ChatGPT prompt for building a pricing options table

This is the prompt we run before every proposal to turn a rate card and a client need into three structured options. Its core rule: every price is computed from your actual rates, and when something cannot be priced, the output writes [PRICE TBC] instead of making a number up.

The prompt to copy

Help me package options for {prospect}, who needs {summary}. Our rates/building blocks: {paste}. Constraints: {minimum engagement, capacity, timeline}.
Build a 3-option table (Good / Better / Best): scope included, explicitly excluded, price, "best for". Rules:
- Options differ by **scope**, not by discounting the same work.
- The middle option is the one we want them to pick — design it that way.
- Every price is computed from my rates; do not invent numbers. If something can't be priced from what I gave, mark it [PRICE TBC].
Then give me 3 sentences on how to present the options on the call.

Replace the fields in curly braces (the prospect, a summary of their need, your rates, your constraints), then paste your rate card exactly as it is: day rates, fixed packages, service building blocks, whatever shape it takes.

When to use it

Before writing the proposal or before the pricing call, as soon as the prospect’s need is clear. Shaping an offer into tiers usually costs an hour of spreadsheet work and second-guessing; this prompt produces a solid first version in two minutes, which you then adjust.

What you get back

1. A three-option table: scope included, explicit exclusions, price, “best for”.
2. Options that differ by scope, never by a disguised discount.
3. Prices computed from your rates, or marked [PRICE TBC] when the math is impossible.
4. Three ready-to-use sentences for presenting the options on the call.

Real example: rate card → options table

Brightside Studio, an 8-person brand agency, is pricing a rebrand for Marlow & Daughters, a regional bakery chain (11 locations, 3 more opening). Maya, the founder, pastes her rate card and the summarized need. An excerpt of the output:

Option	Scope	Price	Best for
Good	Brand identity + brand guidelines	$16,000	Validating the new direction before any rollout
Better	Identity + guidelines + full packaging range	$29,000	A rebrand visible in-store from the first opening
Best	Everything + signage system for all 14 locations	[PRICE TBC]	A uniform rollout across the whole chain

Notice the Best cell: signage fabrication and installation depend on a manufacturer quote Brightside does not have yet, so the prompt writes [PRICE TBC] instead of producing a plausible-sounding number. That is the prompt working, not failing. Maya chases the quote, fills the cell, and the offer goes out with no invented figure.

The full worked example (input rate card, complete table with exclusions, presentation sentences) ships inside the kit.