SaaStr 785: Usage-Based Revenue Models: Successes and Pitfalls from Checkr COO Lindsey Scrase on CRO Confidential
Jan 8, 2025
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Lindsey Scrase, COO of Checkr and former CRO with experience from Google, dives into the nuances of usage-based revenue models. She discusses the balance between sales commission structures and the need for alignment with revenue outcomes. Lindsey shares insights on evolving go-to-market strategies and leveraging data for operational enhancements. The conversation highlights the importance of customer engagement in achieving growth and improving satisfaction through effective onboarding and feedback loops.
Transitioning to a customer-centric approach fosters stronger relationships, enhancing customer loyalty and driving long-term growth for the company.
Adjusting compensation structures to focus on revenue realization rather than bookings helps align sales goals with sustainable customer success.
Deep dives
Incentive Structures and Revenue Realization
Over-incentivizing sales representatives to secure customer commitments led to excessively discounted contracts, ultimately harming revenue realization. Adjustments were made to the compensation structure to focus on revenue, rather than just bookings or upfront commitments. By removing components that incentivized heavy discounting, the organization could align salesforce goals with long-term success and customer value. This change greatly improved revenue conversion rates, encouraging sales teams to prioritize customer engagement and sustainable growth.
The Importance of Data in Decision-Making
Analyzing data during the onboarding process revealed significant insights into the company's revenue realization and average revenue per report run. This helped identify that overbooking by sales representatives was skewing revenue forecasts, as customers were not utilizing the services as intended. Implementing a system to measure bookings against revenue realization allowed for better tracking of performance and improved visibility. Continuously monitoring these metrics supported decision-making and helped the organization prioritize initiatives that enhance customer usage.
Enhancing the Customer Experience Through Feedback
A focus on improving customer onboarding and implementation processes proved to be vital for ensuring positive initial experiences. By sharpening sales focus on successful customer implementations, the company could reduce the risk of customer dissatisfaction stemming from unmet expectations. Additionally, establishing a robust feedback loop between customers and product development teams facilitated timely updates and enhancements aligned with customer needs. This emphasis on customer engagement led to higher satisfaction and increased opportunities for upselling and retention.
Transitioning to a Customer-Centric Approach
Transitioning to a customer-centric approach involved not only focusing on sales but also on the overall customer journey from initial contact through ongoing engagement. Key leaders within the organization invested time in understanding customer pain points and expectations, which informed product roadmaps and improvements. Allocating resources to build strong relationships with customers fostered trust and loyalty, setting the stage for long-term success. The insight gained from these interactions allowed teams across the organization to align their objectives with delivering exceptional customer value.
SaaStr 785: Usage-Based Revenue Models: Successes and Pitfalls from Checkr COO Lindsey Scrase on CRO Confidential
In the latest episode of our SaaStr CRO Confidential podcast, host Sam Blond sat down with Lindsey Scrase, COO of Checkr (and former CRO), to discuss her tactics for driving growth at the background screening unicorn. Lindsey shares valuable lessons on transitioning from a CRO to COO role, how usage-based pricing effected commission structures, leveraging data for operational improvements, aligning incentives to drive company success, and enhancing customer experience to ensure long-term growth. Dive deep into the strategic approaches that have led Checkr to become a $5 billion generational SaaS business.
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