Software pricing pages are built to push you toward annual plans. This checklist uses a vendor's own pricing page as the worked example, credited below, because it shows the patterns clearly.
1. Read the free plan limits
The Coohom pricing page for Coohom lists a free Basic plan with three projects per account. A free plan is useful only if its limit matches the work you want to try, so create a real project before paying.
2. Check the billing period behind the monthly price
The same page shows Pro at $25 a month billed yearly at $300 and Elite at $58 per seat a month billed yearly at $699. The monthly number is what you pay only if you commit for a year, so compare the yearly total.
3. Treat crossed-out prices and countdowns as marketing
The page shows crossed-out higher prices, a limited-offer banner and a countdown. Work out the real saving from the yearly total and the monthly price, not from the label.
4. Note the renewal date
Annual plans renew automatically unless cancelled. Save the confirmation email, set a reminder before the renewal date and check where in the account you cancel.
5. Find the refund terms before paying
Look for an official refund policy page. If you cannot find one, ask support in writing what happens if you ask for a refund within 7 or 30 days, and pay by card so you have dispute rights.
An example: checking a vendor against the list
In our Coohom review we applied these questions. The page lays out tiers clearly and offers a free plan, but promotes limited-time discounts and we could not find an official refund policy.
A note on the sources
The worked example uses the vendor's own page, so it shows how the vendor presents its prices, not independent verification. We wrote this article in our own words. Some links to brands on this site are affiliate links; see our affiliate disclosure.