A/B Testing

How to Split Testing for Pricing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Profits

ankur goyal

Ankur Goyal

Nov 25, 2024

ab testing for pricing, ab testing best practices, ab testing tools

A/B Testing

How to Split Testing for Pricing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Profits

ankur goyal

Ankur Goyal

Nov 25, 2024

ab testing for pricing, ab testing best practices, ab testing tools

Introduction

Imagine you receive a beautiful handbag, and at first glance, you might think it’s worth around $50 based on its materials and craftsmanship. But then, you find out it’s a vintage item with an authenticity certificate, and suddenly, you see its value differently. However, as you take a closer look, you notice some wear and tear. Now, you're left wondering: should you price it lower due to its condition, or does its rarity justify a higher price despite the flaws?

This situation highlights the challenge of setting the right price. Initial impressions and guesswork can only get you so far. In real life, you wouldn’t just guess the price of something valuable without considering all factors.

This is where A/B price testing or split testing for pricing comes in. It's like offering that handbag to different groups at different price points. Would people be willing to pay a higher price for its vintage value, or would a lower price attract more buyers? 

A/B testing lets you experiment with different pricing options to see what resonates best with your audience. By tracking customer behavior, it provides clear, data-driven insights that help you make better pricing decisions—no guesswork involved.

Let’s read how split testing for price can help you set the ideal price that balances customer interest and profitability!

Imagine you receive a beautiful handbag, and at first glance, you might think it’s worth around $50 based on its materials and craftsmanship. But then, you find out it’s a vintage item with an authenticity certificate, and suddenly, you see its value differently. However, as you take a closer look, you notice some wear and tear. Now, you're left wondering: should you price it lower due to its condition, or does its rarity justify a higher price despite the flaws?

This situation highlights the challenge of setting the right price. Initial impressions and guesswork can only get you so far. In real life, you wouldn’t just guess the price of something valuable without considering all factors.

This is where A/B price testing or split testing for pricing comes in. It's like offering that handbag to different groups at different price points. Would people be willing to pay a higher price for its vintage value, or would a lower price attract more buyers? 

A/B testing lets you experiment with different pricing options to see what resonates best with your audience. By tracking customer behavior, it provides clear, data-driven insights that help you make better pricing decisions—no guesswork involved.

Let’s read how split testing for price can help you set the ideal price that balances customer interest and profitability!

Imagine you receive a beautiful handbag, and at first glance, you might think it’s worth around $50 based on its materials and craftsmanship. But then, you find out it’s a vintage item with an authenticity certificate, and suddenly, you see its value differently. However, as you take a closer look, you notice some wear and tear. Now, you're left wondering: should you price it lower due to its condition, or does its rarity justify a higher price despite the flaws?

This situation highlights the challenge of setting the right price. Initial impressions and guesswork can only get you so far. In real life, you wouldn’t just guess the price of something valuable without considering all factors.

This is where A/B price testing or split testing for pricing comes in. It's like offering that handbag to different groups at different price points. Would people be willing to pay a higher price for its vintage value, or would a lower price attract more buyers? 

A/B testing lets you experiment with different pricing options to see what resonates best with your audience. By tracking customer behavior, it provides clear, data-driven insights that help you make better pricing decisions—no guesswork involved.

Let’s read how split testing for price can help you set the ideal price that balances customer interest and profitability!

What is split testing for pricing?

Split testing for pricing is a method where businesses experiment with different price points to determine which maximizes their profits and drives better customer behavior. 

Essentially, two or more variations of a product's price are tested to see how customers react to each one. Think of it as an approach that allows businesses to gather data on how small price changes can influence sales, conversion rates, and customer loyalty.

During a split price test, businesses create two or more pricing versions and direct customers to each version to measure their reactions. These reactions are analyzed in terms of metrics like sales, conversion rates, and customer lifetime value to understand the most effective price for the product or service.

Top companies like Airbnb and Amazon, use split testing to optimize their pricing strategies, improving both customer experience and profitability. This type of testing can be done for any product or service, helping businesses make informed, data-driven pricing decisions​

Curious about what really drives your audience? Discover the power of data-backed decisions with Fibr AI. 
Run simple A/B tests, see real-time insights, and optimize your strategy for maximum impact. 
It’s time to test smarter, not harder.

Split testing for pricing is a method where businesses experiment with different price points to determine which maximizes their profits and drives better customer behavior. 

Essentially, two or more variations of a product's price are tested to see how customers react to each one. Think of it as an approach that allows businesses to gather data on how small price changes can influence sales, conversion rates, and customer loyalty.

During a split price test, businesses create two or more pricing versions and direct customers to each version to measure their reactions. These reactions are analyzed in terms of metrics like sales, conversion rates, and customer lifetime value to understand the most effective price for the product or service.

Top companies like Airbnb and Amazon, use split testing to optimize their pricing strategies, improving both customer experience and profitability. This type of testing can be done for any product or service, helping businesses make informed, data-driven pricing decisions​

Curious about what really drives your audience? Discover the power of data-backed decisions with Fibr AI. 
Run simple A/B tests, see real-time insights, and optimize your strategy for maximum impact. 
It’s time to test smarter, not harder.

