Consultation: ModpackChecker pricing tiers — FTB to Standard, update model, Pro differentiators

docs/consultations/gemini-pricing-tiers-2026-04-13.md

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+# Gemini Consultation: ModpackChecker Pricing & Tier Structure
+
+**Date:** April 13, 2026  
+**From:** Michael (The Wizard) + Claude (Chronicler #85)  
+**To:** Gemini (Architectural Partner)  
+**Re:** Revisiting Standard vs Professional tier split before BuiltByBit launch
+
+---
+
+## Hey Gemini! 👋
+
+We just had a call with our team (Meg and Holly) to gut-check our pricing and
+product tiers before the April 15 BuiltByBit launch. A few things came up that
+we need your input on.
+
+---
+
+## Current Tier Structure
+
+**Standard ($14.99):**
+- Console version widget (auto-loads, zero-click)
+- CurseForge, Modrinth, Technic support
+- Auto-detection via Truth File / manifest.json
+- Manual checks
+- One-time "Identify Version" calibration per server
+
+**Professional ($24.99) adds:**
+- FTB (Feed The Beast) support
+- Discord webhook notifications when updates drop
+- Custom check intervals (6h or 12h)
+
+---
+
+## What We Discovered
+
+**FTB doesn't need an API key.** It uses modpacks.ch which is a completely
+free public API — no registration, no key, no special setup required. We
+originally put FTB in Professional because we thought it was a premium
+integration, but it's actually no more complex than Modrinth (also free,
+also in Standard).
+
+Keeping FTB as Professional-only feels like a false differentiator. It would
+frustrate FTB server owners who feel nickel-and-dimed for something that costs
+us nothing extra to provide.
+
+**Holly's feedback on calibration:** The one-time "Identify Version" setup per
+server is acceptable. Her exact reaction was "it depends on the price" — meaning
+the calibration step is fine if the price is right, but it does affect perceived
+value.
+
+---
+
+## What We're Thinking
+
+Move FTB to Standard. Keep Professional differentiation as:
+- Discord webhook notifications
+- Custom check intervals
+
+But that leaves Professional feeling thin. Two features for a $10 premium.
+
+---
+
+## The Update Question (new — not discussed before)
+
+This hasn't come up yet but it's important for BuiltByBit: **how do we handle
+updates and for how long?**
+
+BuiltByBit buyers expect updates. Options we're considering:
+- Lifetime updates for both tiers (simple, no friction)
+- 12 months of updates included, then pay to renew
+- Standard gets X months, Professional gets lifetime
+- Updates are free forever but priority support is Pro-only
+
+This could actually be a meaningful differentiator between tiers if done right.
+
+---
+
+## Specific Questions
+
+1. Given that FTB is a free API with no key required, does it make sense to
+   move it to Standard? Or is there a reason to keep it as a Pro exclusive
+   that we're not seeing?
+
+2. With FTB moved to Standard, what would you recommend adding to Professional
+   to justify the $10 price gap? Discord webhooks + custom intervals feels
+   thin.
+
+3. On the update/support model — what's the BuiltByBit marketplace norm? 
+   What do buyers expect, and what model would you recommend for a product
+   at this price point?
+
+4. Should update duration differ between Standard and Professional? If so,
+   what's a reasonable split?
+
+5. Is $14.99/$24.99 still the right price given:
+   - One-time calibration step required per server
+   - FTB moving to Standard
+   - Whatever update model you recommend
+
+---
+
+## Context
+
+- April 15 soft launch — 2 days away
+- BuiltByBit is the primary marketplace
+- This is a Blueprint extension for Pterodactyl panel
+- Our target buyer is a Minecraft server host running 5-50 servers
+- We have a Founder key (FFG-FOUNDER-001) for Professional with 99 activations
+
+---
+
+Thanks Gemini! 🔥❄️
+
+— Michael + Claude (Chronicler #85)