Refund-share vs subscription fee calculator
Reviewed
Enter the same annual credited recovery base, the quoted percentage and the quoted monthly subscription. Compare annual fees and retained recovery under each assumption.
Choose the same base for both models
Use an annual credited amount consistent with the proposal’s fee definition. If there are reversals or different eligible categories, record those assumptions before using the tool. The worksheet compares fees using one recovery amount and cannot determine which provider would recover more.
Enter the quoted costs
Use the recovery share as a percentage and the subscription as a monthly dollar figure. The tool annualizes the monthly fee and applies the percentage to the same annual recoveries. Both outputs use currency rounding. Fees are shown separately from amounts retained.
Interpret the difference
A negative retained amount can occur when the modeled fixed fee is larger than recoveries. This indicates a net cost in the fee-only scenario. A subscription can cover work besides recovery, so evaluate reporting, invoice review and expertise separately.
Compare uncertain periods
Run multiple recovery assumptions and export each scenario with a dated note. Model setup or other agreed fees outside the tool. A hybrid quote requires adding both fee components under its own terms.
Read the modeled result in context
The fee model uses annual credited recoveries as an input. If the business is evaluating a different carrier mix or issue scope, create separate scenarios instead of blending incompatible periods. Keep the carrier’s posted credits in the assumed base only when the contract definition supports them. A pending request belongs in a different status column.
An annualized subscription assumes the same monthly quote applies throughout the modeled period. If the proposal changes during the year or includes a partial term, calculate the actual fixed cost separately. Do the same for any fee minimum, tax or one-time setup charge. The calculator deliberately compares the entered recurring amount with one percentage.
Compare both the annual fee and what remains after fees. A smaller modeled fee leaves more from the same credited amount, but it says nothing about the amount either service would recover. Attach the proposal scope, included carriers and responsibilities to the export so the financial comparison does not stand alone.
For an uncertain recovery base, test a low case, a middle case and a high case. Keep the quoted fees the same across runs and change only the credited base. If the preferred fee model changes, document the assumption that caused the change. This helps finance ask whether the expected recovery range is supported by actual records.
Enter zero recoveries to see the modeled fixed cost in a year without credits. If the share model has a fixed minimum or an additional recurring fee, that quote is outside the simple percentage case and needs a separate adjustment. The same applies when a monthly subscription also includes a contingent fee.
The worksheet runs in the browser and downloads the entered scenario when requested. Do not enter account credentials or other identifying shipment details. Save the worksheet alongside the period and quote that produced the inputs if the result will be used in a decision.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Refund-share fee | Annual credited amount × percentage. |
| Subscription fee | Monthly amount × 12. |
| Retained | Credited amount less each modeled fee. |
Worked example (hypothetical)
A hypothetical business enters $18,000 in annual credited recoveries, a 30% share and a $400 monthly fee. Modeled fees are $5,400 and $4,800. The example uses synthetic prices and the same assumed recoveries in both cases.
Questions to ask
- Which written term determines the fee?
- What invoice and credit records support the comparison?
- Which services or fees sit outside the scope?
- Who retains the data after a change?