Why should you A/B test your price?

Pricing is super complex. There is no other way to put it. It is not just a dollar sign or number you slap on your product or service. Price is what customers pay to engage with a brand, product, or business and what essentially keeps the company afloat. 

To design the price of a product, businesses have to factor in 100s of factors. But a crucial few are as follows—


4 key factors that drive product pricing


  • Value perception: The fundamental principle of pricing an online product is knowing what your target audience perceives to be the value of a product. Customers will only pay for a price where they perceive the value given by your product. These values can be either concrete, such as features and functionality, or intangible, like convenience and reputation.


  • Manufacturing costs: Profit margins directly depend on raw material and labor costs. If a business has higher manufacturing costs, product pricing will have to be higher to keep the business running.


  • Competitor prices: Think of two products with the same utility—only one is being sold at a discounted price compared to the other. This could mean, in the long run, one business will be out of running. Varying excessively from a competitor’s pricing range could harm a company more than one would like to admit, and that’s why competitor pricing can be one of the starting points for businesses to understand how to price their product. 


  • Customer psyche: Understanding the human psyche is paramount to getting the pricing of a product right. The anchoring effect (the first piece of information a customer sees) is why a furniture showroom or crockery shop strikes the original price and places the discounted price below. Or, the decoy effect (introduction of a third price to make one of the first two options appear better) that cinema halls and coffee shops adopt to appeal to customers. 


Now, most blogs online repeatedly talk at length about common pricing factors we just mentioned above. But they forget an important thing—the science of pricing

The next terms we discuss will help you decode this ‘science.’ Best part? It’s so basic—something we all have learned in schools and colleges—demand, supply, price elasticity, and demand curve. Let’s have a quick revision and then we’ll explain how A/B testing relates to all of this. 

From an economic lens, the supply and demand curve shows that demand dips when prices increase. Simple. But real-life pricing is not that straightforward. That’s why you’d see businesses have come up with creative pricing ($9.9 instead of $10) or dynamic pricing (Uber or airline surge pricing when demand is high for instance). 

When discussing pricing, we also need to consider elasticity—how price influences demand. Rolex or Patek Philippe watches can change pricing without worrying about how it would impact revenue or customer perception. Diamonds too. Why? Demand is inelastic—whether the price moves up or down, the demand remains unaffected. 

Next, think of a consumer brand selling bread or maybe biscuits. The customer base of such companies is highly sensitive to price change. Even a slight price change can drastically impact revenue and push customers to explore alternatives or competitors. 

So it’s clear—customer preferences, cost sensitivity, industry type, raw material costs, etc., all impact how a price is formulated. But, now, let us show you how split testing for pricing incorporates all these factors and helps lock in a price scientifically. 

When you price a diamond ring at $40,000 or $45,000, the customer's prescription is unlikely to change, despite the huge difference. Here, A/B testing different pricing may not yield dramatic results. On the contrary, think of an online clothing store A/B testing two prices—$45 and $55 for a pair of jeans. In this example, split testing of pricing can give direct insights into data and customer preferences, helping the store choose the right price to attract more customers. 

Now, here’s a thought you may have—the customers are always going to go for the lower price ($45 in the above example). What split testing of pricing reveals is nothing new. 

Fair. But, let us enlighten you on why low prices are not always the best choice. 

Assume an eCommerce store selling Airpods. The store runs A/B tests on 3 price ranges— $69.9, $79.9 and $89.9. After running the test on 5000 customers, they find—


  1. Price $69.9 has 150 customers at  10% conversion

  2. Price $79.9 has 115 customers at 7% conversion

  3. Price $89.9 has 85 customers at 5% conversion

So, the revenue the store would make for different prices would appear like this—

If you look closely, the revenue difference between first and second pricing is minute. And, even though fewer customers purchased at the second price (compared to the first price), the revenue is almost the same. 

From a profit margin perspective, the second price is the optimal choice, even though the first price is $10 less than the 2nd price. The eCommerce store can of course follow the logic of going for the lowest price (or highest conversion) but split testing for pricing here revealed a price that not only kept the revenue intact but also boosted profit margins. 

This is the beauty of A/B pricing testing. It eliminates outdated assumptions, gut feelings, or guesswork and helps create data-backed actionable product pricing strategies. And as modern tech evolves with advanced LLMs, AI, and machine learning, so does split testing for pricing, allowing for a deeper understanding of user data and preferences.

Pricing is super complex. There is no other way to put it. It is not just a dollar sign or number you slap on your product or service. Price is what customers pay to engage with a brand, product, or business and what essentially keeps the company afloat. 

To design the price of a product, businesses have to factor in 100s of factors. But a crucial few are as follows—


4 key factors that drive product pricing


  • Value perception: The fundamental principle of pricing an online product is knowing what your target audience perceives to be the value of a product. Customers will only pay for a price where they perceive the value given by your product. These values can be either concrete, such as features and functionality, or intangible, like convenience and reputation.


