Salesforce has launched a new pricing model that aims to revolutionize how small businesses deploy AI-driven digital labor, making it more adaptable and cost-effective. The innovation comes as the demand for AI solutions continues to escalate, but so does the challenge of managing costs effectively. According to recent research from Salesforce, a staggering 90% of CIOs report that difficulty in managing AI expenses restricts their ability to extract value from these technologies.
With businesses now looking for pricing structures that reflect the tangible benefits of AI, Salesforce’s newest offering introduces several features designed to allow companies to scale their AI initiatives effectively. This reflects a strategic shift towards aligning financial investments with the successful outcomes generated by AI agents.
The key component of this new model is the introduction of Flex Credits. This consumption-based pricing approach allows businesses to pay only for the AI actions they utilize, such as updating records or automating workflows. Each function consumes just 20 Flex Credits, costing approximately $0.10 per action. Offered in packs of 100,000 credits for $500, these credits empower companies to tailor their AI spend according to their specific needs and business goals.
In practice, this means that small business owners can start small, experimenting with different use cases before deciding to scale their AI implementations. This flexibility is not just about controlling costs; it also enables organizations to derive greater value from their AI initiatives. Through Salesforce’s Digital Wallet, businesses can gain insights into credit usage trends and manage supply proactively as their AI needs evolve.
Moreover, Salesforce introduced the Flex Agreement, allowing companies to shift their investments between user licenses and AI capacity based on changing business priorities. This flexibility ensures that organizations can make the most of their budgets by adapting their investment strategies continually, which is essential for accommodating growth and finding new revenue opportunities.
In addition to Flex Credits and the Flex Agreement, Salesforce has unveiled new user licenses for Agentforce, integrating AI capabilities seamlessly for every employee. This per-user model facilitates broader use of AI in areas such as HR and IT, where routine tasks can be automated effortlessly.
Industry leaders have responded positively. Elia Wallen, CEO of Engine, stated, "Salesforce’s new flexible pricing model allows us to use AI agents for different types of use cases far beyond customer service and traditional CRM," highlighting how this shift aligns costs with business value.
However, small business owners should also consider potential challenges when adopting this new pricing structure. While the Flex Credits offer comprehensive control over expenditures, the transition to a usage-based model may require a cultural shift within organizations. Staff training on effectively using AI solutions will be crucial to maximizing the benefits of this new approach. Furthermore, businesses must have a clear understanding of their AI needs and how they plan to scale them over time.
As these new features become available, small businesses stand at the forefront of an exciting period of growth driven by AI advancements. This pricing model not only lowers barriers to entry for experimenting with AI but also allows for a customized approach to technology investments. Salesforce’s innovations come at a time when companies are increasingly keen on integrating AI into their operations to meet rising customer expectations for personalized and prompt service.
The Flex Credits initiative and associated models are available for purchase immediately, with additional functionalities rolling out in the summer of 2025. For small businesses eager to adopt AI, this groundbreaking offering presents an opportunity to optimize investments while paving the way for enhanced operational efficiency.
To explore more about this initiative, you can view the original press release here.
Image Via Salesforce
