How Inquiry Billing Works

The core of performance-based payment is explaining “how billing works” clearly—transparent settlement rules make for lasting partnerships.

This article explains the basic rules for inquiry settlement, including settlement methods, attribution logic, and reconciliation mechanisms.

In a pay-per-inquiry/performance-based partnership model, clear settlement rules are the foundation of the collaboration. The following explains the basic logic of settlement.

1. Payment method

Pay Per Inquiry: Billed per qualified lead (e.g., ¥200–600 each).
Commission on completed sales: Charged as a percentage of transaction value (e.g., 3%–8%).
Combination Method: Use a combination of both, choosing based on your business needs.

2. Attribution Logic

Attribution window: The attribution window for inquiries/leads (e.g., 180 days after lead capture).
Source attribution: Track inquiry sources through tools like CRM to ensure accurate attribution.

3. Reconciliation mechanism

Transparent reconciliation: Provide traceable data and reconciliation evidence on a regular basis.
Objection handling: Questionable inquiries can be submitted for review and handled according to the assessment criteria.

Core principles: The key to billing rules is Transparent, traceable, verifiable. Using real, verifiable data as the basis for settlement is the foundation of trust for long-term cooperation between both parties. Specific settlement terms are subject to the formal contract.

One-sentence conclusion · TL;DR

Inquiry settlement is divided into three models: pay-per-inquiry, commission-per-deal, and a combination of both. The core lies in the attribution logic (cycle + source tracking) and the reconciliation mechanism (transparent reconciliation + dispute handling). The key to settlement rules is transparency, traceability, and verifiability, with the specific terms subject to the contract.

Common Questions

Pay-per-inquiry vs. pay-per-commission: which is more cost-effective?

It depends on your business characteristics. Pay-per-inquiry suits scenarios where you want to lock in costs quickly and measure leads; pay-per-commission suits scenarios with high trust and a pursuit of long-term mutual benefit. They can also be combined — the specific choice depends on your business and the cooperation agreement.

Why is the attribution cycle so long?

In B2B, the cycle from lead capture to closing is often long (months or even longer). A longer attribution window (e.g., 180 days) ensures the true value of leads can be measured accurately, avoiding underestimation of results due to delayed conversions.

How do you ensure the authenticity of billing data?

Record lead sources and flow through traceable tools (CRM, data platforms) to support reconciliation and review. Legitimate partnerships provide transparent data as a basis and establish a dispute resolution mechanism.

Inquiry Billing Rules Explained

1. Payment method

2. Attribution Logic

3. Reconciliation mechanism