  • Manufacturing costs: Profit margins directly depend on raw material and labor costs. If a business has higher manufacturing costs, product pricing will have to be higher to keep the business running.


  • Competitor prices: Think of two products with the same utility—only one is being sold at a discounted price compared to the other. This could mean, in the long run, one business will be out of running. Varying excessively from a competitor’s pricing range could harm a company more than one would like to admit, and that’s why competitor pricing can be one of the starting points for businesses to understand how to price their product. 


  • Customer psyche: Understanding the human psyche is paramount to getting the pricing of a product right. The anchoring effect (the first piece of information a customer sees) is why a furniture showroom or crockery shop strikes the original price and places the discounted price below. Or, the decoy effect (introduction of a third price to make one of the first two options appear better) that cinema halls and coffee shops adopt to appeal to customers. 


Now, most blogs online repeatedly talk at length about common pricing factors we just mentioned above. But they forget an important thing—the science of pricing

The next terms we discuss will help you decode this ‘science.’ Best part? It’s so basic—something we all have learned in schools and colleges—demand, supply, price elasticity, and demand curve. Let’s have a quick revision and then we’ll explain how A/B testing relates to all of this. 

From an economic lens, the supply and demand curve shows that demand dips when prices increase. Simple. But real-life pricing is not that straightforward. That’s why you’d see businesses have come up with creative pricing ($9.9 instead of $10) or dynamic pricing (Uber or airline surge pricing when demand is high for instance). 

When discussing pricing, we also need to consider elasticity—how price influences demand. Rolex or Patek Philippe watches can change pricing without worrying about how it would impact revenue or customer perception. Diamonds too. Why? Demand is inelastic—whether the price moves up or down, the demand remains unaffected. 

Next, think of a consumer brand selling bread or maybe biscuits. The customer base of such companies is highly sensitive to price change. Even a slight price change can drastically impact revenue and push customers to explore alternatives or competitors. 

So it’s clear—customer preferences, cost sensitivity, industry type, raw material costs, etc., all impact how a price is formulated. But, now, let us show you how split testing for pricing incorporates all these factors and helps lock in a price scientifically. 

When you price a diamond ring at $40,000 or $45,000, the customer's prescription is unlikely to change, despite the huge difference. Here, A/B testing different pricing may not yield dramatic results. On the contrary, think of an online clothing store A/B testing two prices—$45 and $55 for a pair of jeans. In this example, split testing of pricing can give direct insights into data and customer preferences, helping the store choose the right price to attract more customers. 

Now, here’s a thought you may have—the customers are always going to go for the lower price ($45 in the above example). What split testing of pricing reveals is nothing new. 

Fair. But, let us enlighten you on why low prices are not always the best choice. 

Assume an eCommerce store selling Airpods. The store runs A/B tests on 3 price ranges— $69.9, $79.9 and $89.9. After running the test on 5000 customers, they find—


  1. Price $69.9 has 150 customers at  10% conversion

  2. Price $79.9 has 115 customers at 7% conversion

  3. Price $89.9 has 85 customers at 5% conversion

So, the revenue the store would make for different prices would appear like this—

If you look closely, the revenue difference between first and second pricing is minute. And, even though fewer customers purchased at the second price (compared to the first price), the revenue is almost the same. 

From a profit margin perspective, the second price is the optimal choice, even though the first price is $10 less than the 2nd price. The eCommerce store can of course follow the logic of going for the lowest price (or highest conversion) but split testing for pricing here revealed a price that not only kept the revenue intact but also boosted profit margins. 

This is the beauty of A/B pricing testing. It eliminates outdated assumptions, gut feelings, or guesswork and helps create data-backed actionable product pricing strategies. And as modern tech evolves with advanced LLMs, AI, and machine learning, so does split testing for pricing, allowing for a deeper understanding of user data and preferences.

Pricing is super complex. There is no other way to put it. It is not just a dollar sign or number you slap on your product or service. Price is what customers pay to engage with a brand, product, or business and what essentially keeps the company afloat. 

To design the price of a product, businesses have to factor in 100s of factors. But a crucial few are as follows—


4 key factors that drive product pricing


  • Value perception: The fundamental principle of pricing an online product is knowing what your target audience perceives to be the value of a product. Customers will only pay for a price where they perceive the value given by your product. These values can be either concrete, such as features and functionality, or intangible, like convenience and reputation.


  • Manufacturing costs: Profit margins directly depend on raw material and labor costs. If a business has higher manufacturing costs, product pricing will have to be higher to keep the business running.


  • Competitor prices: Think of two products with the same utility—only one is being sold at a discounted price compared to the other. This could mean, in the long run, one business will be out of running. Varying excessively from a competitor’s pricing range could harm a company more than one would like to admit, and that’s why competitor pricing can be one of the starting points for businesses to understand how to price their product. 


