

2. What is a metered addon and how does it work in usage-based billing?

A metered addon is a pricing component used to monetize aggregated usage associated with a metered feature.

Hybrid pricing model

In a hybrid model:

• A plan includes a defined usage limit for a metered feature.
• Usage beyond the included limit is treated as overage.
• A metered addon linked to the same metered feature is used to rate and charge for the overage usage.

The metered addon applies pricing based on its configuration and generates charges for the excess usage.

Pure pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model

In a pure PAYG model:

• The plan does not include any usage.
• The metered addon rates all recorded usage based on its pricing configuration.
• Charges are generated for the entire usage quantity.

3. Can metered features be archived or deleted?

Metered features cannot be archived or deleted.

4. How do entitlements work with usage-based billing?

In usage-based billing, entitlements define the included limit of a metered feature that a customer receives through a plan or addon.

When linking a metered feature to a plan, you can specify the included usage limit. Usage beyond this limit is considered overage and can be monetized using a metered addon.

Unlike standard feature entitlements, metered feature entitlements directly impact invoicing. By default, metered addons have unlimited entitlements and are used to rate overage usage.

5. Can the entitlements of plans or addons be edited once a metered feature is linked to it?

Yes, entitlements can be updated. However, entitlement management follows a grandfathering model by default.

When included usage limits or entitlements are updated:

• The changes apply only to new subscriptions.
• Existing subscriptions continue with their previously defined entitlements.

6. What are the limitations of pause and resume in usage-based billing?

Pause and resume is supported only for subscriptions that do not include metered features.

If a metered feature is linked to a plan or addon, the subscription cannot be paused or resumed.