Article Overview
Learn the difference between self-serve and managed WellSaid Studio plans, and which one is the right fit for your organization.
WellSaid offers two ways to purchase and manage a subscription: self-serve (you set up and control directly in Studio) and managed (set up with WellSaid's Sales team). This article breaks down what each option includes and how to choose between them.
Self-serve plans
Self-serve plans are purchased and managed directly in WellSaid Studio. Self-serve plans include:
- Free/Trial
- Starter
- Pro
- Business
With a self-serve account, you can manage your subscription and billing directly in Studio, including upgrading, downgrading, and canceling your subscription.
Self-serve plans are a good fit if you:
- Want to purchase and manage your subscription directly
- Prefer to pay by credit card
- Don't need a negotiated contract
- Want to manage your subscription without an account representative
Support is available based on your plan. Starter and Pro include email support, while Business includes live chat and email support.
Managed plans
How managed accounts work:
- They are set up with WellSaid's Sales team and are typically established under a contract.
- They are available for Business and Enterprise plans. Enterprise is available only through the sales process.
- Each account is assigned a dedicated Account Executive ('voice specialist') who provides support for subscription changes, administrative updates, and customizations.
- Managed accounts can support purchasing and payment methods such as invoicing, purchase orders, ACH, and checks.
Managed plans are a good fit if you:
- Need a contract or negotiated terms
- Need to pay by invoice, purchase order, ACH, or check
- Need Enterprise features such as SSO
- Want a dedicated WellSaid contact for account-related needs
- Have organization-wide requirements that are better handled through the sales and account-management process
Self-serve vs. Managed Comparison
| Feature or Service | Self-serve | Managed |
| How to sign up | Directly through WellSaid Studio | Through WellSaid's Sales team |
| Billing | Credit card | Invoice, PO, ACH, or check |
| Subscription changes | Managed directly in Studio | Managed through WellSaid |
| Account contact | General Support | Account Executive / voice specialist |
| Support | Based on your plan | Priority Live Chat (1 hour SLA during business hours) and Email (1 business day SLA) |
| Contract | Self-serve agreement | Business & Enterprise Services Agreement |
| SSO | Not available | Available with Enterprise as an add-on |
Which option should I choose?
Choose self-serve if you want to get started directly in Studio, pay by credit card, and manage your subscription yourself.
Choose managed if your organization needs a contract, alternative payment methods, Enterprise features such as SSO, or an ongoing account relationship with WellSaid.
There isn't a specific company-size or seat-count threshold that determines whether an account should be self-serve or managed. The right option depends on your organization's purchasing, payment, security, and account-management needs.
FAQs
Q: I'm not sure which option is right for my organization — who can help?
A: Contact our team at support@wellsaidlabs.com and they can help determine the best path for your organization.
Q: Can I switch from a self-serve plan to a managed plan later?
A: Yes. If your needs change — for example, you need a contract or Enterprise features — reach out to support@wellsaidlabs.com to start the process of moving to a managed account.