  • Customer psyche: Understanding the human psyche is paramount to getting the pricing of a product right. The anchoring effect (the first piece of information a customer sees) is why a furniture showroom or crockery shop strikes the original price and places the discounted price below. Or, the decoy effect (introduction of a third price to make one of the first two options appear better) that cinema halls and coffee shops adopt to appeal to customers. 


Now, most blogs online repeatedly talk at length about common pricing factors we just mentioned above. But they forget an important thing—the science of pricing

The next terms we discuss will help you decode this ‘science.’ Best part? It’s so basic—something we all have learned in schools and colleges—demand, supply, price elasticity, and demand curve. Let’s have a quick revision and then we’ll explain how A/B testing relates to all of this. 

From an economic lens, the supply and demand curve shows that demand dips when prices increase. Simple. But real-life pricing is not that straightforward. That’s why you’d see businesses have come up with creative pricing ($9.9 instead of $10) or dynamic pricing (Uber or airline surge pricing when demand is high for instance). 

When discussing pricing, we also need to consider elasticity—how price influences demand. Rolex or Patek Philippe watches can change pricing without worrying about how it would impact revenue or customer perception. Diamonds too. Why? Demand is inelastic—whether the price moves up or down, the demand remains unaffected. 

Next, think of a consumer brand selling bread or maybe biscuits. The customer base of such companies is highly sensitive to price change. Even a slight price change can drastically impact revenue and push customers to explore alternatives or competitors. 

So it’s clear—customer preferences, cost sensitivity, industry type, raw material costs, etc., all impact how a price is formulated. But, now, let us show you how split testing for pricing incorporates all these factors and helps lock in a price scientifically. 

When you price a diamond ring at $40,000 or $45,000, the customer's prescription is unlikely to change, despite the huge difference. Here, A/B testing different pricing may not yield dramatic results. On the contrary, think of an online clothing store A/B testing two prices—$45 and $55 for a pair of jeans. In this example, split testing of pricing can give direct insights into data and customer preferences, helping the store choose the right price to attract more customers. 

Now, here’s a thought you may have—the customers are always going to go for the lower price ($45 in the above example). What split testing of pricing reveals is nothing new. 

Fair. But, let us enlighten you on why low prices are not always the best choice. 

Assume an eCommerce store selling Airpods. The store runs A/B tests on 3 price ranges— $69.9, $79.9 and $89.9. After running the test on 5000 customers, they find—


  1. Price $69.9 has 150 customers at  10% conversion

  2. Price $79.9 has 115 customers at 7% conversion

  3. Price $89.9 has 85 customers at 5% conversion

So, the revenue the store would make for different prices would appear like this—

If you look closely, the revenue difference between first and second pricing is minute. And, even though fewer customers purchased at the second price (compared to the first price), the revenue is almost the same. 

From a profit margin perspective, the second price is the optimal choice, even though the first price is $10 less than the 2nd price. The eCommerce store can of course follow the logic of going for the lowest price (or highest conversion) but split testing for pricing here revealed a price that not only kept the revenue intact but also boosted profit margins. 

This is the beauty of A/B pricing testing. It eliminates outdated assumptions, gut feelings, or guesswork and helps create data-backed actionable product pricing strategies. And as modern tech evolves with advanced LLMs, AI, and machine learning, so does split testing for pricing, allowing for a deeper understanding of user data and preferences.

How to A/B test your prices

Now that we understand how pricing works and split testing for pricing, let’s figure out how you can practically A/B test your pricing. 


How to A/B Test your prices

Step 1: Define clear objectives

The foundation of any successful split testing is knowing exactly what you want to achieve. Your goals will determine the metrics you prioritize during analysis. For example:


  • Boost revenue: Are you looking for a price point that maximizes overall income?

  • Increase conversion rates: Do you want more people to purchase at a particular price?

  • Optimize profit margins: Are you trying to identify a balance between price, volume, and cost?

Example:


An e-commerce store might aim to identify if a higher price point reduces conversion rates but increases revenue per transaction. Without this clarity, the results may be open to interpretation, leading to ineffective decision-making.

Step 2: Choose a single variable

The golden rule of split testing for pricing is isolating one variable to test at a time. This means comparing two or more price points without altering other factors like product features, packaging, or promotions. 

Let’s say you test a $10 price point with free shipping against a $15 price point with standard shipping. If one performs better, you won’t know if it was due to the price or the shipping terms.

Example:


A SaaS business testing $30/month versus $35/month for its subscription must ensure that features, trial periods, and user experience remain the same. 

Step 3: Segment your audience and ensure randomization

For reliable results, divide your audience randomly into two or more groups. Randomization ensures that external factors like demographic variations don’t skew the outcome. The sample size also matters—larger samples provide more statistically significant results.

Tips for segmentation:


  • Use geographic data if testing localized pricing

  • For digital products, segment by user behavior, like new vs. returning customers

Example:


A music company, when exploring pricing in emerging markets, tested a lower subscription rate among select users. This segmentation allowed the company to see how price sensitivity differed from its Western audience without impacting global pricing strategies.

Step 4: Execute your test in real-world conditions

Running split price tests in realistic buying conditions ensures authenticity. For instance, avoid running tests during atypical periods (e.g., holidays, major marketing campaigns) as these could distort customer behavior.

