# Why we charge for services

Stable services require ongoing work. Payment must be understandable, and privacy should never be a price level.

Canonical: https://ideallya.com/en/perspectives/why-services-cost-money/

Author: Ideallya

Published: 2026-09-17

Updated: 2026-09-17

## Operations are ongoing work

Keeping a digital service running requires more than building the first version. Data must be updated, errors must be corrected, solutions must be maintained, and computation and storage must be paid for. Good operations are ongoing work.

## An understandable price

We therefore believe payment for a clearly defined service can be a good way to fund stability and further development. It should be possible to understand what you are paying for, when payment arises and which terms apply.

## The trade-off: accessibility

One account, shared capacity. Your Ideallya Data plan covers stored entries, document files and Automagi – automatic processing and organization of data across the services.

The trade-off is accessibility. Payment can make a useful tool harder to start using. We therefore need to assess barriers and value, without promising free use where there is no basis for maintaining it. Donations can contribute to purpose-driven work, but do not replace the need for a clear operating model.

## Privacy is not a price level

In any case, privacy should not be a price level. Payment can provide more capacity or more features. It should not buy access to other people's data or influence over the ranking. Current prices and terms should be available in each service before anyone commits.

## Compare the cost of one real task

The decided Missions fee model is 1% for the buyer and 3% for the winning supplier, without a cap. The base is the total agreed price including any VAT. The fees include any VAT on the fee; it is not added afterwards. Coming soon

Then compare what is included and what remains your responsibility. A low entry price says little if essential steps require additional payment. A percentage fee is easier to assess when its calculation base and payment time are explicit.

Missions has no separate service subscription. Keeping offers, receipts and other documents in your personal or business databank is an optional use of Ideallya Data. Stay within the free capacity or choose a paid plan when you need more. A paid Data plan is not required to carry out a mission. The previously agreed mission transaction fees are separate from the Data subscription.

[Current information about Missions](https://ideallya.com/en/services/missions/)

## Before you choose a subscription

Look for what is included, which limits apply and what happens when you end it. An understandable price must also explain the consequences of the choice.