If your business is online, use different A/B testing tools to present different price points to users visiting your site. For physical products, you can trial new pricing in select locations or through direct-to-customer campaigns.

Example:


An online retailer might A/B test prices during a stable sales period to avoid anomalies caused by holiday shopping surges.

Step 5: Monitor and measure metrics beyond revenue

While revenue is a key metric, look deeper to get the full picture. Some metrics to consider include:


  • Conversion Rate: The percentage of users purchasing at each price point.

  • Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): How much a customer will likely spend over time at a given price.

  • Churn Rate: For subscription services, assess if a higher price leads to faster customer drop-off.

  • Profit Margins: Factor in the costs of providing the product or service.

Example:


An e-book platform might find that a lower price increases sales volume but attracts customers who are less likely to buy add-ons, reducing overall profitability.

Step 6: Analyze results and draw actionable insights

Once you’ve gathered enough data, it’s time to analyze the results. Start by comparing the performance of each price point against your defined objectives.

Key analysis points:


  • Short-term gains vs. long-term impact: A lower price might boost short-term conversions but reduce perceived value.

  • Secondary effects: Consider any impact on customer retention, satisfaction, or willingness to refer to your product.

Example:


When a streaming platform increased its subscription prices for premium plans, it carefully measured customer reactions to ensure that perceived value aligned with higher pricing. Their tests included factors like streaming quality improvements and exclusive content.

Step 7: Iterate and scale

After identifying a winning price, don’t stop testing. Markets, competitors, and customer preferences change over time. Regularly revisiting your pricing strategy ensures you stay competitive.

Example:

A telecom service company after successfully testing a $9.99/month price point later tested a bundled package offering family subscriptions at $19.99/month, unlocking a new revenue stream.

Every click matters. With Fibr AI, small tweaks to your strategy can lead to big improvements. 
Leverage A/B testing to fine-tune your customer experience and unlock true growth—one experiment at a time.

Now that we understand how pricing works and split testing for pricing, let’s figure out how you can practically A/B test your pricing. 


How to A/B Test your prices

Step 1: Define clear objectives

The foundation of any successful split testing is knowing exactly what you want to achieve. Your goals will determine the metrics you prioritize during analysis. For example:


  • Boost revenue: Are you looking for a price point that maximizes overall income?

  • Increase conversion rates: Do you want more people to purchase at a particular price?

  • Optimize profit margins: Are you trying to identify a balance between price, volume, and cost?

Example:


An e-commerce store might aim to identify if a higher price point reduces conversion rates but increases revenue per transaction. Without this clarity, the results may be open to interpretation, leading to ineffective decision-making.

Step 2: Choose a single variable

The golden rule of split testing for pricing is isolating one variable to test at a time. This means comparing two or more price points without altering other factors like product features, packaging, or promotions. 

Let’s say you test a $10 price point with free shipping against a $15 price point with standard shipping. If one performs better, you won’t know if it was due to the price or the shipping terms.

Example:


A SaaS business testing $30/month versus $35/month for its subscription must ensure that features, trial periods, and user experience remain the same. 

Step 3: Segment your audience and ensure randomization

For reliable results, divide your audience randomly into two or more groups. Randomization ensures that external factors like demographic variations don’t skew the outcome. The sample size also matters—larger samples provide more statistically significant results.

Tips for segmentation:


  • Use geographic data if testing localized pricing

  • For digital products, segment by user behavior, like new vs. returning customers

Example:


A music company, when exploring pricing in emerging markets, tested a lower subscription rate among select users. This segmentation allowed the company to see how price sensitivity differed from its Western audience without impacting global pricing strategies.

Step 4: Execute your test in real-world conditions

Running split price tests in realistic buying conditions ensures authenticity. For instance, avoid running tests during atypical periods (e.g., holidays, major marketing campaigns) as these could distort customer behavior.

If your business is online, use different A/B testing tools to present different price points to users visiting your site. For physical products, you can trial new pricing in select locations or through direct-to-customer campaigns.

Example:


An online retailer might A/B test prices during a stable sales period to avoid anomalies caused by holiday shopping surges.

Step 5: Monitor and measure metrics beyond revenue

While revenue is a key metric, look deeper to get the full picture. Some metrics to consider include:


  • Conversion Rate: The percentage of users purchasing at each price point.

  • Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): How much a customer will likely spend over time at a given price.

  • Churn Rate: For subscription services, assess if a higher price leads to faster customer drop-off.

  • Profit Margins: Factor in the costs of providing the product or service.

Example:


An e-book platform might find that a lower price increases sales volume but attracts customers who are less likely to buy add-ons, reducing overall profitability.

Step 6: Analyze results and draw actionable insights

Once you’ve gathered enough data, it’s time to analyze the results. Start by comparing the performance of each price point against your defined objectives.

Key analysis points:


  • Short-term gains vs. long-term impact: A lower price might boost short-term conversions but reduce perceived value.

  • Secondary effects: Consider any impact on customer retention, satisfaction, or willingness to refer to your product.

Example:


When a streaming platform increased its subscription prices for premium plans, it carefully measured customer reactions to ensure that perceived value aligned with higher pricing. Their tests included factors like streaming quality improvements and exclusive content.

Step 7: Iterate and scale

After identifying a winning price, don’t stop testing. Markets, competitors, and customer preferences change over time. Regularly revisiting your pricing strategy ensures you stay competitive.

Example:

A telecom service company after successfully testing a $9.99/month price point later tested a bundled package offering family subscriptions at $19.99/month, unlocking a new revenue stream.

Every click matters. With Fibr AI, small tweaks to your strategy can lead to big improvements. 
Leverage A/B testing to fine-tune your customer experience and unlock true growth—one experiment at a time.

Now that we understand how pricing works and split testing for pricing, let’s figure out how you can practically A/B test your pricing. 


How to A/B Test your prices

Step 1: Define clear objectives

The foundation of any successful split testing is knowing exactly what you want to achieve. Your goals will determine the metrics you prioritize during analysis. For example:


  • Boost revenue: Are you looking for a price point that maximizes overall income?

  • Increase conversion rates: Do you want more people to purchase at a particular price?

  • Optimize profit margins: Are you trying to identify a balance between price, volume, and cost?

Example:


An e-commerce store might aim to identify if a higher price point reduces conversion rates but increases revenue per transaction. Without this clarity, the results may be open to interpretation, leading to ineffective decision-making.

Step 2: Choose a single variable

The golden rule of split testing for pricing is isolating one variable to test at a time. This means comparing two or more price points without altering other factors like product features, packaging, or promotions. 

Let’s say you test a $10 price point with free shipping against a $15 price point with standard shipping. If one performs better, you won’t know if it was due to the price or the shipping terms.

Example:


A SaaS business testing $30/month versus $35/month for its subscription must ensure that features, trial periods, and user experience remain the same. 

Step 3: Segment your audience and ensure randomization

For reliable results, divide your audience randomly into two or more groups. Randomization ensures that external factors like demographic variations don’t skew the outcome. The sample size also matters—larger samples provide more statistically significant results.

Tips for segmentation:


  • Use geographic data if testing localized pricing

  • For digital products, segment by user behavior, like new vs. returning customers

Example:


A music company, when exploring pricing in emerging markets, tested a lower subscription rate among select users. This segmentation allowed the company to see how price sensitivity differed from its Western audience without impacting global pricing strategies.

Step 4: Execute your test in real-world conditions

Running split price tests in realistic buying conditions ensures authenticity. For instance, avoid running tests during atypical periods (e.g., holidays, major marketing campaigns) as these could distort customer behavior.

If your business is online, use different A/B testing tools to present different price points to users visiting your site. For physical products, you can trial new pricing in select locations or through direct-to-customer campaigns.

Example:


An online retailer might A/B test prices during a stable sales period to avoid anomalies caused by holiday shopping surges.

Step 5: Monitor and measure metrics beyond revenue

While revenue is a key metric, look deeper to get the full picture. Some metrics to consider include:


  • Conversion Rate: The percentage of users purchasing at each price point.

  • Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): How much a customer will likely spend over time at a given price.

  • Churn Rate: For subscription services, assess if a higher price leads to faster customer drop-off.

  • Profit Margins: Factor in the costs of providing the product or service.

Example:


An e-book platform might find that a lower price increases sales volume but attracts customers who are less likely to buy add-ons, reducing overall profitability.

Step 6: Analyze results and draw actionable insights

Once you’ve gathered enough data, it’s time to analyze the results. Start by comparing the performance of each price point against your defined objectives.

Key analysis points:


  • Short-term gains vs. long-term impact: A lower price might boost short-term conversions but reduce perceived value.

  • Secondary effects: Consider any impact on customer retention, satisfaction, or willingness to refer to your product.

Example:


When a streaming platform increased its subscription prices for premium plans, it carefully measured customer reactions to ensure that perceived value aligned with higher pricing. Their tests included factors like streaming quality improvements and exclusive content.

Step 7: Iterate and scale

After identifying a winning price, don’t stop testing. Markets, competitors, and customer preferences change over time. Regularly revisiting your pricing strategy ensures you stay competitive.

Example:

A telecom service company after successfully testing a $9.99/month price point later tested a bundled package offering family subscriptions at $19.99/month, unlocking a new revenue stream.

Every click matters. With Fibr AI, small tweaks to your strategy can lead to big improvements. 
Leverage A/B testing to fine-tune your customer experience and unlock true growth—one experiment at a time.

How does split testing for pricing help businesses?

Benefits of split testing for pricing

1. Improving conversion rates and revenue potential

Split testing for pricing allows businesses to understand what pricing strategies encourage customers to buy. It’s not just about setting a price but identifying a sweet spot where affordability meets profitability. For instance, a company offering SaaS subscriptions might test prices at $10, $15, and $20. This helps determine which tier attracts the most customers while ensuring the highest revenue.

Why is this important? The way customers perceive value often depends on price anchoring—where customers compare your prices to similar services. Split testing can help discover which anchor point resonates most. By tracking metrics like Conversion Rates (CR), which measure how many people make a purchase, and Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), businesses can pinpoint their optimal pricing strategy. 

When implemented effectively, split testing becomes a tool to adjust and refine pricing dynamically. Imagine an e-commerce business that notices higher conversions at $19.99 versus $20 due to psychological pricing. Over time, data from split tests can guide decisions to introduce discounts, bundles, or new pricing tiers to maintain competitive advantage.

2. Maximizing paid advertising campaign efficiency

One of the lesser-discussed but highly impactful uses of split testing for pricing is its role in enhancing Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns. PPC ads drive traffic, but without effective pricing strategies, converting that traffic into paying customers can fall flat. 

A/B price testing helps businesses identify which price points are the most attractive to customers arriving from paid ads, ensuring that every dollar spent on advertising yields the highest possible return.

For example, imagine running Google Ads for a product priced at $25. Split testing with an alternative price of $20 could reveal that while $20 generates more clicks, $25 delivers higher profits because fewer customers churn post-purchase. 

By fine-tuning prices in tandem with PPC data, businesses can achieve better Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) and optimize Return on Ad Spend (ROAS).

Moreover, split testing of pricing alongside ad creatives can provide nuanced insights. If a product’s perceived value changes based on the price shown in the ad, marketers can craft more targeted messaging to emphasize benefits. This ensures consistency between the ad promise and the post-click experience, leading to increased trust and higher conversions.

3. Reducing churn and retaining customers

Churn, or the rate at which customers stop using a service, is one of the biggest challenges businesses face. Split testing for pricing directly addresses this by evaluating how changes in pricing impact customer retention. For subscription services, even slight tweaks in monthly or annual fees can significantly affect churn rates.

Consider a SaaS platform offering a $10 monthly plan. If split testing reveals that increasing the price to $12 reduces subscriptions by only 5% but boosts overall revenue, the business can analyze whether the trade-off is worth it. 

Split testing also provides insights into perceived value. If customers are dropping off, it may indicate that the price doesn’t align with the features offered. Testing lower prices or bundling additional services can help retain customers by making them feel they’re getting better value. For instance, an online learning platform might add free webinars or exclusive content to justify a price increase, ensuring customers stay engaged.

By reducing churn, businesses benefit from higher CLTV, lower acquisition costs, and a more predictable revenue stream.

4. Adapting to market segments

Different customer segments often perceive pricing differently, and split testing helps businesses cater to these nuances. For example, a company might discover that younger audiences respond better to lower prices with monthly payment options, while older customers prefer annual plans with discounts. Testing different billing cycles (e.g., monthly vs. annual subscriptions) or discounts (e.g., 10% off for first-time buyers) can uncover preferences specific to each group.

Understanding these dynamics is particularly valuable for businesses expanding into new markets. In regions where purchasing power differs significantly, split testing ensures that pricing aligns with local conditions without sacrificing profitability. A workplace productivity app might charge $15 per month in emerging markets but $10 in developed ones, based on testing results. This adaptive approach not only enhances revenue but also builds goodwill and loyalty among diverse audiences.

5. Building long-term pricing strategies

Split testing doesn’t just address immediate pricing questions—it provides a foundation for long-term pricing strategies. Businesses can use historical data from past tests to refine their pricing models as markets evolve. For instance, if testing reveals that customers are more likely to subscribe to an annual plan when it’s priced at $99 instead of $120, this insight can guide future launches or promotions.

Additionally, split testing helps businesses prepare for potential market shifts, such as increased competition or changes in consumer spending habits. For example, an e-commerce store might discover that reducing prices by 10% during an economic downturn maintains sales volume, ensuring stability in challenging times.

By continuously running split tests, businesses stay proactive rather than reactive. This iterative approach not only strengthens their competitive position but fosters trust with customers.

6. Enhancing decision-making with data-driven insights

The greatest benefit of split testing for pricing is its ability to replace assumptions with data-driven insights. Businesses often rely on intuition or competitor analysis to set prices, but A/B testing prices provide empirical evidence of what works and why.

For example, an online learning platform might assume that a 7-day free trial will attract more users and encourage them to subscribe. However, through split testing, they find that a low-cost introductory offer, such as $1 for the first month, performs significantly better. Customers who pay a small fee are more likely to value the service and convert to full subscribers after the trial period, as opposed to free-trial users, who often sign up out of curiosity and never engage with the content.

Ultimately, split testing empowers businesses to navigate complex pricing decisions with confidence— whether launching a new product, entering a new market, or revisiting existing pricing structures—the ability to test and learn ensures that every decision is informed by customer behavior. 

Examples of AB testing for pricing

Here are some compelling A/B testing examples that showcase the power of experimentation—

1. Subscription service: boosting revenue with value proposition

A fitness subscription company conducted an A/B test comparing two pricing plans:


  • Standard Plan: Basic access to fitness classes

  • Premium Plan: Included additional perks such as on-demand workouts and personalized training guides

The test showed that emphasizing the value of the premium plan (e.g., unique features, convenience) at a slightly higher price led to a noticeable increase in premium plan subscriptions. This not only improved conversions for the premium tier but also significantly boosted the company's overall revenue.

Takeaway: Customers are willing to pay more when the added value is clear and compelling.


Subscribtion service example

2. E-commerce product

An online jewelry retailer experimented with two versions of a product page for a popular necklace:


  • Option A: Displayed the necklace as a standalone item at a fixed price.

  • Option B: Offers a bundled package including the necklace and matching earrings at a slightly discounted price.

The result? The bundled package generated a higher conversion rate, proving that shoppers perceived the complementary products as a better deal.

Takeaway: Bundling complementary products can increase perceived value and encourage customers to spend more.


E- Commerce Product Example

3. Mobile app

A mobile game developer tested two in-app purchase options for unlocking premium features:


  • Single Price: One flat rate for unlocking all premium features

  • Tiered Pricing: Users could unlock specific features individually at different price points

The tiered pricing strategy resonated more with the game's audience, resulting in a higher overall conversion rate for in-app purchases. Offering flexibility made premium features accessible to more users, increasing revenue.

Takeaway: A flexible pricing structure can cater to different customer needs and preferences, maximizing conversions.

Mobile app example

Navigating the challenges of split testing for pricing

Legality and trust are top concerns when conducting split testing for pricing. Businesses must ensure that their testing strategies comply with local consumer protection laws and data privacy regulations. 

For instance, offering two customers different prices for the same product could raise legal or ethical questions in certain regions. Transparent communication is essential—your customer should not feel deceived or exploited by testing practices.

Maintaining trust extends to handling customer data responsibly. Split testing often involves analyzing purchase behavior, demographic information, or browsing patterns. Ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR or CCPA is not just about avoiding fines—it’s about respecting customer privacy. 

Businesses must anonymize data, secure systems, and use the information only for its intended purpose.

Another challenge lies in the potential for customer dissatisfaction. Imagine a scenario where a customer discovers they paid more than someone else for the same product due to split testing. This can lead to negative reviews, social media backlash, or a loss of trust in the brand. 

With careful planning, adherence to legal standards, and a focus on transparency, businesses can navigate these obstacles while building better pricing models.

Conclusion

A/B testing for price doesn’t have to be complex or costly. With Fibr AI—an industry-first free-forever A/B testing platform, you can create, run, and analyze tests across any webpage. 

Want to test how a new headline or button color performs? No problem. Looking to test prices and CTA together? Fibr AI has you covered. 

Whether you're a small business owner or a growth marketer, Fibr AI’s smart A/B testing and web personalization help you refine your strategy with data-driven insights.

Why wait? Optimize smarter, not harder. With Fibr AI, it’s all free, all-powerful, and all about results. Start your journey to better conversions today—because better insights mean bigger wins!

Book a Demo today and start your free trial now!

FAQs

1. What is A/B testing for pricing?

A/B testing for pricing involves presenting different price points to distinct customer groups to determine which price drives the most revenue without compromising customer satisfaction. This data-driven approach helps replace assumptions with real-world insights, ensuring businesses set prices that resonate best with their target audience.

2. How do I set up a split testing for pricing?

To set up split testing for pricing, first define clear goals, such as increasing sales or identifying price sensitivity. Choose a few price variations and divide your audience into random, equal groups. Ensure all other factors remain consistent except for the price. After running the test for a set duration, analyze the results to identify which price performs best in terms of revenue and customer engagement.

3. What metrics should I track during split testing for pricing?

When running pricing tests, key metrics to track include conversion rate, average order value, and revenue per visitor. Also, monitor customer acquisition costs, lifetime value, and customer feedback. These metrics help assess how price changes impact both sales performance and the customer experience, providing a comprehensive view of your pricing strategy's effectiveness.

4. How long should I run a price testing experiment?

Typically, a price test should run for at least two weeks to gather enough data for accurate results. The duration may vary depending on your traffic volume and goals. So, it's important to run the test long enough to account for fluctuations and to ensure statistically reliable conclusions.

5. Can I test more than two prices at once?

Yes, you can test multiple prices using multivariate testing. This approach allows you to evaluate several price points simultaneously, which can be more efficient in identifying the optimal price. However, it requires a larger audience to achieve accurate results and avoid skewed data.

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About the author

ankur goyal

Ankur Goyal

Ankur Goyal, a visionary entrepreneur, is the driving force behind Fibr, a groundbreaking AI co-pilot for websites. With a dual degree from Stanford University and IIT Delhi, Ankur brings a unique blend of technical prowess and business acumen to the table. This isn't his first rodeo; Ankur is a seasoned entrepreneur with a keen understanding of consumer behavior, web dynamics, and AI. Through Fibr, he aims to revolutionize the way websites engage with users, making digital interactions smarter and more intuitive.

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Copyright ©SeamlessAI. All rights reserved.